Safe Rotatable Mailbox

Abstract

A safe rotatable apparatus for supporting a rural roadside mailbox and for providing a simple, low-cost, highly rugged mounting structure which is less subject to damage due to impact from passing vehicles. The apparatus returns to its original position after a side impact. It is made of a typical mailbox; a top structural member; (c) a manner to connect the mailbox to the member; strengthening gussets attached to an outer sleeve connected to the top member and a way for connecting gussets to the top member; the outer sleeve having an opening for a pivot rod; the pivot rod held to the outer sleeve; an inner post with a rotational “sinusoidal” slice at the top end of inner post and an opening for a locking bar at the bottom of the inner post; the locking bar and a way for ballasting the locking bar such as concrete.

Claims

1. A rotatable mailbox device comprised of: (a) a typical mailbox secured to a top structural member; (b) an outer sleeve with a set of gussets secured to sleeve and the top member; (c) a pivot rod and a means for holding pivot rod to the outer sleeve; (d) an inner post with a rotational “sinusoidal” slice at top end of inner post and an aperture for a locking cross bar at the bottom of the inner post; (e) the locking cross bar and a ballast in the ground.

2. A rotatable mailbox 30 device made of durable materials which is comprised of: (a) a typical mailbox 33; (b) a top structural mailbox member 35; (c) a fastening means 34 for connecting the mailbox 33 to the member 35; (d) gussets 36 from an outer sleeve 40 to top member 35 and a means for connecting 37 gussets 36 to top member 35; (e) the outer sleeve 40 with an opening 41 for a pivot rod 42; (f) the pivot rod 42 and a means for holding 44 pivot rod 42 to outer sleeve 40; (g) an inner post 45 with a rotational “sinusoidal” slice 46 at top end of inner post 45 and an opening 47 for a locking bar 48 at the bottom of the inner post 45; (h) the locking bar 48; (i) a means for ballasting 49 locking bar 48 such as concrete.

3. The device according to claim 2 further comprised of (j) a sign, address, and decoration 56.

4. The device according to claim 2 wherein the means for ballasting 49 the end to post 45 is a plow shear fence post anchor.

5. The device according to claim 2 wherein the means for ballasting 49 is selected from the group consisting of concrete, pea gravel in a drum, a large ball of clay (30 inch sphere), a metal cross bar buried in the ground and connected to the locking bar, and a lead mass (15-20 inch sphere).

6. The device according to claim 2 wherein the fastening means 34 for connecting and securing the mailbox 33 to the top member 35 is selected from the group consisting of nails, screws, rivets, threaded bolts and nuts, cotter pins, welding, brazing, and a high strength adhesive/epoxy.

7. The device according to claim 2 wherein the top structural mailbox member 35 is selected from the group consisting of a channel, an I-Beam, a heavy and treated 4×4 inch timber, and a rectangular metal tube.

8. The device according to claim 2 wherein the durable material for the outer sleeve 40; pivot rod 42; and inner post 42 is selected from the group consisting of a metal, a steel, an iron, an alloy steel, a high strength plastic, and a high strength composite material.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—FIGURES

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Safe Rotatable Mailbox device for various applications device that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Safe Rotatable Mailbox device. It is understood, however, that the Safe Rotatable Mailbox is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0018] FIGS. 1 A through 1 C are sketches of the general safe, rotatable mailbox for rural applications device.

[0019] FIGS. 2 A through 2 E are sketches of the general safe, rotatable mailbox device with components and features noted.

[0020] FIGS. 3 A and 3 B are sketches of safe, rotatable mailbox with the components and features shown from generally a front and top view.

[0021] FIGS. 4 A and 4 B are photos of the prototype of the rotatable mailbox from a front and rear perspective.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0022] The following list refers to the drawings:

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE B Reference numbers Ref # Description 30 rotatable mailbox 30 31 rear, side view of prototype mailbox 31 32 front, side view of prototype mailbox 32 33 typical mailbox 33 34 a fastening means 34 for connecting and securing the mailbox 33 to the top member 35 (such as nails, screws, rivets, threaded bolts and nuts, cotter pins, welding, brazing, high strength adhesive/epoxy or the like) 35 top structural mailbox member 35 (channel, I-Beam, heavy and treated 4 x 4 inch timber, rectangular metal tube, or the like) 36 gussets 36 from outer sleeve 40 to top member 35 37, means for connecting 37 gussets 36 to top member 35 (fasteners, 37A welding, molding or the like) 40 outer sleeve 40 41 opening 41 for pivot rod 42 42 pivot rod 42 44 means for holding 44 pivot rod 42 to outer sleeve 40 - threaded, brazed, welded, etc. 45 inner post 45 46 rotational “sinusoidal” slice 46 at top end of inner post 45 47 opening or aperture 47 for locking bar 48 48 locking cross bar 48 49 means for ballasting 49 locking bar 48 such as concrete, pea gravel in a drum; large ball of clay (30 inch sphere), steel or iron cross bars buried in the ground and connected to the locking bar, a lead mass (15-20 inch sphere), or the like. 50 alternative end to post 45 such as plow shear, fence post anchor or the like 55 ground level 55 56 sign, address, decoration 56 etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] This invention relates to a Safe Rotatable Mailbox. and relates generally to apparatus for supporting a rural roadside mailbox and more specifically to a simple, low-cost, highly rugged mounting structure which is less subject to damage due to impact from passing vehicles. The present invention relates to a mailbox mounting device which returns to its original position after side impact. More particularly, it relates to a rotatable mailbox-supporting assembly which is inexpensive and which can be easily attached to an existing mailbox ground post and to an existing rural mailbox of the type which is approved by the U.S. Postal Service.

[0024] The advantages for the Safe Rotatable Mailbox device 30 are listed above in the introduction. Succinctly the benefits are that the device: [0025] A. Provide rotatable mailbox to avoid snowplows [0026] B. Provides a pivoting mailbox post that allows the homeowner to empty the contents of the box without entering the street and one to retrieve mail off the road [0027] C. Has a simple, gravitational return mechanism [0028] D. Adapts to most typical mailboxes [0029] E. Is easily transported, assembled and installed by the homeowner [0030] F. Provide a pivoting mailbox post that is low maintenance and does not require maintenance of the pivoting mechanism from the effects of salt, sand and water [0031] G. Provide a pivoting mailbox post that is durable with its performance relatively independent of water, salt and sand.

[0032] The preferred embodiment of a Safe Rotatable Mailbox is comprised of: (a) a typical mailbox 33; (b) a top structural mailbox member 35 (channel I-Beam or the like); (c) a fastening means 34 for connecting and securing the mailbox 33 to the member 35; (d) gussets 36 from an outer sleeve 40 to top member 35 and a means for connecting 37 gussets 36 to top member 35; (e) the outer sleeve 40 with an opening 41 for a pivot rod 42; (f) the pivot rod 42 and a means for holding 44 pivot rod 42 to outer sleeve 40; (g) an inner post 45 with a rotational “sinusoidal” slice 46 at top end of inner post 45 and an opening 47 for a locking bar 48 at the bottom of the inner post 45;

(h) the locking bar 48; (i) a means for ballasting 49 locking bar 48 such as concrete. Also an alternative end to post 45 such as plow shear, fence post anchor and an Optional sign, address, decoration 56.

[0033] There is shown in FIGS. 1-4 a complete description and operative embodiment of the Safe Rotatable Mailbox device. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the FIGS. 1-4 demonstrate the general configuration and use of this product. The various example uses are in the operation and use section, below.

[0034] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Safe Rotatable Mailbox device 30 that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Safe Rotatable Mailbox device 30. It is understood, however, that the Safe Rotatable Mailbox device 30 is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Other examples of mailbox mountings and stands as devices and uses are still understood by one skilled in the art of mail box devices and systems to be within the scope and spirit shown here.

[0035] FIGS. 1 A through 1 C are sketches of the general safe, rotatable mailbox 30 for rural applications device. Demonstrated here are the rotatable mailbox 30; the rear, side view of prototype mailbox 31; and the front, side view of prototype mailbox 32. Details and components are shown below.

[0036] FIGS. 2 A through 2 E are sketches of the general safe, rotatable mailbox device 30 with components and features noted. Shown in these drawings and views are: a rotatable mailbox 30; a typical mailbox 33; a top structural mailbox member 35 (channel, I-Beam, heavy and treated 4×4 inch timber, rectangular metal tube, or the like) a fastening means 34 for connecting and securing the mailbox 33 to the top member 35 (fastening means such as nails, screws, rivets, threaded bolts and nuts, cotter pins, welding, brazing, high strength adhesive/epoxy or the like); a set of strengthening gussets 36 from outer sleeve 40 to top member 35; the means for connecting 37, 37A gussets 36 to top member 35 (fasteners, welding, molding or the like); an outer sleeve 40; an opening 41 for pivot rod 42; the pivot rod 42; [outer sleeve and pivot rod made of durable materials such as, for example and not limitation, metal, steel, iron, alloy steel, high strength plastic, high strength composite material]; a means for holding 44 pivot rod 42 to outer sleeve 40—threaded, brazed, welded, etc.; an inner post 45; a rotational “sinusoidal” slice 46 at top end of inner post 45; an opening 47 for locking bar 48; the locking bar 48; a means for ballasting 49 locking cross bar 48 such as concrete or the like; an alternative end to post 45 such as plow shear, fence post anchor or the like; the ground level 55; and a sign, address, decoration 56 etc.

[0037] FIGS. 3 A and 3 B are sketches of safe, rotatable mailbox 30 with the components and features shown from generally a front and top view. Components and features here are shown as a rotatable mailbox 30; a typical mailbox 33; a top structural mailbox member 35 (channel, I-Beam, heavy and treated 4×4 inch timber, rectangular metal tube, or the like); the strengthening gussets 36 from outer sleeve 40 to top member 35; an outer sleeve 40; an opening 41 for pivot rod 42; the pivot rod 42; a means for holding 44 pivot rod 42 to outer sleeve 40—threaded, brazed, welded, etc.; an inner post 45; a rotational “sinusoidal” slice 46 at top end of inner post 45; an opening 47 for locking bar 48; the locking bar 48; and a means for ballasting 49 locking cross bar 48 such as concrete, pea gravel in a drum; large ball of clay (30 inch sphere), steel or iron cross bars buried in the ground and connected to the locking bar, a lead mass (15-20 inch sphere), or the like.

[0038] FIGS. 4 A and 4 B are photos of the prototypes 31, 32 of the rotatable mailbox 30 from a front and rear perspective. Provided in these views are the following: the rear, side view of prototype mailbox 31 and the front, side view of prototype mailbox 32 of a rotatable mailbox 30; a typical mailbox 33; a top structural mailbox member 35 (channel I-Beam or the like); the strengthening gussets 36 from outer sleeve 40 to top member 35; the means for connecting 37, 37A gussets 36 to top member 35 (fasteners, welding, molding or the like); an outer sleeve 40; and the ground level 55.

[0039] The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing a Safe Rotatable Mailbox device 30 may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of the art of mail box devices and systems and their uses well appreciates.

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0040] The Safe Rotatable Mailbox 30 has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device operates is described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the Safe Rotatable Mailbox device 30. The preferred embodiment of a Safe Rotatable Mailbox is comprised of: (a) a typical mailbox 33; (b) a top structural mailbox member 35 (channel I-Beam or the like); (c) a means 34 to connect the mailbox 33 to the member 35; (d) gussets 36 from an outer sleeve 40 to top member 35 and a means for connecting 37 gussets 36 to top member 35; (e) the outer sleeve 40 with an opening 41 for a pivot rod 42; (f) the pivot rod 42 and a means for holding 44 pivot rod 42 to outer sleeve 40; (g) an inner post 45 with a rotational “sinusoidal” slice 46 at top end of inner post 45 and an opening 47 for a locking bar 48 at the bottom of the inner post 45; (h) the locking bar 48; (i) a means for ballasting 49 locking bar 48 such as concrete. Also an alternative end to post 45 such as plow shear, fence post anchor and an Optional sign, address, decoration 56.

[0041] The Safe Rotatable Mailbox device 30 operates as a rotational mail box on a post. It permits the user to rotate the rotatable device and stay away from the roadside. The device also avoids destruction by snow plows and vandals. The installation anticipates the inner post 45, locking bar 48; and ballast means 49 to be placed in a hole dug below ground level 55. Next the outer sleeve 40 is placed over the inner post 45. Next, the pivot rod 42 is placed into the opening 41 and attached to the outer sleeve 40. Optionally, the sleeve 40 and pivot rod 42 may be assembled prior to placing over the post 45. The gussets 36 and top member 35 are connected by means 37, 37A. Finally, the mail box 33 is attached to the top member 35 by means to secure 34. One skilled in assembly techniques appreciates a plethora of combinations of steps to assemble the full rotatable mailbox 30 device.

[0042] 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 device 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. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0043] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described above in the foregoing paragraphs.

[0044] Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

[0045] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of “plane” as a carpenter's tool would not be relevant to the use of the term “plane” when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase “as used herein shall mean” or similar language (e.g., “herein this term means,” “as defined herein,” “for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean,” etc.). References to specific examples, use of “i.e.,” use of the word “invention,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.

[0046] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “approximately” should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0047] With this description it is to be understood that the Safe Rotatable Mailbox 30 is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of product. The features of the Safe Rotatable Mailbox device 30 are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.