U.S. patent application number 11/654993 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for mail receptacle with delivery indicator.
Invention is credited to Richard Dean Neff.
Application Number | 20070170237 11/654993 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38284553 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070170237 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Neff; Richard Dean |
July 26, 2007 |
Mail receptacle with delivery indicator
Abstract
The "Mail Receptacle with Delivery Indicator" is a device which
will allow the user of the unit to visually detect the presence of
mail without opening the unit, or even approaching said unit
directly. There are several possible embodiments of said device,
including but not limited to a unit which can be placed at the
roadside in rural areas for delivery of mail, a unit which can be
mounted on the outside wall of a house for delivery of mail in
urban areas, a smaller unit, possibly assembled in groups, which
could be used for multiple dwellings such as apartment complexes, a
special unit to be placed inside a wall locker in a school,
factory, or any other location in which wall lockers are used, or a
decorative unit which could be placed on a desk or table to be used
for personal or interoffice communication. The unit may also
include a recording means which would allow a verbal message for
the user of the mailbox to be recorded and played back at the
convenience of the user. The unit may also include a security
mechanism which prevents unauthorized persons from having access to
mail within the unit. The unit may also include a protected area
for displaying the name and/or house number of the user, providing
easier identification of the proper unit for someone delivering
mail.
Inventors: |
Neff; Richard Dean;
(Springville, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard D. Neff
103 Woodward Avenue
Springville
NY
14141
US
|
Family ID: |
38284553 |
Appl. No.: |
11/654993 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60759925 |
Jan 19, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
232/36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 29/122 20130101;
G09F 9/33 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
232/036 |
International
Class: |
A47G 29/12 20060101
A47G029/12 |
Claims
1. A mailbox which incorporates: a) a mail delivery indicating
apparatus wherein said apparatus is activated by the deposit of
mail into said mailbox; b) a recording and playback device by which
verbal messages can be deposited for the owner of said mailbox, and
retrieved only by said owner.
2. The mailbox of claim 1 wherein said mail delivery indicating
apparatus is activated by the deposit of mail into said mailbox in
at least one of the following methods: a) the deposit of mail in
said mailbox serves to interrupt a sensor beam traveling between
two opposing points within said mailbox, causing a connection to be
completed which allows said mail delivery indicating apparatus to
become active; b) the deposit of mail in said mailbox blocks a
light sensor mechanism causing a connection to be completed which
allows said mail delivery indicating apparatus to become active; c)
the weight of mail deposited in said mailbox causes a rocker arm
mechanism to descend, causing two contact points to touch and
complete a circuit which allows said mail delivery indicating
apparatus to become active.
3. The mailbox of claim 1 wherein said mail delivery indicating
apparatus is comprised of at least one of the following indicating
methods: a) an LED light display which is located on the outside of
said mailbox to be visible from a distance and remain visible until
said mail has been removed; b) a light display located within said
mailbox where said mailbox is made of a transparent material to be
visible from outside said mailbox and remain visible until said
mail has been removed; c) an audio display created by the inclusion
of an audio chip within said mailbox, which creates a single sound
indicating that mail has been received; d) an audio display created
by the inclusion of an audio chip within said mailbox which creates
a periodic sound indicating that mail has been received, and
continuing until said mail has been removed.
4. The mailbox of claim 1 wherein power is supplied to said mail
delivery indicating apparatus by at least one of: replaceable
batteries, rechargeable batteries, or an alternative power source
such as solar power.
5. The mailbox of claim 1 wherein power is supplied to said
recording and playback device incorporated within said mailbox by
at least one of: replaceable batteries, rechargeable batteries, or
an alternative power source such as solar power.
6. The mailbox of claim 1 wherein said mailbox incorporates
magnetic strips on one side of said mailbox to allow said mailbox
to be positioned securely on the inside of the door of a metal wall
locker in such a manner that communications which are inserted
through ventilation slits in said door of said wall locker by
others with access to the area housing said wall lockers, would be
contained within said mailbox.
7. The mailbox of claim 6 wherein said mailbox incorporates an
additional attaching means which would be inserted through one or
more of said ventilation slits in said locker door, allowing said
mailbox to be attached even more securely to the inside of said
door of said wall locker.
8. The mailbox of claim 1 wherein said mailbox additionally
comprises an attaching means on one side of said mailbox to allow
said mailbox to be positioned on an outside wall of a house to
receive mail deliveries, and a protective bumper to prevent damage
to said wall.
9. The mailbox of claim 1 wherein said mailbox may be attached to a
post to allow said mailbox to be positioned at a roadside or curb
to receive mail deliveries.
10. The mailbox of claim 1 wherein said mailbox may incorporate a
stand, either permanently attached or detachable, to allow said
mailbox to be positioned on a desk or table to receive household or
interoffice communications.
11. The mailbox of claim 1 wherein said mailbox additionally
comprises a locking mechanism which prevents said mail from being
tampered with once it has been deposited into said mailbox, by
insuring that only an authorized user can gain access to deposited
mail.
12. The mailbox of claim 1 wherein said mailbox additionally
comprises a name and address indicator to assist delivery personnel
in locating the proper mailbox.
Description
[0001] This utility patent application claims priority of
provisional patent application 60/759925 filed Jan. 19, 2006, which
is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to devices and systems for
detecting the presence of verbal or written communication in a
receptacle intended to receive such communication. More
particularly, the invention relates to devices and systems for
detecting the presence of such communications without the need to
open the receptacle. The invention also relates to protection of
such communications from unauthorized users, and more easily
identifying the proper receptacle to receive such
communications.
REFERENCES CITED
[0003] TABLE-US-00001 U.S. Patents 1. 4,101,877 July 1978 Rush 2.
4,154,393 May 1979 Darvishan 3. 4,314,102 Febuary 1982 Lowe &
McFiggans 4. 4,633,236 June 1985 Buhl & Holger 5. 4,999,612
March 1991 Cherveny 6. 5,040.723 August 1991 Kelly 7. 5,239,305
August 1993 Murphy & Shea 8. 5,335,848 August 1994 Schreiber 9.
5,382,945 January 1995 Novak 10. 5,385,295 September 1993 McNair
11. 5,440,295 August 1995 Mercier 12. 5,884,838 March 1999 Rose 13.
5,917,411 June 1999 Baggerly 14. 6,046,675 April 2000 Hanna 15.
6,114,959 September 2000 Bennett 16. 6,155,482 December 2000 Perry
17. 6,462,659 October 2002 Schuette 18. 6,629,634 October 2003
Simmons 20. 7,025,250 April 2006 Wolfe 21. 7,066,381 June 2006
Bundy 22. 7,083,080 August 2006 McKenzie Patent Application
Publication 1. 2005/0253715 November 2005 Awobue Provisional Patent
Application 1. 60/759925 January 2006 Neff
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The prior art offers various mail delivery indicating
systems, as shown in the following U.S. Patents, but none contain
the unique combination of elements and embodiments contained in
this invention.
[0005] Several examples of prior art describe mail delivery
indicators which are located at some distance from the mailbox
itself, such as inside a house. If the person receiving mail is not
inside the house, they would not be aware that mail has been
delivered. Such devices would not be readily adaptable to other
embodiments. U.S. Pat. No. 4,101,877 describes such a device in
which current runs through wires from the mailbox to the house. If
the current between the house and the unit should be interrupted
for any reason, the device would not be able to function.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,999,612 also describes such a device, in
which the mailbox is gravity fed. The weight of the mail triggers a
signal which is sent through wires into the house. If the weight of
the mail was not sufficient to trigger the signal, or if the flow
of the current between the mailbox and the house was interrupted in
any way, the device would not function.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,440,295 illustrates still another device in
which the indicator is located inside the house, and therefore is
not visible to anyone outside the house.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,114,959 describes a device which is intended
for use in multiple mailbox units. The indicator is not within the
mailbox itself, but within the house or apartment connected with
each individual mailbox. Therefore it cannot be seen by approaching
the multiple mailbox unit.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,305 describes a device which has been
developed as a separate unit to be attached to a mailbox, not as a
part of the mailbox itself, which could therefore be removed or
damaged. In this unit as well, the indicator is inside the house,
not in the box.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,945 also describes a device which has
been developed as a separate unit to be attached to the mailbox
rather than as a part of the mailbox itself, which therefore could
be removed or damaged. It incorporates a buzzer or beeper which
would not be heard unless the person approached near the mailbox.
Also, the device is activated by the opening of the mailbox door,
not necessarily by the delivery of mail.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,482 describes a device which has been
developed as a kit to be installed on a mailbox. The indicator
hangs down below the mailbox, making it difficult to see during the
day and nearly impossible to see at night. This device and others
like it which are further detailed in other examples of prior art
are intended mainly for rural mailboxes, which are positioned at
the side of the road, and would not be readily adaptable to other
embodiments.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,848 describes a delivery indicator
system for newspapers. It is activated by weight, and as newspapers
are often quite heavy, the system possibly would not be activated
by the lesser weight of ordinary mail. The indicator is a flag
style device which would not be readily visible at night.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,838 describes a system in which an
indicator rises to become visible when the mailbox is opened. This
system would not work with a mailbox in which mail is deposited
through a slot. The indicator would be visible for a limited
distance during daylight hours, but would not be readily visible at
night.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,250 describes a system incorporating a
flag style indicator which is gravity activated utilizing the
action of opening the mailbox door to trigger the indicator. This
system would not work with a mailbox in which mail is deposited
through a slot. The indicator could be visible during daylight
hours, but would not be readily visible at night.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,381 describes a system incorporating a
flag style indicator which extends out from the front of the
mailbox, making it difficult to see from the house even during
daylight hours, since such mailboxes typically face toward the
street, not the house. It also would not be readily visible at
night.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,080 describes a system in which a signal
ball extends out from the side of the mailbox. In this position the
indicator would be only marginally visible during the day and very
difficult to see at night.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 6,046,675 describes another system in which a
mailbox must actually be opened in order to activate the indicator.
Depositing mail into the mailbox by way of a slot would not
activate the unit.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 6,462,659 describes a system in which the
indicator is not triggered by the delivery of mail but by a
hand-held remote control unit. This requires that the user be in
relatively close proximity to the mailbox for the indicator to
work. Also, if the remote control unit were to be lost, stolen, or
simply forgotten at home, the indicator could not be activated.
Published Application No. 2005/0253715 describes a system which is
quite similar to that which was previously cited. It also operates
by using a hand-held remote control unit which requires that the
user approach the mailbox fairly closely, and without the remote
unit the indicator could not be activated.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,634 describes a system which is weight
activated. Depending on the sensitivity of the system, small items
might not possess enough weight to activate the system, which
consists of a light. This light is only visible from the front of
the mailbox, which typically faces away from the house, making it
difficult to see for someone inside the house.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,295 describes a system in which the
indicator consists of a fluorescent material which makes use of
available light to activate it. The light which it creates, while
visible on dim or overcast days, would not be highly visible during
sunny periods when natural light is already bright, and it would
not operate at night when there is an absence of natural light to
activate it.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,723 describes a system in which a wheel
on top of the mailbox is rotated by the opening of the box. Since
the wheel is not large, the user would have to walk up to the
mailbox to see if the wheel has been rotated. This would not be
visible from a distance and would not be readily visible at night.
This system would not be adaptable to mailboxes in which mail is
deposited by way of a slot. U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,102 describes a
system for confirming delivery of mail to a post office box. Making
a telephone call is necessary to verify if mail is there.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,393 describes a system for securing mail
inside a mailbox, but which does not indicate whether or not mail
is present inside the mailbox. The system allows a person inside
the dwelling to communicate with the person delivering mail, but
does not make provision for recording or playing back a
message.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 5,917,411 describes a system for securing mail
inside a mailbox, but which does not indicate in any way whether or
not mail has been delivered.
[0024] The above prior art illustrates various methods of alerting
the user of a mail receptacle to the delivery of mail, as well as
certain other adaptations which could be added to mailboxes. The
present invention combines these features, along with others, which
makes the system much more versatile as well as more effective. The
manner by which this is realized will become apparent from a
reading of the following specification, particularly when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The present invention allows the user to detect the presence
of mail or messages within the mailbox without having to approach
the mailbox directly, use a remote control device to activate the
indicator, or be inside the building or at the location where a
separate indicator is positioned. Several embodiments of this
invention are possible, including but not limited to one which is
intended to be suspended within a school or work locker, one which
is intended to be positioned on the outside wall of a house, one
which is intended to be positioned at the side of a road or street,
and one which is intended to be placed on a desk or table in a home
or office. Other embodiments could also be developed using this
technology.
[0026] The indicating means employed by the present invention could
comprise such means as one or a plurality of LED lights, or audio
indicators such as a bell, chime, or spoken phrase, which would
require the inclusion of an audio chip within the unit. A means to
record and play back a voice message could also be included, as
well as a locking mechanism to prevent mail from being removed from
the mailbox by an unauthorized person once it has been deposited
and a protected display window where the name and/or house number
of the user could be displayed.
PARTS LIST
[0027] 1. Stabilizing Pin [0028] 2. Floor [0029] 3. Back to Front
Bars [0030] 4. Battery Storage Area [0031] 5. Counter weight [0032]
6. Lower Contact Point [0033] 7. Cover grid [0034] 8. Pivot Point
[0035] 9. Door [0036] 10. Door Handle [0037] 11. Current Conducting
Medium [0038] 12. Light Display [0039] 13. Magnetic Strips [0040]
14. Battery [0041] 15. Activating and Deactivating Means [0042] 16.
Anchoring Guides for Door [0043] 17. Opening for Door [0044] 18.
Light Sensing Means [0045] 19. Invisible Beam [0046] 20. Beam
Contact Point [0047] 21. Transmitter [0048] 22. Rotating Means
[0049] 23. Door Stopper [0050] 24. Suspending Means [0051] 25.
Attaching Openings for Suspending Means [0052] 26. Alternative
Power Source [0053] 27. Display Window [0054] 28. Decorative
Element [0055] 29. Attaching Openings for Decorative Elements
[0056] 30. Recording and Playback Device [0057] 31. Lid [0058] 32.
Lid Handle [0059] 33. Snap Mechanism [0060] 34. Attaching Means for
Wall Mounted Unit [0061] 35. Protective Bumper [0062] 36. Speaker
[0063] 37. Playback Activator [0064] 38. Recording Activator [0065]
39. Microphone [0066] 40. Channel for Current Conducting Media
[0067] 41. Protective Covering for Light Display [0068] 42. Post
[0069] 43. Stand [0070] 44. Activating Mechanism [0071] 45.
Infrared Emitter [0072] 46. Current Limiting Resistor [0073] 47.
Infrared Receiver [0074] 48. Filter [0075] 49. Current Driving
Transistor [0076] 50. Voltage Stabilizing Transistor [0077] 51.
Controlling and Processing Unit [0078] 52. Ground [0079] 53. Bias
Current Resistor [0080] 54. Current Supply Resistor [0081] 55.
Current Feedback Resistor [0082] 56. Voltage Input [0083] 57.
Reinforcing Bar [0084] 58. Screw [0085] 59. Stabilizing Pin Holder
[0086] 60. Upper Contact Point [0087] 61. Rocker Arm Mechanism
[0088] 62. Movable Spring Plate [0089] 63. Hole Guides [0090] 64.
Spring Housing Well [0091] 65. Spring [0092] 66. Guide Post [0093]
67. Latch [0094] 68. Wall [0095] 69. Latch Release Mechanism [0096]
70. Hollow Guide Grooves [0097] 71. Latch Guide [0098] 72. Opening
for Latch Release Mechanism
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0099] The attached drawings show a variety of embodiments of the
unit, illustrating variations of said electronic indicating means.
They include views from several different perspectives, including
front, back, side, and down views.
[0100] FIG. A illustrates a down view of the inside bottom of said
unit showing the rocker arm mechanism 61 for activating said
electronic indicating means, incorporating stabilizing pin 1,
stabilizing pin holders 59, back to front bars 3 which serve to
catch notes or other items deposited inside said unit, and counter
weight 5. When the weight of an item inserted into the unit causes
rocker arm mechanism 61 to descend, a connection is made which
activates said electronic indicating means. Lower contact point 6
for completing the electrical circuit to activate said electronic
indicating means is also shown. Storage space 4 is also indicated
for batteries 14 in battery operated embodiments. Said battery
storage area 4 could be located in whatever position is most
effective for the particular embodiment in question, not
necessarily in the position shown in FIG. A.
[0101] FIG. B1 shows a side view of rocker arm mechanism 61. In
this view back to front bars 3 are shown to incorporate a counter
weight 5 which holds rocker arm mechanism 61 in a raised position
when the unit is empty. When a note or item is inserted into said
unit, the weight of said item will overbalance said counter-weight
5, causing said rocker arm mechanism 61 to shift in a downward
direction, completing an electronic circuit which causes said
electronic indicating means to be activated. Rocker arm mechanism
61 also incorporates a pivot point 8, held in place by stabilizing
pin 1 which allows said rocker arm mechanism 61 to raise or lower,
making or breaking contact with the addition or removal of weight
from items placed inside the unit. Upper contact point 60 and lower
contact point 6 which when brought together create a circuit which
activates said electronic indicating means are also shown. A cover
grid 7 made of thin wire or plastic which may be installed in the
bottom of said unit to insure that the weight of items inserted
into the receptacle allows a proper connection to be made is also
shown.
[0102] FIG. B2 illustrates rocker arm mechanism 61 of FIG. B1, with
the addition of stabilizing pin holder 59 in place to secure
stabilizing pin 1 which holds pivot point 8 securely in place.
[0103] FIG. C shows a down view of said cover grid 7, the purpose
of which is to assure that the weight of said note or item is
evenly distributed thereby causing said rocker arm mechanism 61 to
be pushed downward, allowing said electronic connection to be made,
in which case said electronic indicating means would be
activated.
[0104] FIG. D shows a side cutaway view of said unit, illustrating
one possible location of said light display 12 inside said unit.
Also shown is the current conducting medium 11 connecting said
batteries 14 with said electronic contact area 6 located beneath
said rocker arm mechanism 61. Said unit is shown as having a door 9
inside said unit which slides up to open and down to close, with
said door 9 in the closed position. Said door 9 could also slide
down to open and up to close, or from right to left or left to
right. Said door 9 could also be located on the outside of said
unit. Said door 9 is shown as having a handle 10 to be used for
raising and lowering it, said handle 10 having indented areas in
the top and bottom of said handle 10 to contribute to ease of
opening and closing said door.
[0105] FIG. E shows a rear view of the front panel of said unit,
looking from the back of said unit toward the front, illustrating
anchoring guides 16 which hold said door 9 in the proper position.
Said door 9 moves up and down within said anchoring guides 16,
allowing said door 9 to open and close. Said door 9 could also be
positioned on the outside of the front panel of said unit, in which
case said anchoring guides 16 would be on the outside of the front
panel of said unit. Possible positioning of an activating and
deactivating means 15 for activation and deactivation of said
electronic indicating means is also shown. Possible positioning of
said light display 12 within said unit is also shown.
[0106] FIG. F illustrates a side cutaway view of said unit with
said door 9 located on the inside of the front panel of said unit.
Said door 9 is shown in the closed position. Anchoring guides 16
for said door 9 are shown. An opening 17 in the top of said unit
through which said door 9 passes when opened is shown. Magnetic
strips 13 which secure said unit in position within said wall
locker are illustrated. Possible positioning for said light display
12 is also shown. Said handle 10 for said door 9 is also shown.
[0107] FIG. G illustrates a side cutaway view of said unit with
said door 9 located on the inside of the front panel of said unit.
Said door 9 is shown in the open position. Said door 9 is shown
passing through said opening 17 in the top of said unit. Anchoring
guides 16 for said door 9 are shown. Magnetic strips 13 which
secure said unit in position within said wall locker are
illustrated. Possible positioning for said light display 12 is also
shown. Said handle 10 for said door 9 is also shown.
[0108] FIG. H shows a front view of said unit with said door 9
located on the inside of the front panel of said unit. Said door 9
is shown in the closed position. Said handle 10 for opening and
closing said door 9 is also shown.
[0109] FIG. I shows a front view of said unit with said door 9
located on the inside of the front panel of said unit. Said door 9
is shown in the open position. Said handle 10 for opening and
closing said door 9 is also shown.
[0110] FIG. J is a cutaway view of said unit looking in from the
back of said unit. Possible positioning of said light sensing means
18 for activating said electronic indicating means is shown.
Possible positioning for said light display 12 is also shown. A
possible location for said battery storage compartment 4 is
illustrated. Current conducting media 11 are shown leading from
batteries 14 placed inside said battery storage compartment 4 to
beam contact point 20, providing a power source for activating said
electronic indicating means. A possible location for an activating
and deactivating means 15 for said electronic indicating means is
also shown.
[0111] FIG. K is a cutaway view of said unit looking in from the
back of said unit. A transmitting mechanism 21 is shown on the
inside top of said unit, which sends out an invisible beam 19 to a
contact point 20 which is shown on the inside bottom of said unit.
Said transmitting mechanism 21 and said contact point 20 could be
located on opposite sides of the inside of said unit, on the inside
front and back of said unit, or in opposite corners of the inside
of said unit. A possible location for said battery storage
compartment 4 is illustrated. Current conducting media 11 are shown
leading from batteries 14 placed inside said battery storage
compartment 4 to said transmitting mechanism 21 and said contact
point 20, providing a power source for activating said invisible
beam 19. Interruption of said invisible beam 19 causes said
electronic indicating means to be activated. A possible location
for an activating and deactivating mechanism 15 for said electronic
indicating means is also shown.
[0112] FIG. L illustrates a front view of said unit incorporating a
door 9 which opens by swinging upward and closes by swinging
downward. Said door 9 is shown as being in the open position. A
rotating means 22, possibly but not limited to a hinge, is shown at
the top of said door 9, allowing it to move upward to be opened.
Said rotating means 22 could also be located on the bottom of said
door 9, allowing said door 9 to move downward to open and upward to
close. Said handle 10 for opening and closing said door 9 is also
shown.
[0113] FIG. M illustrates a side view of said unit incorporating a
door 9 which opens by swinging upward. Said door 9 is shown as
being in the open position. A rotating means 22, possibly but not
limited to a hinge, is shown at the top of said door 9, allowing it
to move upward to be opened.
[0114] FIG. N illustrates a side view of said unit incorporating a
door 9 which opens by swinging downward. Said door 9 is shown as
being in the open position. A rotating means 22, possibly but not
limited to a hinge, is shown at the bottom of said door 9, allowing
it to move downward to be opened. A door stopper 23 which prevents
door 9 from opening beyond a certain point is also illustrated.
[0115] FIG. O illustrates a front view of said unit incorporating a
door 9 which opens by swinging from right to left. Said door 9 is
shown as being in the open position. A rotating means 22, possibly
but not limited to a hinge, is shown at the left side of said door
9, allowing it to move from right to left to be opened. Said handle
10 for opening and closing said door 9 is also shown.
[0116] FIG. P illustrates a front view of said unit incorporating a
door 9 which opens by swinging from left to right. A rotating means
22, possibly but not limited to a hinge, is shown at the right side
of said door 9, allowing it to move from left to right to be
opened. Said handle 10 for opening and closing said door 9 is also
shown.
[0117] FIG. Q illustrates a side view of a possible embodiment of a
suspending means 24 to be used in place of or in addition to said
magnetic strips 13 to secure said unit to the inside of said door
of said wall locker. In this embodiment the suspending means 24
consists of a hook which fits over a ventilation slit in said door
of said wall locker to hold said unit more securely in position.
Said suspending means 24 could consist of a single mechanism, or a
group of said mechanisms. Possible placement of said magnetic
strips 13 is shown.
[0118] FIG. R illustrates a down view of said embodiment
incorporating said suspending means 24, including a down view of
said unit showing possible positioning of said suspending means 24.
Attaching openings 25 are shown which would accommodate said
suspending means 24. Said suspending means 24 may be secured to
said unit by means of a screw 58 or a series of screws 58 which are
inserted through said attaching openings 25 and connected to said
suspending means 24. Said attaching openings 25 may be reinforced
by a reinforcing bar 57 constructed of a material possibly but not
limited to hard plastic, to give added strength to said attaching
openings 25.
[0119] FIG. S illustrates an embodiment of the invention which
would be attached to the wall of a house to receive mail
deliveries. In this embodiment, the delivery of mail would activate
said electronic indicating means. Possible location for an
alterative power source 26, such as a solar panel, is shown. This
embodiment is illustrated as incorporating an electronic device 30
for recording and playing back voice messages intended for the
owner of the unit. Said recording and playback device 30
incorporates a speaker 36, a playback activator 37, a recording
activator 38, and a microphone 39. Said recording and playback
device 30 could be included in any of the illustrated embodiments.
Placement of said components could be different in different
embodiments. Attaching openings for decorative elements 29 are
shown which could be used to snap in a variety of decorative
elements 28, allowing said unit to be decorated in any way the
owner desires. One such decorative element 28 is shown, but many
other styles are possible. A clear plastic display window 27 is
shown in which a name and/or house number could be placed, to make
mail delivery easier. Names or numbers could be inserted at the top
or side of said display window 27. This embodiment is shown as
having a lid 31 which opens upward, incorporating a handle 32 for
ease of opening. Latch release mechanism 69, which allows said unit
to be opened to remove mail is also shown.
[0120] FIG. T shows a side view of this embodiment of said unit. It
shows possible placement of said light display 12 which indicates
delivery of mail. Said upward opening lid 31 is shown, with a
rotating means 22, such as but not limited to a hinge, shown at the
rear edge of said lid 31. A snap mechanism 33 is shown which serves
to keep said lid 31 in the open position while mail is being
removed. An attaching means for wall mounted unit 34 is shown to
attach said unit to the wall of a house. A cushioning bumper 35 is
also shown at the bottom of the rear side of said unit, to prevent
said unit from damaging the wall surface of said house. Latch
release mechanism 69, which allows said unit to be opened to remove
mail is also shown.
[0121] FIG. U shows a side cutaway view of the lower portion of
said embodiment. Possible location of a battery storage unit 4 is
shown. Possible location of a speaker 36 for said recording and
playback device 30 is shown, with a channel conducting current
conducting media 11 from said batteries 14 in said battery storage
area 4, or said alternative power source 26 to said recording and
playback device 30, and said speaker 36, providing power to permit
said recording and playback device 30 to operate. Opening for latch
release mechanism 72 is shown. Latch release mechanism 69 would be
inserted into said opening for latch release mechanism 72.
[0122] FIG. V illustrates an embodiment of the invention which
would be placed by the roadside in rural areas to receive mail
deliveries. It is shown positioned on top of a post 42, but other
means of support could also be used. In this embodiment the
delivery of mail would activate said electronic indicating means,
illustrated in this drawing as an LED light display 12, which is
covered by protective covering for light display 41, for protection
from bad weather. Possible location for an alterative power source
26, such as but not limited to a solar panel, is shown, as well as
a battery storage area 4. Display windows 27 are shown, to display
names and/or house numbers for mail delivery persons. Letters or
numbers could be inserted into said display windows 27 from inside
said unit, protecting them from becoming wet or soiled.
[0123] FIG. W illustrates an embodiment of the invention which
would be placed on a table or desk in a home or office setting. In
this embodiment insertion of a note or item into said unit would
activate said electronic indicating means. This embodiment is
illustrated as incorporating a recording and playback device 30 for
recording and playing back voice messages intended for the owner of
the unit. Placement of said recording and playback device 30 is
merely an illustration, and could be different in different styles
or embodiments. Attaching openings for decorative elements 29 are
shown which could be used to snap in a variety of decorative
elements 28, allowing said unit to be decorated in any way the
owner desires. One such decorative element 28 is shown, but many
other styles are possible. A clear plastic display window 27 is
shown in which the owner's name could be inserted. Possible
location for an alterative power source 26, such as but not limited
to a solar panel is shown. A stand 43 is shown which would sit on a
desk or table. Said unit could be set into said stand 43 without
being attached, or could be attached to said stand 43
permanently.
[0124] FIG. X is a diagram of the electrical wiring needed to allow
said electronic indicating device to operate. It illustrates
current conducting media 11 leading from the chosen power source
for said unit, including but not limited to batteries 14, through
said activating mechanism 44, to said electronic indicating means,
including but not limited to said light display 12, or said
recording and playback device 30. Details of such circuitry is
known to those skilled in the art.
[0125] FIG. Y is a back cutaway view of the unit showing possible
placement of said reinforcing bar 57 to add extra strength to said
attaching openings for suspending means 25. Screw 58 fits through
reinforcing bar 57 and attaching openings for suspending means 25
and connects said suspending means 24 securely to said unit.
Possible placement for magnetic strips 13 and battery storage unit
4 are also shown.
[0126] FIG. Z 1 illustrates individual components of a latching
mechanism to prevent unauthorized users from removing mail from the
unit. Said latching mechanism comprises movable spring plate 62,
latch guide 71, latch 67, and latch release mechanism 69. Movable
spring plate 62 incorporates four hole guides 63 and spring housing
well 64. Latch guide 71 incorporates four guide posts 66 and spring
housing well 64. Guide posts 66 pass through hole guides 63 in
movable spring plate 62 and enter into hollow guide grooves 70
which are incorporated in latch 67. After passing through hollow
guide grooves 70, guide posts 66 are attached to wall 68 of the
unit, possibly but not necessarily by means of threads on the outer
ends of guide posts 66 which can be screwed into said wall 68.
Spring 65 is positioned between latch guide 71 and movable spring
plate 62 in such a manner that when latch release mechanism 69 is
pushed, spring 65 is compressed, causing latch 67 to move in a
backward direction, which allows lid 31 of said unit to be lifted
so mail can be removed.
[0127] FIG. Z 2 illustrates the individual components of said
latching mechanism as they would appear when said latching
mechanism is assembled for use and has been attached to wall 68.
Said latch 67, positioned between movable spring plate 62 and wall
68, is shown in position above the lower edge of lid 31, preventing
lid 31 from being raised to remove mail. When latch release
mechanism 69 is pushed, spring 65 is compressed, causing latch 67
to move in a backward direction, so that it is no longer positioned
above the lower edge of lid 31, allowing lid 31 to be lifted so
mail can be removed.
[0128] FIG. Z 3 illustrates a front view of latch 67 showing hole
guides 63 within hollow guide grooves 70 which allow guide posts 66
to pass through to connect latch 67 to the other components of said
latching mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0129] The preferred embodiment is a unit that will allow easier
communication between school students, or anyone else who makes
regular use of a wall locker. Said unit could be used in school
lockers, sports lockers, industrial locker rooms, or any location
where the same person occupies the same locker for an extended
period of time. In this embodiment said unit is attached to the
inside of said wall locker, using magnetic strips that will hold it
securely in place on the metal door of said wall locker. Said
magnetic strips could vary in size, depending on the size of the
unit, the main requirement being that they need to be large enough
to support the weight of said unit on the inside of said door of
said wall locker. Other means of attachment could be used apart
from or in combination with said magnetic strips. These means of
attachment could include, but are not limited to, one or a
plurality of suspending means attached to said unit, which would
fit over one or more of the ventilation slits in said door of said
wall locker. One of the advantages of said unit is that in the
event a person moves from one locker to another, said unit can be
moved with the rest of their belongings, since in this embodiment
said unit is not attached to said wall locker with a permanent
adhesive. Another advantage is that removing said unit will not
damage said locker in any way, also because said unit is not
attached with a permanent adhesive. One side of said unit is open,
and when installed, said open side is aligned with the ventilation
slits in said door of said wall locker. Anyone wishing to leave a
message for the user of said wall locker can insert a card or note
through one of said ventilation slits in said door. The note will
then go into said wall locker, rather than falling to the floor of
said locker and possibly becoming lost. Insertion of said note will
activate an indicating device, allowing the user of the locker to
tell that a message is there. The opposite side of said unit from
said open side has a door that can be opened to allow the receiver
to get his mail without removing the unit from said wall locker.
Said door could be configured to slide, either up and down or
sideways, or to swing open in any direction. In this way, since
said unit is positioned inside said wall locker, mail cannot be
accessed without opening said wall locker, making sure that no one
other than the person intended to receive said message can recover
it. Said unit could be constructed of transparent material, most
likely but not limited to transparent plastic, either clear
material or material in any of a variety of transparent colors.
Said transparency of construction material would allow the user to
see if he has mail without opening the unit. If desired, a
non-transparent material, including but not limited to metal, wood,
or plastic could be used, as would probably be the case with some
of the alternative embodiments, in particular those intended to be
used outside, or in locations such as a desk or table top which are
more visible to people other than the user of said unit. In the
preferred embodiment the shape of said unit would most likely be
square or rectangular, due to space and positioning requirements,
but other shapes could be used. In alternative embodiments the
shape of said unit could vary more widely, for both functional and
decorative purposes.
[0130] The preferred embodiment of said unit would include an
electronic system that will allow the user of said wall locker to
tell if he has mail without opening said wall locker, most commonly
by means of a light display that will be visible through said
ventilation slits in said wall locker door. In this embodiment this
type of display would be preferred, in that it would not cause an
undue disruption of normal activities as other types of indicators
might, especially in a school environment. Said result will be
accomplished by the use of one of a variety of means, including,
but not limited to, a rocker arm mechanism installed in the bottom
of the unit, a sensor mechanism installed in the bottom of the
unit, or a system of beams traveling between the top and bottom,
between the front and back, or from side to side or corner to
corner within said unit. In the first method, when a note or other
item is inserted into said unit, the weight of said item on said
rocker arm mechanism will cause it to complete an electrical
connection that activates a series of LED lights, which will show
through said slits in said wall locker door. This means may or may
not include a grid made of thin wire or plastic positioned over the
contact area, to assure that a proper connection is made. In the
second method, inserting a note or other item into said unit will
block light from reaching said light sensor, activating said light
display. In the third method, inserting a note or other item into
said unit will interrupt the flow of said beams, activating said
light display. In the preferred embodiment said light display could
consist of a series of LED lights flashing in sequence, but a
single light, flashing or steady, or several steady lights could
also be used. A control mechanism could also be incorporated which
would change the speed and/or frequency of said flashing lights.
Alternative means to indicate the arrival of mail could also be
used, in place of or in addition to said light display. These means
could include, but are not limited to audio indicators, such as a
bell, chime, music, or a voice making a statement such as "you've
got mail". These audio indicating means would require an audio
chip, set up to be activated by any one of the aforementioned
electronic means, either as a one time signal to indicate the
arrival of mail, or set up to be repeated on a periodic basis until
said mail is removed from said mailbox. Said alternative indicating
means could also include a motion sensor which would detect
movement when mail is deposited in said unit, thereby activating
said electronic indicating means. In the preferred embodiment said
electronic mechanism is shown as being battery operated, but other
means of operation could conceivably be used, including but not
limited to solar power. These alternative means of power would be
more likely to be used in the other embodiments but could also be
used in the preferred embodiment by positioning the alternative
power source, such as a solar panel, on the outside of said wall
locker. All forms of electronic indicating means could be equipped
with an activating and deactivating mechanism, so the unit could be
deactivated in the event of an extended period of inactivity, such
as a vacation, which would allow battery power to be conserved in
battery operated embodiments. All embodiments of said unit could
also include a means which would allow a voice message to be
recorded for the user of said unit. Recording of a voice message
would also activate said electronic indicating means, notifying the
user of the presence of said voice message. In the preferred
embodiment the recording means for said voice message would be
located on the outside of said wall locker, but the playback means
would be located inside said locker to assure the privacy of the
person for whom the voice message is intended. In other embodiments
this arrangement could be altered as needed or desired.
[0131] In alternative embodiments, said unit could be adapted for
home use in a variety of ways. By use of a mail delivery receptacle
incorporating said electronic indicating means, the occupant of the
home would be able to tell just by looking at said unit whether
there is mail in it or not. This would be especially good on very
cold days, very hot days, or stormy days, in that the person would
not have to go outside unless there was actually mail to pick up.
Said alternative embodiments could be adapted to be attached to a
house, or to be set up next to the road in rural areas. Said units
could also be constructed in groups, to be installed in multiple
dwellings such as apartment complexes, where tenants all receive
their mail in the same location. In this embodiment, said units
would incorporate a small window in the front of the unit where
said light display would be visible, so tenants could tell if they
had mail without opening their individual box. Shapes and sizes of
units used for delivery of mail by the Postal Service would be
determined by United States Postal Service requirements. In said
alternative embodiments, said units would not necessarily have an
open side, but could incorporate a door which could slide up or
down or swing in any direction, or a lid which could be raised
enabling mail to be put in and taken out. It is also possible that
a slot could be incorporated in the top or front of said unit for
deposit of mail in addition to said door for removing mail. Said
alternative embodiments could also incorporate a security
mechanism, including but not limited to a latch or a locking
mechanism, most notably but not necessarily a combination lock,
rotary or digital, employing a series of numbers to be determined
by the user of said unit. Creation and installation of said
security mechanism is known to those skilled in the art.
[0132] Another alternative embodiment could be constructed as a
unit which would be placed on a table or desk in either a home or
office location. These units could sit on a stand, located on the
desk or table, the unit itself could sit on said desk or table, or
the unit could be constructed to attach to said desk or table with
an attaching means, including but not limited to a hook, clamp, or
clip. In this embodiment, shape does not need to be limited in any
way, but said units would be designed to be decorative as well as
useful. This embodiment would employ one of the said electronic
indicating means to show when an item has been placed within said
unit. In said alternative embodiments, said units would not
necessarily have an open side, but could incorporate a door which
could slide up or down or swing in any direction or a lid which
could be raised enabling mail to be put in and taken out or a lid
which could be raised enabling mail to be put in and taken out. It
is also possible that a slot could be incorporated in the top or
front of said unit for deposit of mail in addition to said door for
removing mail. Said alternative embodiment could also incorporate a
security mechanism, including but not limited to a locking
mechanism or latch, most notably but not necessarily a combination
lock, rotary or digital, employing a series of numbers to be
determined by the user of said unit. Creation and installation of
said security mechanism is known to those skilled in the art.
[0133] I have disclosed a useful system to enable the user of a
message receptacle to detect the presence of messages, either
verbal or written, without actually opening the receptacle, display
the user's name and dwelling number for easier identification of
the dwelling, and protect messages which have been deposited in the
receptacle from unauthorized users.
[0134] While I have described and illustrated various embodiments
of my invention, I wish it to be understood that I do not intend to
be restricted solely to these embodiments, but I intend to cover
any and all modifications thereof which would be apparent to one
skilled in the art, and which come within the spirit and scope of
my invention.
* * * * *