U.S. patent application number 12/405364 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-23 for flexible mailbox post assembly.
Invention is credited to Maurice J. LaBrecque, JR..
Application Number | 20100237143 12/405364 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42736647 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100237143 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LaBrecque, JR.; Maurice J. |
September 23, 2010 |
FLEXIBLE MAILBOX POST ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A mailbox post assembly includes a lower post having an upper
surface, and an upper post having a lower surface. A flexible
member is securably interposed between the upper surface of the
lower post and lower surface of the upper post. The flexible member
is configured to allow the upper post to flex relative to the lower
post. Preferably, the flexible member is part of a flex assembly
further including a lower post mounting bracket, an upper post
mounting bracket, and a shear washer. The flex assembly is
preferably covered with a snow and ice shield.
Inventors: |
LaBrecque, JR.; Maurice J.;
(New Hartford, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCCORMICK, PAULDING & HUBER LLP
CITY PLACE II, 185 ASYLUM STREET
HARTFORD
CT
06103
US
|
Family ID: |
42736647 |
Appl. No.: |
12/405364 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
232/39 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 29/1216
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
232/39 |
International
Class: |
A47G 29/122 20060101
A47G029/122 |
Claims
1. A mailbox post assembly comprising: a lower post having an upper
surface; an upper post having a lower surface; and a flexible
member securably interposed between the upper surface of the lower
post and lower surface of the upper post, the flexible member being
configured to allow the upper post to flex relative to the lower
post.
2. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 1, further
comprising a base, and wherein the lower post is configured to be
mounted to the base.
3. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein the base
is made generally of concrete.
4. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the lower
post and the upper post each are made generally of wood.
5. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the lower
post and the upper post each include four sides.
6. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the
flexible member is made of an elastic material.
7. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the
flexible member is made of a rubberlike material.
8. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the
flexible member is made of a resilient material.
9. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the
flexible member is securably interposed by means of a fastener, the
fastener extending through the upper surface of the lower post,
through the flexible member, and through the lower surface of the
upper post.
10. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein the
fastener is a shear lag bolt.
11. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the
flexible member is part of a flex assembly, the flex assembly
further including: a lower post mounting bracket seated on the
upper surface of the lower post; the flexible member being
accommodated on the lower post mounting bracket; an upper post
mounting bracket disposed on the flexible member such that the
flexible member is interposed between the lower post mounting
bracket and the upper post mounting bracket, the upper post
mounting bracket having at least two upwardly extending sidewalls
defining holes for securing the sidewalls to the upper post; and a
shear washer mounted on the upper post mounting bracket.
12. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 11, wherein the
flex member is secured ably interposed by means of a fastener, the
fastener extending through the upper surface of the lower post,
through the lower post mounting bracket, through the flexible
member, through the upper post mounting bracket, through the shear
washer, and through the lower surface of the upper post.
13. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein the
fastener is a shear lag bolt.
14. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the
flexible member is about 3/4 inch thick, about 31/2 inches wide and
about 31/2 inches long.
15. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 11, wherein the
lower post mounting bracket includes a floor portion and two
sidewalls disposed on opposite sides of the floor plate relative to
each other, the two sidewalls extending upwardly from the floor
portion.
16. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 15, wherein the
lower post mounting bracket is about 3/32 inch thick, the floor
portion is about 31/2 inches by about 31/2 inches, and the two
sidewalls extend upwardly about 1/4 inch from the floor
portion.
17. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 11, wherein the
upper post mounting bracket includes a floor portion and two
sidewalls disposed on opposite sides of the floor plate relative to
each other, the two sidewalls extending upwardly from the floor
portion.
18. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 17, wherein the
upper post mounting bracket is about 3/32 inch thick, the floor
portion is about 31/2 inches by about 31/2 inches, and the two
sidewalls extend upwardly about 41/4 inches from the floor
portion.
19. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 11, wherein the
shear washer is generally rectangular.
20. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 19, wherein the
shear washer is about 0.187 inch thick, and has side lengths of
about 31/4 inches by about 31/2 inches.
21. A mailbox post assembly as defined in claim 1, further
comprising a shield defining a channel for receiving one or more of
the upper post and the lower post, the shield being configured for
covering the flexible member.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to mailbox posts, and more
particularly to a flex assembly for a mailbox post and mailbox post
assembly incorporating such flex assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Mailbox posts are often damaged when under structural stress
such as from, for example, the accumulation of heavy wet snow or
ice on the posts. Damage to posts can also be caused when
accidentally struck by objects such as snow plows or when
intentionally struck by vandals. Frequent replacement of the entire
posts when damaged, including removing and attaching posts to a
base, can be burdensome, time consuming, expensive and
annoying.
[0003] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a flexible mailbox post assembly that
overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In an aspect of the present invention, a mailbox post
assembly includes a lower post having an upper surface, and an
upper post having a lower surface. A flexible member is securably
interposed between the upper surface of the lower post and lower
surface of the upper post. The flexible member is configured to
allow the upper post to flex relative to the lower post.
[0005] Preferably, the flexible member is part of a flex assembly
further including a lower post mounting bracket, an upper post
mounting bracket, and a shear washer. The lower post mounting
bracket is seated on the upper surface of the lower post. The
flexible member is accommodated on the lower post mounting bracket.
An upper post mounting bracket is preferably disposed on the
flexible member such that the flexible member is interposed between
the lower post mounting bracket and the upper post mounting
bracket. The upper post mounting bracket has at least two upwardly
extending sidewalls defining holes for securing the sidewalls to
the upper post. A shear washer is mounted on the upper post
mounting bracket. The flex assembly is preferably covered with a
snow and ice shield.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible mailbox post
assembly embodying the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mailbox posts
and flex assembly of the flexible mailbox post assembly of FIG.
1.
[0008] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an upper portion of the
mailbox post assembly showing the mailbox supports and decking.
[0009] FIG. 3B is a disassembled view of the mailbox supports and
decking.
[0010] FIG. 4A is a right side view of the flexible mailbox post
assembly in a rearward flexed position.
[0011] FIG. 4B is a front view of the flexible mailbox post
assembly in a sideward flexed position.
[0012] FIG. 4C is a left side view of the flexible mailbox post
assembly in an non-flexed position.
[0013] FIG. 5A is a side view of a bottom plate mounting bracket of
the flexible mailbox post assembly in accordance with the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 5B is a top plan view of the bottom plate mounting
bracket.
[0015] FIG. 6A is a top plan view of a flexible member of the
flexible mailbox post assembly in accordance with the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 6B is a side view of the flexible member.
[0017] FIG. 7A is a top plan view of a top plate of the flexible
mailbox post assembly in a flat, preformed state in accordance with
the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7B is a side view of the top plate with its sides bent
into its operational shape.
[0019] FIG. 8A is a top plan view of a washer plate of the flexible
mailbox post assembly.
[0020] FIG. 8B is a side view of the washer plate.
[0021] FIG. 9A is a top plan view of a snow and ice shield of the
flexible mailbox post assembly in accordance with the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 9B is a side view of the snow and ice shield.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4C, a flexible mailbox post
assembly embodying the present invention is indicated generally by
the reference number 10. The flexible mailbox post assembly 10
comprises a base 12 (see FIGS. 4A through 4C), a lower post 14
mounted to the base, and an upper post 16 flexibly coupled to the
lower post 14 via a flex assembly 18. The base 12 is preferably
made generally of concrete or other solid foundation material. The
lower post 14 and the upper post 16 each preferably include four
sides and are made generally of wood, but can be made of plastic or
other suitable materials without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0024] The flex assembly 18 includes a flexible member 20
interposed between the lower post 14 and the upper post 16. The
flexible member 20 is preferably made of rubber, a rubberlike
composite or other elastic, resilient and/or flexible material.
Preferably, the flexible member 20 is about 3/4 inch thick, about
31/2 inches wide and about 31/2 inches long, but can take other
dimensions without departing from the scope of the present
invention. The flexible member 20 defines a hole in a central
portion for receiving a fastener therethrough to secure the
flexible member 20 to the lower post 14 and the upper post 16. In
an exemplary embodiment, the hole is about 0.328 inch in diameter,
but can take other practical dimensions.
[0025] As best shown in FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of the flex
assembly 18 also includes a lower post mounting bracket 22 seated
on and secured to an upper surface 24 of the lower post 14. The
flexible member 20 is accommodated on the lower post mounting
bracket 22. An upper post mounting bracket 26 for the upper post 16
is disposed on the flexible member 20 such that the flexible member
is interposed between the lower post mounting bracket 22 and the
upper post mounting bracket 26. A shear washer 28 is mounted on the
upper post mounting bracket 26. The upper post 16 is seated on the
shear washer 28 disposed within the upper post mounting bracket 26.
A fastener 30 such as a shear lag bolt extends through the upper
surface 24 of the lower post 14, the lower post mounting bracket
22, the flexible member 20, the upper post mounting bracket 26, the
shear washer 28 and through a lower surface 32 of the upper post 16
to secure the flex assembly 18 to the lower post 14 and to the
upper post 16. The upper post mounting bracket 26 is also
preferably secured to the upper post 16 by additional fasteners 34
such as self tapping screws extending through at least two
sidewalls 36 of the upper mounting bracket 26 into side surfaces 38
of the upper post 16.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the flexible mailbox post
assembly 10 preferably further includes two side supports 40 each
coupled to an opposite side of the upper post 16 relative to each
other. A mailbox decking 42 is fixedly seated on the side supports
40. A mailbox of the user's preference can then be mounted on the
mailbox decking 42.
[0027] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the flexible mailbox post
assembly 10 preferably further includes a snow and ice shield 44
configured as a sleeve to slide along the upper post 14 and the
lower post 16 into position over the flex assembly 18 to cover and
thereby protect the flex assembly from snow, ice and other causes
of possible damage otherwise resulting from exposure.
[0028] The components of the flex assembly 18 in the exemplary
embodiment will now be explained in greater detail. With reference
to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the lower post mounting bracket 22 is
preferably rectangular in a flat, preformed shape before bending it
during fabrication into its functional shape. The lower post
mounting bracket 22 defines a hole 46 in a central portion for
receiving the fastener 30 therethrough. The lower post mounting
bracket 22 preferably includes at least two sidewalls 48 extending
upwardly from opposite sides of the lower post mounting bracket 22
for receiving and properly positioning the flexible member 20
therebetween. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower post mounting
bracket 22 is fabricated from steel stock, and is about 3/32 inch
thick, and the side lengths are about 4 inches by about 31/2 inches
in a flat, preformed state. Upon forming the sidewalls in a bending
operation, the lower post mounting bracket 22 is generally square
and has side lengths of about 31/2 inches by about 31/2 inches. The
sidewalls 48 extend upwardly about 1/4 inch from a floor portion
50. The hole 46 defined in the lower post mounting bracket 22 for
receiving the fastener 30 is about 0.328 inch in diameter.
[0029] With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the flexible member 20 is
fabricated from rubber, a rubberlike composite or other elastic,
resilient and/or flexible material. The flexible member 20
preferably defines a hole 52 in a central portion for receiving the
fastener 30 therethrough. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible
member is generally square. The dimensions are about 3/4 inch
thick, and the side lengths are about 31/2 inches by about 31/2
inches. The hole 52 defined in the flexible member 20 for receiving
the fastener 30 is about 0.328 inch in diameter.
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the upper post mounting
bracket 26 is preferably rectangular in a flat, preformed shape
before bending it during fabrication into its functional shape. The
upper post mounting bracket 26 defines a hole 54 in a central
portion for receiving the fastener 30 therethrough. The upper post
mounting bracket 26 also defines a plurality of additional holes 56
on each side of the central portion for receiving the additional
fasteners 34 to attach the upper post mounting bracket 26 to the
upper post 16. As shown in FIG. 7B, the upper post mounting bracket
26 when formed into a functional shape after a bending operation
preferably includes the at least two sidewalls 36 extending
upwardly from opposite sides of a floor portion 62 of the upper
post mounting bracket 26 for receiving and properly positioning the
upper post 16 therebetween. The additional holes 56 are defined in
each of the sidewalls 36 for receiving the additional fasteners 34
therethrough. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper post mounting
bracket 26 is fabricated from steel stock about 3/32 inch thick.
The floor portion 62 is about 31/2 inches by about 31/2 inches, and
the sidewalls 36 extend upwardly about 41/4 inches from the floor
portion 62.
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the shear washer 28 is
fabricated from steel stock. The shear washer 28 preferably defines
a hole 64 in a central portion for receiving the fastener 30
therethrough. In an exemplary embodiment, the shear washer 28 is
generally rectangular. The dimensions are about 0.187 inch thick,
and the side lengths are about 31/2 inches by about 31/4 inches.
The hole 64 defined by the shear washer 28 for receiving the
fastener 30 is about 0.328 inch in diameter.
[0032] Turning now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the snow and ice shield 44
is preferably fabricated from a durable material such as plastic.
The shield 44 has an upper portion 66 having four sides 68 defining
an upper channel 70 for receiving one or more of the posts 14, 16
therethrough. The upper channel 70 is preferably dimensioned to
snugly receive the four side surfaces 38 of the posts 14, 16. In an
exemplary embodiment, the upper channel 70 is generally square with
side lengths of about 31/2 inches by about 31/2 inches. The shield
44 further includes a lower portion 74 having four sides 76
defining a lower channel 78. The four sides 76 of the lower portion
74 flair outwardly from an upper edge 80 to a lower edge 82 thereof
such that the dimensions of the lower channel 78 at the upper edge
80 are about 41/2 inches by 41/2 inches, and the dimensions of the
lower channel 78 at the lower edge 82 are about 61/4 inches by 61/4
inches. The increasing dimensions of the lower channel 78 provide
space for accommodating the flex assembly 18 therein and for
providing space to permit the upper post 16 to flex relative to the
lower post 14.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 4A through 4C, the flex assembly 18 is
configured to enable the upper post 16 and the lower post 14 to
flex relative to each other to relieve environmental stress on the
posts caused by, for example, the accumulation of heavy wet snow or
ice thereon. Providing some "give" to the posts 14, 16 prevents the
posts from snapping or otherwise being damaged by the environmental
stress. For example, the flexible member 20 composed of, for
example, a rubberlike composite material, has a resiliency which
enables it to temporarily deform its shape to enable the upper post
16 to flex relative to the lower post 14. As shown in FIG. 4A, the
flexible member 20 is configured to allow the upper post 16 to be
flexed in a frontward/rearward direction relative to the lower post
14. As shown in FIG. 4B, the flexible member 20 is also configured
to allow the upper post 16 to be flexed in a sideward direction
relative to the lower post 14. FIG. 4C shows the upper post 16 in
an non-flexed or straight line orientation relative to the lower
post 14 when environmental factors are no longer stressing the
posts.
[0034] In an extreme flexing situation, the fastener 30 of the flex
assembly 18 is preferably a shear lag bolt which is designed to
break and thereby protect the rest of the flex assembly from being
damaged. The broken shear lag bolt can then be quickly,
inexpensively and easily replaced to restore the flex assembly 18
to working condition.
[0035] In sum, the flex assembly 18 can be installed on any new or
existing standard wooden mailbox post that is mounted in a concrete
base. The flex assembly 18 provides the mailbox posts 14, 16
flexibility to withstand heavy wet snow and ice. The flex assembly
18 allows front-to-back and side-to-side flexibility and easy
installation. The flex assembly 18 requires little to no
maintenance.
[0036] As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the
pertinent art, numerous modifications and substitutions can be made
to the above-described embodiment of the present invention without
departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
preceding portion of this specification is to be taken in an
illustrative, as opposed to a limiting sense.
* * * * *