Patent ID: 7178716
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: A47G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A multiunit mailbox comprising: a housing having a front opening, a first side wall and a second side wall; a first main door extending vertically along the front opening and rotatably mounted to the first side wall; a second main door extending vertically along the front opening and rotatably mounted to the second side wall; a cover plate integral with the second main door, extending vertically along the second main door and extending horizontally a length sufficient to overlay a portion of the first main door; a channel mounted in the housing extending vertically along the front opening and having a substantially planar front wall penetrated by at least one latch port adapted to admit a latch arm; at least one side panel affixed to said channel, extending substantially perpendicular to said front wall and not intersecting the plane of said front wall; at least one guide affixed to said channel; at least one latch bolt defining a longitudinal axis slidingly retained by said guide; said latch bolt having a first end portion including a cam surface; said latch bolt biased by a spring to position said first end portion in substantial alignment with said latch port; said latch arm movable relative to said channel; said latch arm movable to sequentially enter said latch port and to then slidingly contact said cam surface to urge said latch bolt to slide along said guide to deform said spring; a latch arm aperture formed in said latch arm, having a central axis and adapted to receive and releasably retain said first end portion; said latch arm aperture and said latch bolt disposed to substantially achieve coaxial alignment upon insertion of said latch arm a predetermined distance through said latch port resulting in said spring urging said first end portion to enter and be retained in said latch arm aperture until released; a handle affixed to said latch bolt extending from said latch bolt in a direction substantially parallel with said side panel; a handle opening formed in said side panel adjacent said handle to provide access for operation of said handle; and said handle operative to slide said latch bolt along said guide to withdraw said first end portion from said latch arm aperture to disengage said latch bolt from said latch arm and to allow said latch arm to be removed from said latch port.