Mail alert flag

A two-part mail delivery alert flag with a spring-loaded hinge and a signal flag member having a bent tailpiece, a broad width dimension, and a narrowed distal end that is inserted between the mailbox's outside surface and the lip of its door, when the door is fully closed. After a mail carrier approaches the mailbox and opens the door, the signal flag member is immediately released and rotates into an easily visible deployed position substantially perpendicular to the mailbox's outside surface. The mail alert flag operates independently from the flag typically used on the right side of a mailbox to alert the mail carrier to the presence of outgoing mail. Further, it can be mounted in almost any top or lateral position on the outside surface of the mailbox where it would be readily visible to the person typically expected to monitor mail delivery from a remote location.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of mail indicator flags on mailboxes, specifically to a two-part mail delivery alert flag with a spring-loaded hinge and a one-piece signal flag member having a bent tailpiece, a broad width dimension relative to its overall length, and a narrowed distal end that is configured so that prior to mail delivery it can be easily tucked between the outside surface of a mailbox and the rim on the top and sides of the mailbox door that follows the contour of the generally inverted U-shape of the mailbox's outside surface. This places the flag member in an out-of-the-way position close to the outside surface of the mailbox prior to deployment. When a mail carrier approaches the mailbox and opens the door, the present invention mail flag is immediately released solely as a result of the door opening and one does not have to rely on the mail carrier to remember to deploy the present invention mail alert flag. When fully rotated into its desired position of use, the present invention signal flag is substantially perpendicular to the portion of the mailbox's outside surface to which it is attached, where it is easily visible to a remote observer since it also is oriented so that its broad width dimension is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mailbox. It operates independently from the flag typically used on the right side of a mailbox to alert a mail carrier to the presence of outgoing mail. Further, the present invention mail alert flag can be mounted in almost any top or lateral position on the outside surface of the mailbox where it would be readily visible after activation by the person typically expected to monitor mail delivery. Bright color for the present invention mail alert flag is preferred, but optional. The present invention can be manufacturer installed, or retrofitted to an existing mailbox. Since it is simple in design and construction, and has the advantages of being easily and cost-effectively constructed from readily available materials, the present invention can also be economically manufactured.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many mail arrival alert devices are known for mailboxes. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,337 to Reuter (1991) a signal flag is disclosed that is mounted on a spring activated spool rotatably secured within a housing affixed to the side of the mailbox opposed from the pick-up flag, with the signal flag held under tension in a horizontal position by a keeper mounted on the mailbox door. When a mail carrier opens the mailbox door to deposit incoming mail, the signal flag is released and immediately rotated into a vertical orientation. The Reuter invention has several disadvantages, including the limitation of mounting in only one position on the mailbox (unless modification occurs), and there is limited visibility of the signal flag from a position rearward to the mailbox (where one is often situated while awaiting mail delivery) as the signal flag does not turn flat-side-out into a position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mailbox surface. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,143,287 to Holt (1964) discloses a mailbox signal device that is limited to one position on a mailbox (unless modification occurs), and may not be visible to a person watching for mail delivery from a position rearward and to the right of the mailbox, if that happens to be the typical vantage point for a person watching for mail delivery. The Holt signal flag is mounted on the side of the mailbox opposed from the pick-up flag, in a position close to the mailbox door. In its position of non-use (prior to mail delivery), the flag extends out from the mailbox surface in a perpendicular orientation, with a small tab tucked under the closed mailbox door. When a mail carrier opens the mailbox door to deposit incoming mail, the tab holding the signal flag in its pre-delivery vertical position is released and immediately gravity causes the signal flag to rotate in a downwardly direction until it reaches a substantially horizontally extending position. Another disadvantage of the Holt signal flag is that it is visible at all times (up or down), which might be confusing to a mail carrier, particularly when the pick-up flag mounted to the other side of the mailbox is also raised, and also depending upon what direction the mail carrier uses to approach the mailbox. Further, the Holt signal flag also has the disadvantages of sticking out from the mailbox, and not laying flat against it when not in use, where it may be a source of contact injury if someone walks too close to the mailbox on that side. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 2,483,992 to Young (1948) discloses a signal attachment for rural mailboxes with an elongated metal strap on its upper side that is configured with a bend in its distal end to assist in maintaining the mailbox door in a closed position. The Young invention is secured to this strap with a channel-shaped supporting member, so that no holes are needed through the mailbox surface. Thus, the Young mail delivery signaling device has the disadvantage of only being attachable to the top of a mailbox, at the site of the needed strap. A further disadvantage is that many modern mailboxes no longer use any type of strap or bracket to assist in maintaining the door in a closed position. The Young device also has a small tab that prior to mail delivery is tucked under the edge of the mailbox door on one side of the strap, with the tab being released as a mail carrier opens the door to insert incoming mail. When the tab is thus released, a spring rotates the signal flag into a substantially upright position above the mailbox surface. In addition to its mounting limitation, other disadvantages of the Young mail delivery signal device are that the channel member that is fixed to the mailbox strap is not adjustable and does not fit on straps of differing width, it has multiple parts that are expensive to manufacture and market, and it is conspicuous even when not activated. In contrast, the present invention can be mounted on the sides or top of a mailbox in an out-of-the-way position, and according to user preference or wherever it is determined that the signal flag member would be readily visible from the remote vantage point used most often for mail delivery monitoring. For example, if the person waiting for mail delivery is typically looking at the mailbox from a kitchen window directly behind the mailbox, top mounting of the present invention might be preferred, whereas if the typical vantage point of the person waiting for mail delivery was from a study window to the left and rearward from the mailbox, left mounting of the present invention might be preferred for optimal viewing. The present invention is simple in design for economical manufacture and marketing, having only two parts, the first part being a spring-loaded hinge (any spring-loaded hinge commonly available as a hardware item can be used), and the other part being a rigid and preferably thin one-piece flag member with a broad width dimension, a narrowed distal end, and a bent tailpiece that acts as a stop and allows the flag member to achieve and maintain a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the mailbox surface adjacent to it after deployment, when its narrowed distal end is released by a mail carrier opening the mailbox door. The narrowed distal end is configured for rapid, easy, and repeated insertion between the outside surface of a mailbox and the rim on the top and sides of the mailbox door that follows the contour of the generally inverted U-shape of the mailbox's outside surface, and as a result of such insertion the present invention flag remains in an out-of-the-way and substantially non-visible position flat adjacent to the mailbox's outside surface until it is needed to provide a signal that mail delivery has occurred. No other mail alert flag is known that has exactly the same structure, functions in the same manner, has the same economical manufacture, or provides all of the advantages of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of this invention is to provide a mail delivery alert flag of simple design and cost-effective manufacture that is activated solely by release of the mailbox door. It is also an object of this invention to provide a mail delivery alert flag that can be mounted in a variety of user-selected positions on the outside surface of a mailbox for maximum visibility by a remotely located person routinely monitoring mail delivery from a typical vantage point. It is a further object of this invention to provide a mail delivery alert flag that can be attached to any mailbox with a door lip, and not just those with a top strap or bracket that assists in maintaining door closure. Another object of this invention is to provide a mail delivery alert flag with durable waterproof construction. A further object of this invention is to provide a mail delivery alert flag that does not require complex manufacturing steps and can be made from readily available materials. It is also an object of this invention to provide a mail delivery alert flag that can be mounted during mailbox manufacture, easily applied by the user to a newly purchased mailbox, or retrofitted by the user or others to an existing mailbox.

The present invention, when properly made and used, will provide a two-part mail delivery alert flag that can be mounted on the sides or top of a mailbox, wherever it would be most visible to the person typically expected to monitor mail delivery. It is simple in design for economical manufacture and marketing, having only a spring-loaded hinge as a first part (any spring-loaded hinge commonly available as a hardware item is contemplated for use), with a second part in the form of a rigid and preferably thin one-piece flag member with a broad width dimension relative to its overall length dimension, a narrowed distal end, and a bent tailpiece that acts as a stop and allows the flag to achieve and maintain a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the portion of the mailbox's outside surface adjacent to it, once the narrowed distal end is released by a mail carrier opening the mailbox door. With its broad width dimension, the present invention signal flag is easy visible when deployed, and its preferred thin configuration makes it easy to conceal prior to deployment in an out-of-the-way and substantially non-visible position adjacent to the mailbox's outside surface, where it will not injure, interfere with, or otherwise significantly impede a person's movement around the mailbox. The narrowed distal end is configured for rapid, easy, and repeated insertion between the outside surface of a mailbox and the rim on the top and sides of the mailbox door that follows the contour of the generally inverted U-shape of the mailbox's outside surface, and as a result of such insertion the present invention flag is able to remain in an out-of-the-way position adjacent to the mailbox until it is needed to provide a signal to a remote observer that mail delivery has occurred. No other mail alert flag is known that has exactly the same structure, functions in the same manner, or provides all of the advantages of the present invention.

The description herein provides preferred embodiments of the present invention but should not be construed as limiting its scope. For example, variations in the thickness dimensions of the mail alert flag and the hinge, the length and width dimensions of the mail alert flag; the length dimension of the distal end of the mail alert flag, the number of hinge mounting holes used to secure the mail alert flag to the hinge, and the type of fasteners used to secure the mail alert flag to the hinge, as well as secure the hinge to the mailbox, other than those shown and described herein, may be incorporated into the present invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than being limited to the examples given.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a two-part mail delivery alert flag2with a spring-loaded hinge16and a signal flag member10. Hinge16is not limited to the configuration shown, and in the alternative can comprise any spring-loaded hinge commonly found as a hardware item. As shown inFIG. 10, it is typically contemplated for spring-loaded hinge16to have a hinge member16athat is connected to signal flag member10, a hinge member16bthat is secured a mailbox6, a spring24, and a hinge pin18. Further, it is contemplated for signal flag member10to typically have a central portion30with a broad width dimension relative to its overall length dimension, a bent tailpiece14configured to act as a stop to achieve and maintain a deployed position of central portion30substantially perpendicular to the surface of mailbox6, and a narrowed distal end28that is configured so that prior to mail delivery it can be easily inserted between the outside surface of a mailbox6and the lip8on the top and sides of the connected mailbox door4that follows the inverted U-shape contour of the outside surface of mailbox6. If needed, distal end28can be slightly bent, or lip8stretched, or both, so that lip8is easily able to accommodate and temporarily secure distal end28prior to each repeat deployment. When a mail carrier (not shown) approaches a mailbox6having the present invention2connected to it and the mail carrier opens door4, the signal flag member10is immediately released solely as a result of the opening of door4, and rotates into a highly-visible deployed position substantially perpendicular to the portion of the outside surface of mailbox6to which it is attached. Reliance upon the mail carrier to remember to deploy signal flag member10is not required. In addition, in its deployed position the broad width dimension of signal flag member10is also substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of mailbox6for optimum visibility to the person viewing mailbox6from a remote position. The present invention mail alert flag2operates independently from the flag (not shown) typically used on the right side of a mailbox6to alert the mail carrier to the presence of outgoing mail in the box needing pick-up. The outgoing mail indicator flag can have smaller length and width dimensions than present invention2, as the mail carrier needing to view an outgoing mail indicator flag is typically within a few feet of mailbox6, whereas after its deployment present invention2is typically observed from a much greater distance. Further, the present invention mail alert flag2can be mounted in almost any top or lateral position on the outside surface of a mailbox6where it would be most readily visible from the typical vantage point of the person usually monitoring mail delivery. A bright color or colors for the present invention signal flag member10is preferred, but optional. Texture and/or designs can also be used as decorative accents, although not represented in the accompanying illustrations. Further, although a thin and flat signal flag member10is most preferred so that it can be easily concealed in an out-of-the-way position adjacent to mailbox6and not be so bulky as to restrict a person's movement around mailbox6, it is also optional for signal flag member10to have a contoured upper surface or other three-dimensional configuration.

FIGS. 1-3show the most preferred embodiment of the present invention2having its signal flag member10mounted in a first preferred position on the left side of a mailbox6.FIGS. 1 and 2show the tapered distal end28(visible inFIGS. 7-10) of signal flag member10inserted between the outside surface of mailbox6and the lip8of its door4, which places signal flag member10in an unnoticed and out-of-the-way position very close to the outside surface of mailbox6prior to mail delivery, where a remote viewer of mailbox6would not be able to easily see it. In contrast,FIG. 3shows door4in an opened position with lip8separated from mailbox6, and signal flag member10rotated into a highly-visible deployed position substantially perpendicular to the portion of mailbox6to which signal flag member10is attached. Not only is signal flag member10generally perpendicular to mailbox6in its deployed orientation, its visibility is further enhanced by its broadest width dimension being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of mailbox6.FIGS. 1 and 2further show the tailpiece14of signal flag member10in a position extending outward from and substantially perpendicular to the outside surface of mailbox6, whileFIG. 3shows tailpiece14in a substantially parallel relation to the outside surface of mailbox6where it is functioning as a stop to prevent further rotation of the deployed signal flag member10after its release and maintain the enlarged central portion30(shown inFIGS. 7-10) of signal flag member10in a highly-visible and substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the area on mailbox6where signal flag member10is securely connected. In addition,FIGS. 1 and 2show two fasteners12being used to connect one portion of spring-loaded hinge16to signal flag member10(although hinge member16ais hidden inFIGS. 1 and 2, it is shown inFIG. 7), whileFIG. 3shows two additional fasteners12being used to connect the second portion of spring-loaded hinge16(hinge member16b) to mailbox6. The number of fasteners12used is not critical, however, the number used should not be so excessive as to weaken the connection of hinge member16bto mailbox6or hinge member16ato signal flag member10, or needlessly inflate manufacturing and/or installation costs. The type of fastener12used is also not critical, although screws, pop rivets, and bolts are preferred, with the selection made according to user preference. When a screw or other fastener12used has a blunt end, the orientation of fasteners12is not a concern. However, when fasteners12have a sharp end, it is preferred for the sharp end of fasteners12connecting signal flag member10to hinge member16ato be placed on the side of signal flag member10facing mailbox6before deployment, and for the sharp end of fasteners12connecting hinge member16ato mailbox6to be placed within mailbox6. Precautions against the sharp end of a fastener12scratching or otherwise injuring a person delivering or picking up mail can include but are not limited to, placing sufficient tape or putty-like substance over the sharp end to eliminate it as a source of harm.

Similarly,FIGS. 4 and 5show the most preferred embodiment of the present invention2having its signal flag member10mounted in a second preferred location on the top of mailbox6.FIG. 4shows the tapered distal end28(shown inFIGS. 7-10) of signal flag member10inserted between the outside surface of mailbox6and the lip8of its door4, which places the thin signal flag member10in an unnoticed position and out-of-the-way position very close to the top surface of mailbox6prior to mail delivery. In contrast,FIG. 5shows door4in an opened position with lip8separated from mailbox6, and signal flag member10rotated into a highly-visible deployed position substantially perpendicular to the top of mailbox6.FIG. 4further shows the tailpiece14of signal flag member10in a position extending upward from and substantially perpendicular to the top surface of mailbox6, whileFIG. 5shows tailpiece14positioned against and substantially parallel to the top surface of mailbox6where it acts as a stop to prevent further rotation of the deployed signal flag member10after its release and maintain the enlarged central portion30(shown inFIGS. 7-10) of signal flag member10in a highly-visible and substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the top surface of mailbox6. As inFIGS. 1-3, in,FIGS. 4 and 5show signal flag member10not only being generally perpendicular to mailbox6in its deployed orientation, but also the broadest width dimension of signal flag member10being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of mailbox6for even greater visibility. In addition,FIGS. 4 and 5show a two-part spring-loaded hinge16a/16bbeing used to connect signal flag member10to mailbox6, withFIG. 5showing hinge member16bconnected to mailbox6and hinge member16bsecured to signal flag member10.

FIG. 6is a top view of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention signal flag member10in a released position independent from mailbox6that reveals the two parts16aand16bspring-loaded hinge16, which prior to deployment of signal flag member10were hidden from view.FIG. 6also reveals two mounting fasteners12connecting hinge member16bto mailbox6and one mounting fastener12securing hinge member16ato signal flag member10. Although not shown, it is contemplated for at least one additional fastener12to be positioned out of view, in alignment with and below the visible fastener12adjacent to hinge member16a.FIG. 6also shows the bent portion of signal flag member10forming tailpiece14that functions as a stop to place the fully deployed signal flag member10in a substantially perpendicular position relative to the area on the outside surface of mailbox6to which it is attached.FIG. 6also shows signal flag member10preferably having a small and uniform thickness dimension. However, a thicker signal flag member10, with or without uniform thickness dimension, may also be used, particularly where texture or other decorative accent is desired. Therefore, the relative dimensions of signal flag member10shown inFIG. 6should not be considered as limiting to the scope of present invention2. Further, as mentioned before, it is contemplated for hinge member16a/16bto comprise any spring-loaded hinge commonly available as a hardware item, and thus it is not contemplated for the configuration of hinge16a/16bto be limited to that shown inFIG. 6. Also, the number of fasteners12used to secure hinge member16ato signal flag10, or hinge member16bto mailbox6, is not critical, although a minimum of two fasteners12in each application is preferred to provide secure and long-lasting connections.

FIGS. 7-10show the most preferred embodiments of the present invention signal flag member10and the spring-loaded hinge16a/16bthat rotates signal flag member10from a first substantially unnoticed position adjacent to mailbox6into a second highly-visible deployed position substantially perpendicular to the surface of mailbox6. The appearance of the distal end28of signal flag member10varies inFIGS. 7-10, with distal end28appearing more elongated inFIGS. 8 and 9. As it is also contemplated for other configuration variations for signal flag member10to be included within the scope of the present invention, the appended claims should be consulted for the limitations attributable to signal flag member10. For example, the length and width dimensions of the central portion30and distal end28of signal flag member10are not critical, as long as they provide the amount of enhanced visibility needed by the person monitoring mail delivery from a typical vantage point. Preferably however, and for nearly all applications, it is contemplated for the maximum width dimension of central portion30to be at least half of the overall length dimension of signal flag member10.FIG. 7is rear view of the signal flag member10showing a first hinge member16aadjacent to the central portion30in a position directly opposed to distal end28. The mounting fasteners12used to fix hinge member16ato signal flag member10may preferably include bolts, pop-rivets, and/or screws, but not limited thereto. However, if the type of fasteners12used has a sharp end, it is preferred for the smoother head of each fastener12to be placed adjacent to the side of signal flag member10exposed prior to deployment. Similarly, although not shown, if the fasteners12used to secure hinge member16bto a mailbox6comprise screws, it is preferred for the smoother head of fastener12to be placed outside of mailbox6and for the excess amount of fastener12material that could become a hazard to a user be trimmed and/or covered by another material to protect the hands of mail carriers and people inserting their hands into mailbox6to retrieve mail (not shown).FIG. 7also shows hinge member16band hinge member16abeing connected to one another via a hinge pin18.FIG. 8is a front view of the most preferred embodiment of signal flag member10showing two fasteners12engaging signal flag member10between central portion30and tailpiece14, which is bent rearward to provide a rotational stop for signal flag member10when distal end28is released from its first position close to mailbox6and thereafter rotates into a highly-visible deployed position substantially perpendicular to the area on the outside surface of mailbox6to which signal flag member10is attached. Similarly,FIG. 9is also front view of signal flag member10showing two fasteners12engaging the portion of signal flag member10between central portion30and tailpiece14, with the broken lines26showing where the material of signal flag member10is preferably bent during manufacture to form the tailpiece14needed as a rotational stop. As previously mentioned, the number of fasteners12used and the configuration of signal flag member10are not limited to that shown inFIG. 9.FIG. 10is an exploded view of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the preferred configurations of signal flag member10and spring-loaded hinge16a/16bwith its spring24and hinge pin18. The separate rendering of hinge24is solely for clarity of illustration. The configuration of spring-loaded hinge16a/16binFIG. 10is different from that shown in FIGS.3and6-7, as the edges of spring-loaded hinge16a/16binFIG. 10have a flat appearance, whereas the edges of spring-loaded hinge16a/16bin FIGS.3and6-7are upturned and give spring-loaded hinge16a/16ba channeled appearance. Variations from the configurations shown inFIGS. 7-10are also contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention, including spring-loaded hinge16a/16bwhich can comprise any spring-loaded hinging means commonly available as a hardware item. Further,FIG. 10shows two fastener mounting holes20through signal flag member10, two fastener mounting holes20through hinge member16a, two fastener mounting holes20through hinge member16b, and broken lines extending through each fastener mounting hole20in signal flag member10and the corresponding fastener mounting hole20to which it is paired in hinge member16a. One should consult the appended claims to determine the scope of configuration variations that can be included within the legal definition of the present invention.

Although not limited thereto, and provided only by way of example, one preferred embodiment of signal flag member10could have an overall length dimension of approximately six inches, including the tailpiece14, with a width dimension at the broadest part of central portion30being approximately three inches. If the bent portion of signal flag member10that forms tailpiece14is approximately one-half-of-an-inch in length, the remaining length dimension of signal flag member10when it is fully deployed would be approximately five inches. Although signal flag member10should be sufficiently large for enhanced visibility by a person remotely positioned from the mailbox6to which signal flag member10is attached, and a width dimension that is at least half of its length dimension is preferred, its configuration and size are not critical as long as signal flag member10is not so large as to be readily visible by a remote viewer and provide confusion as to whether mail delivery has occurred. Also, signal flag member10may have accent markings that include patterns, texture, and/or variations in thickness dimension. Should several mailboxes6be positioned in a row, signal flag member10can be mounted on or closer to the top of mailbox6. However, for cost-efficient manufacture and use of less material, a signal flag member10having a substantially rectangular proximal end (between tailpiece14and central portion30), a tapered and arcuate distal end28, and a rounded central portion30is preferred. A rounded central portion30is also preferred so that no sharp corners are present should signal flag member10be inadvertently released, or when signal flag member10is laid flat in a position close to the outer surface of mailbox6prior to the closing of door4over the open end of mailbox6, with narrowed distal end28positioned between mailbox6and the lip8of door4. Although not limited thereto, in the example identified above, it is contemplated for the substantially rectangular proximal end between tailpiece14and central portion30to have length and width dimensions respectively of approximately one-and-one-half inches and one inch, a central portion30having a length dimension of approximately four inches, and distal end28having a length dimension of approximately one inch. Further, as shown inFIG. 10but not limited thereto, in the example identified above, it is preferred for two hinge mounting holes20configured for engaging fasteners12to be present in signal flag member10and extend in a substantially linear arrangement toward tailpiece14. The type of fastener12used to connect spring-loaded hinge member16aand signal flag member10, or connect spring-loaded hinge member16band mailbox6, is not critical as long as a secure, weather-proof, and long-lasting connection is made. Further, while signal flag member10can be made from any rigid material capable of resisting weathering elements, such as but not limited to aluminum, plastic, or tin, a brightly colored or otherwise easily visible surface decoration is preferred for maximum visibility and effective mail delivery notification. If plastic material is used, it should have UV-resistance capability. In addition, although it is contemplated for the material used for flag member10to be rigid, as needed to fit between the lip of door4and mailbox6it is contemplated for the distal end28of flag member10to be angled or bent, if needed for a best fit. The lip8on door4can also be bent outwardly or otherwise slightly stretched so as to fit snugly over distal end28.