Abstract:
A mailbox multi-position support system for efficiently providing easy and safe access to mailboxes. The mailbox multi-position support system generally includes a first support member attached to a mailbox post, a rotating member rotatably attached to a first upper horizontal surface of the first support member and a second support member attached to a second upper horizontal surface of the rotating member, wherein a third upper horizontal surface of the second support member attaches to a mailbox, wherein the mailbox rotates about the first support member via the rotating member.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Not applicable to this application. 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable to this application. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to mailboxes and more specifically it relates to a mailbox multi-position support system for efficiently providing easy and safe access to mailboxes. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
   Mailboxes have been in use for years. Typically, mailboxes consist of a box or container like device mounted on a post. Previous mailboxes are mounted in a fixed position and generally include a front access in which mail may be inserted or removed from the mailbox. Generally the front opening in the mailbox allows for easy insertion of mail into the mailbox by the mailman because the front opening is generally facing the roadway. 
   It can be dangerous and difficult for many residents to retrieve their mail from the front of the mailbox. The resident must stand in the way or park their vehicle in the way of oncoming traffic in order to retrieve their mail. Retrieving mail can be exceptionally dangerous for mailboxes along the sides of busy highways or any busy roadway. 
   Attempts have been made to develop a mailbox in which the user may gain access to their mail without being in front of the mailbox. These designs have generally been complicated to use and/or install which has made them more of a hassle than a benefit. Because of the general lack of efficiency and practicality in the prior art there is the need for a new and improved rotatable mailbox for efficiently providing easy and safe access to mailboxes. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a mailbox multi-position support system that has many of the advantages of the mailboxes mentioned heretofore. The invention generally relates to mailboxes which includes a first support member attached to a mailbox post, a rotating member rotatably attached to a first upper horizontal surface of the first support member and a second support member attached to a second upper horizontal surface of the rotating member, wherein a third upper horizontal surface of the second support member attaches to a mailbox, wherein the mailbox rotates about the first support member via the rotating member. 
   There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
   In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
   An object is to provide a mailbox multi-position support system for efficiently providing easy and safe access to mailboxes. 
   Another object is to provide a mailbox multi-position support system that is rotatable to a plurality of various positions. 
   An additional object is to provide a mailbox multi-position support system that is easily operated. 
   A further object is to provide a mailbox multi-position support system that may be installed to an existing mailbox structure. 
   Another object is to provide a mailbox multi-position support system that is economically priced. 
   Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of the present invention in a first position. 
       FIG. 2  is an upper perspective view of the present invention in a second position. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the present invention in a first position. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the present invention being rotated. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the present invention in a second position. 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded upper perspective view of an alternate configuration of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   A. Overview 
   Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 7  illustrate a mailbox multi-position support system  10 , which comprises a first support member  30  attached to a mailbox post  20 , a rotating member  40  rotatably attached to a first upper horizontal surface of the first support member  30  and a second support member  50  attached to a second upper horizontal surface of the rotating member  40 , wherein a third upper horizontal surface of the second support member  50  attaches to a mailbox  60 , wherein the mailbox  60  rotates about the first support member  30  via the rotating member  40 . 
   B. First Support Member 
   The first support member  30  is preferably comprised of a rectangular shaped configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The first support member  30  is also preferably substantially similar in size and shape to the base of the mailbox  60  utilized with the mailbox multi-position support system  10 . The first support member  30  is also preferably comprised of a strong and weatherproof material, such as but not limited to wood, plastic or metal. 
   The four outer corners of the support member are preferably comprised of a rounded or slanted configuration as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . The configuration of the four outer corners to be rounded or slanted is preferably so the first support member  30  does not get in the way of a person or object while rotating the mailbox multi-position support system  10 . 
   The first support member  30  preferably includes a plurality of first mounting apertures  31 . The first mounting apertures  31  are preferably positioned on the longitudinal outer ends of the first support member  30 . The first mounting apertures  31  also preferably extend vertically through the first support member  30  and are countersunk to flushably receive a first fastener  39  as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6 . 
   The first fastener  39  preferably extends through the first support member  30  and attaches the first support member  30  to a mounting member  22  of a mailbox post  20  as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6 . The mounting member  22  of the mailbox post  20  may be comprised of various configurations all which are capable of supporting the first support member  30  upon the mailbox post  20 . The mailbox post  20  is also preferably comprised of a standard mailbox post  20  configuration. The first fastener  39  is preferably comprised of a screw, bolt or nail configuration. 
   The first support member  30  also preferably includes a channel member  36  positioned within the first support member  30 . The channel member  36  is preferably comprised of a tubular configuration. The channel member  36  is preferably positioned substantially offset from a concentric origin of the first support member  30  or within a radius of the rotating member  40  with respect to a first pivot aperture  33  as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 6 . The channel member  36  preferably includes a locking member  37  and a spring  38  positioned within the channel member  36 . 
   The spring  38  is preferably positioned within a lower end of the channel member  36 . The locking member  37  is preferably positioned upon or attached to an upper end of the spring  38 . The locking member  37  is further preferably positionable within the channel member  36 . The locking member  37  is preferably comprised of a ball bearing configuration; however it is appreciated that the locking member  37  may be comprised of a plurality of configurations all which may be positioned within the channel member  36 . The locking member  37  and spring  38  are further preferably comprised of a standard spring plunger configuration as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 through 6 . 
   When the spring  38  is in a relaxed or extended position the spring  38  preferably forces the locking member  37  above an upper horizontal surface of the first support member  30  as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . When the spring  38  is in a compressed position the locking member  37  is preferably positioned below or flush with the upper horizontal surface of the first support member  30  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
   The first support member  30  also preferably includes the first pivot aperture  33 . The first pivot aperture  33  preferably extends vertically through the first support member  30 . The first pivot aperture  33  is preferably positioned substantially near a concentric origin of the first support member  30  as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 6 . The first pivot aperture  33  preferably receives a second fastener  58 . The second fastener  58  preferably secures the first support member  30 , rotating member  40  and second support member  50  together. The second fastener  58  is preferably comprised of a bolt configuration. A receiving member  59  attached to the second fastener  58  is preferably comprised of a nut configuration. 
   The first pivot aperture  33  preferably includes a first recessed portion  34  extending upward from a lower horizontal surface of the first support member  30 . The first pivot aperture  33  serves as a pivot point for the mailbox  60  upon the mailbox multi-position support system  10 . It is appreciated that the first pivot aperture  33  and thus pivot point may be positioned at various places upon the first support member  30 . 
   A first height of the first recessed portion  34  is preferably substantially similar or slightly greater than a second height of the receiving member  59  so the first support member  30  may be positioned flush upon the mounting member  22  of the mailbox post  20  as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 through 6 . The first height of the first recessed portion  34  is also preferably greater than an extended portion of the second fastener  58  through the first pivot aperture  33 . It is also appreciated that the second fastener  58  may attach directly to the first support member  30  rather than utilizing the receiving member  59 . 
   In an alternate configuration of the mailbox multi-position support system  10  the channel member  36 , the locking member  37  and the spring  38  are preferably omitted from the first support member  30  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The alternate configuration of the mailbox multi-position support system  10  is meant to provide a cheaper alternative mailbox multi-position support system  10 . 
   C. Rotating Member 
   The rotating member  40  is preferably comprised of a circular configuration; however other configurations may be utilized with the rotating member  40 , such as but not limited to rectangular or triangular. The rotating member  40  is also preferably comprised of a strong and weatherproof material, such as but not limited to wood, plastic or metal. The rotating member  40  is preferably positioned upon the upper horizontal surface of the first support member  30 . A first diameter of the rotating member  40  is also preferably substantially similar or smaller than a first width of the first support member  30  so the rotating member  40  does not protrude from the outer edges of the first support member  30 . 
   The rotating member  40  preferably includes a plurality of locking apertures  42 . The locking apertures  42  are preferably radially spaced apart from one another. The locking apertures  42  further are preferably spaced 90 degrees from one another, wherein the locking apertures  42  are preferably spaced at 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees and 360 degrees upon the rotating member  40  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . It is appreciated however that the locking apertures  42  may be radially positioned at various places upon the rotating member  40  rather than the preferred embodiment. 
   The locking apertures  42  also preferably extend vertically through the rotating member  40 . At least one of the locking apertures  42  is preferably positioned over the locking member  37  when the rotating member  40  is positioned upon the first support member  30  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . A first width of the locking apertures  42  is preferably substantially similar or slightly greater to a second width of the locking member  37  so as to securely receive the locking member  37  within the locking aperture  42 . 
   The locking apertures  42  are also preferably comprised of elongated slot configuration so as to allow ample room for receiving the locking member  37 . When the locking member  37  is positioned within the locking apertures  42 , the mailbox  60  is preferably secured in place and prevented from rotating. The locking member  37  may be forced downward within the channel member  36  by applying a firm rotational force upon the mailbox  60 , wherein the locking member  37  is forced below the locking aperture  42  by compression of the spring  38 . 
   The rotating member  40  also preferably includes the second pivot aperture  44 . The second pivot aperture  44  preferably extends vertically through the rotating member  40 . The second pivot aperture  44  is preferably positioned substantially near a concentric origin of the rotating member  40  as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 6 . The second pivot aperture  44  preferably receives the second fastener  58 . The second fastener  58  preferably secures the first support member  30 , rotating member  40  and second support member  50  together. The second pivot aperture  44  is further preferably positioned directly above the first pivot aperture  33  of the first support member  30 . The second pivot aperture  44  is also able to rotate about the second fastener  58  when the second fastener  58  is positioned within the second pivot aperture  44 . 
   The rotating member  40  also preferably includes a first connecting aperture  48 . The first connecting aperture  48  preferably extends downward from an upper horizontal surface of the rotating member  40 . The first connecting aperture  48  preferably securely receives a securing member  55 . The securing member  55  is preferably comprised of a pin configuration as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
   In the alternate configuration of the mailbox multi-position support system  10  the locking apertures  42  are preferably omitted from the rotating member  40  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The alternate configuration of the mailbox multi-position support system  10  is meant to provide a cheaper alternative mailbox multi-position support system  10 . 
   D. Second Support Member 
   The second support member  50  is preferably comprised of a rectangular shaped configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The second support member  50  is also preferably substantially similar in size and shape to the base of the mailbox  60  utilized with the mailbox multi-position support system  10 . The second support member  50  further preferably fits within a recessed portion of the base of the mailbox  60 . The second support member  50  is also preferably comprised of a strong and weatherproof material, such as but not limited to wood, plastic or metal. 
   The second support member  50  also preferably includes a third pivot aperture  52 . The third pivot aperture  52  preferably extends vertically through the second support member  50 . The third pivot aperture  52  is preferably positioned substantially near a concentric origin of the second support member  50  as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 6 . The third pivot aperture  52  preferably receives the second fastener  58 ; wherein the second fastener  58  preferably secures the second support member  50 , rotating member  40  and second support member  50  together. 
   The third pivot aperture  52  preferably includes a second recessed portion  53  extending downward from an upper horizontal surface of the second support member  50 . The third pivot aperture  52  serves as a pivot point for the mailbox  60  upon the mailbox multi-position support system  10 . It is appreciated that the third pivot aperture  52  and thus pivot point may be positioned at various places upon the second support member  50  all which align with the second pivot aperture  44  of the rotating member  40  and the first pivot aperture  33  of the first support member  30 . 
   A third height of the second recessed portion  53  is preferably substantially similar or slightly greater to a fourth height of the head of the second fastener  58  so the mailbox  60  may be positioned flush upon the second support member  50  as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 through 6 . The second fastener  58  is preferably comprised of a length substantially similar to the total height of the first support member  30 , rotating member  40  and second support member  50 . The second fastener  58  extends through the third pivot aperture  52 , second pivot aperture  44  and first pivot aperture  33 , wherein the receiving member  59  is preferably threadably attached to the second fastener  58  within the first recessed portion  34  of the first support member  30  as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 through 6 . 
   The second support member  50  also preferably includes a second connecting aperture  56 . The second connecting aperture  56  preferably extends upward from a lower horizontal surface of the second support member  50 . The second connecting aperture  56  preferably securely receives the securing member  55 . The securing member  55  is thus secured within the second connecting aperture  56  of the second support member  50  and first connecting aperture  48  of the rotating member  40  thus preventing the second support member  50  from rotating without rotating the rotating member  40 . 
   E. Mailbox 
   The mailbox  60  is preferably comprised of a standard mailbox  60 . The mailbox  60  is further preferably comprised of an A-style mailbox, wherein the mailbox  60  includes a recessed base portion and a plurality of second mounting apertures  61 . The second mounting apertures  61  are preferably positioned at a lower end of the mailbox  60  on the outside of the recessed base portion as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6 . 
   The second support member  50  is preferably received by the recessed base portion. The second support member  50  is also preferably secured within the recessed base portion of the mailbox  60  by a plurality of third fasteners  63  extending through the second mounting apertures  61  and into the sides of the second support member  50  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 6 . 
   F. In Use 
   In use, the mailbox  60  may be easily mounted to an existing mailbox post  20  and mailbox  60  configuration by first removing the third fasteners  63  from the mailbox  60  system thus removing the mailbox  60  from the mailbox post  20  and mounting member  22 . The assembled first support member  30 , rotating member  40  and second support member  50  are then attached to the mounting member  22  via the first fasteners  39  attaching the first support member  30  to the mounting member  22 . 
   The mailbox  60  may now be positioned upon the second support member  50  and secured to the second support member  50  via the third fasteners  63 . The mailbox  60  may now be rotated to the desired position. The mailbox  60  automatically locks at every 90, 180, 270 and 360 degree rotational position. To alter the orientation of the mailbox  60  a firm rotational force is simply applied to the side of the mailbox  60  which subsequently forces the locking member  37  below the corresponding locking aperture  42  and allowing the rotating member  40 , second support member  50  and mailbox  60  to rotate about the first support member  30  and mailbox post  20 . 
   What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is intended to be defined by the following claims (and their equivalents) in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.