Abstract:
The invention features a mail indication device for determining whether the daily mail postal person has deposited mail in a rural or suburban mailbox. The mailbox indicator features a signal indicator composed of a dense material, a linking tether, and an attachment assembly mounted near or to the mailbox door.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/824,358, filed Sep. 1, 2006. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     RESERVATION OF RIGHTS 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to intellectual property rights such as but not limited to copyright, trademark, and/or trade dress protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention pertains to improvements in mailboxes, and more particularly to an improved mail indicator that notifies the mail recipient when the daily mail has been delivered and deposited into a mailbox. 
     2. Description of the Known Art 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various mail or packages have been utilized to notify individuals that mail or packages have been delivered to a mail receptacle. Patents disclosing information relevant to alter devices include U.S. Pat. No. 627,635, issued to Bates on Jun. 27, 1899; U.S. Pat. No. 3,648,924, issued to Burns on Mar. 14, 1972; U.S. Pat. No. 3,589,329, issued to Schuh on Jun. 29, 1971; U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,812, issued to Malik on Feb. 1, 1977; U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,268, issued to Faulkingham on Jan. 1, 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,337, issued to Reuter on Dec. 31, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,206, issued to Waycasy on Jan. 9, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,401, issued to Thill on Oct. 15, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,357, issued to Rundell on Jun. 10, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,337, issued to Woelfel on Dec. 9, 2003. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 627,635 issued to Bates on Jun. 27, 1899 entitled Postal Box Signal, teaches a mailbox having one or more signals connected with the box and a means for displaying the signal by the act of introducing postal matter into the box, so that it can be seen from a distance whether there is anything in the box to be collected, and in the same manner a signal is displayed to indicate to those using the box whether any mail-matter has been placed in the box for them by the carrier. However the flag system as described may cause confusion over the meaning of the flag signals. A viewer must still determine, if one flag is standing, if mail has been delivered by a postal service person or remains to be retrieved. The invention differentiates the signals by color, but at a distance, such distinguishing features can be difficult to discern. In addition, the device utilizes a complicated lever system which impairs to ease of installation within existing mail boxes. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,648,924 issued to Burns, on Mar. 14, 1972, entitled Mailbox Signal, teaches a signal device for a mailbox including a rod pivotally mounted to the mailbox at one end and supported at its forward end portion by the mailbox door in closed position, a visual signal element supported on the rod and adapted to be rotated by cooperating cam means, when the door is opened, to a depending position more visible to an observer to the rear of the mailbox. The signal device indicates the delivery of mail by falling to the depending position by rotating downwardly about a journal pin when the mailbox door is opened. However, the signal flag placed along the pivoting rod is not always visible from a distance as its connection to the rod allows the signal flag to rotate about the pivoting rod to an obscuring orientation. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,589,329 issued to Schuh on Jun. 29, 1971 entitled Signal for Mailboxes, teaches a signal attachment for a mailbox having a hinged door, comprising a lever arm adapted to be pivotally mounted at one end to the base portion of a standard type mailbox and carrying at its other end an angularly bent signal plate, in combination with a chain connected to the mailbox door at a position offset from the door hinge axis. The signal arm is adapted to be manually set in inconspicuous position alongside the base of the mailbox, and the parts are so arranged that when the mailman opens the door to deposit mail in the box, the signal arm is pulled upwardly into an upstanding attitude, whereby the signal plate portion thereof is erected into prominently displayed position. The device does not contemplate the possibility of linkage entanglement, kinking, and linkage failure of the chaining mechanism, all of which would lead to failure of the device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,812, issued to Malik on Feb. 1, 1977 entitled Mailbox Having Dual Access Closures and Signal Means teaches dual-door mail box having a hinged closure which operates a signal device which is pivoted on the side of the mailbox so as to be elevated by the opening of the entry or deposit end of the box and to be lowered upon the opening of the exit or removal end of the mailbox. The entry closure operates a spring mounted rod to lift the signal device and the exit closure operates a small chain to drop the signal device back to its normal lowered position. The device does not contemplate the possibility of linkage entanglement, kinking, and linkage failure of the chaining mechanism, all of which would lead to failure of the device. Further, the device utilizes a dual-door mail box, not commonly used. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,268 issued to Faulkingham on Jan. 1, 1985 entitled Mailbox Delivery Signal Device teaches a rural mailbox signaling device actuated by opening of the mailbox door. A brightly colored signal rod is pivotally mounted along the top surface of the mailbox and biased in an upright position by a spring. A locking pin is pivoted at the distal end of the signal rod and is swung to a right angle position when setting the device. The door is closed and the signal rod forced against the spring to a horizontal position. The locking pin is swung to a coaxial extended position engaging a hook member attached to the door latch which holds the signal rod horizontal. When the mailman opens the door to deposit mail, the signal rod is released and flips to the upright position. The device is limited in its teachings as the signal rod extends vertically only when deployed, providing a limited surface facet for viewing by a mail recipient. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,337 issued to Reuter on Dec. 31, 1991 for a Mail Alert for Mailbox teaches a simplified attachment for a mailbox which alerts the mailbox addressee that mail has been delivered. The attachment includes a signal flag mounted on a spring activated spool rotatably secured within a housing affixed to the side of the mailbox. When the mailbox door is closed, the upper end of the signal flag is held under tension in a horizontal position by a keeper mounted on the door of the mailbox. When the mailbox door is opened, the signal flag is released from its horizontal position and, powered by the spring, rises to a vertical position above the mailbox to alert the addressee that the mail has arrived. This device is limited in its efficiency as an alter system as it can be confused with the pop-up flag for posted mail. Additionally, the device requires a bolt mounting for both housing and pole keeper of the signed device. The mounting of the assembly affects the integrity of the mail box by receptacle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,206 issued on Jan. 9, 1996 to Waycasy entitled Automatic Mail Delivery Signaling Device teaches a signaling device that is constructed and adapted for easy installation to residential street mailboxes. The unit is triggered by opening the mailbox door, yet there are no attachments, hardware, holes or connections to the mailbox door. The unit operates automatically when the mail box door is opened, yet there are no batteries, motors, springs, clips or power devices. The user sees only a plastic housing and a flag that operates as a signaling device. The device is limited in that it requires a bolt mounting for the device to the exterior of the mail box. The mounting of the device affects the integrity of the mail box receptacle and additionally requires tools for the mounting. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,401 issued on Oct. 15, 1999 to Thill entitled Mail Box Indicator System teaches a mail box indicator system which includes a flag post having a flag attached to the post by a removable collar. The post is further attached to an elbow member by a coil. The elbow member is attachable to wall of a mail box. The coil urges the post into a substantially vertical position. A retention assembly is provided for holding the post in a substantially horizontal orientation when in a set position. The retention assembly is attached to the door of the mail box such that the post disengages the retention assembly when the mail box door is opened. In an alternate embodiment, the mail box indicating system includes a spacer to selectively position the post retention assembly in spaced relationship to the mail box door such that a mail box protrusion proximate the mail box door does not interfere with engagement of the post to the post retention assembly. The elbow member is attachable to the mail box using a bolt and nut holding a pair of rubber washers around a wall of the mail box. Preferably, a pair of metal washers are positioned around the rubber washers. This device is limited in its efficiency as an alert system as it can be confused with the pop-up flag for posted mail. Additionally, the device requires a bolt mounting at the signal device. The mounting of the assembly affects the integrity of the mail box receptacle and additionally requires tools for the mounting. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,357 issued on Jun. 10, 2003 for Rundell entitled Rural Mailbox Flags teaches the rural mailbox having a rigid flag that is raised by a Post Office patron to indicate that there is outgoing mail in the mailbox. The mail carrier lowers the rigid flag when outgoing mail is removed from the mailbox. Opening the mailbox lid to place incoming mail in the box releases a flexible flag pole to raise a flag that indicates the mailbox has been serviced by the mail carrier. Following removal of incoming mail from the mailbox, the mailbox lid is closed and the flag shaft tip is inserted into the flag shaft tip holder plate to indicate any incoming mail in the mailbox has been removed. This device is limited in its efficiency as an alert system as it can be confused with the pop-up flag for posted mail. Additionally, the device requires a bolt mounting at the signal device. The mounting of the assembly affects the integrity of the mail box receptacle and additionally requires tools for the mounting. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,337 issued to Woelfel on Dec. 9, 2003 entitled Universal Mailbox Flip-flag Indicator teaches a universal mailbox signal device to visually indicate mail is delivered. A detachable component is comprised of a wide flag element attached to a flat resilient nylon stem. Upon installation in a mailbox, the straight stem is bent and shaped as needed to conform to one of the many mailbox configurations available. The stem can also then be twisted to adjust the flag in a desired viewable direction. The other end of the stem will slide into a channel in an adhesively mounted base-plate on the inside of the mailbox door. The stem/flag assembly may be removed when absent to prevent an activated, non-attended flag posing a possible security problem. When mail is deposited the flag flips into view and is held firmly at the pre-adjusted viewing angle by the closed door. When mail is retrieved one hand is used to tuck in the flag and close the mailbox door. A detachable flag is disposed in the mailbox door. The detachable flag flips into view, when mail is delivered. However, the stiff, resilient stem utilized to maintain the flag in the upright position requires agile hands to reposition and refold the flag. 
     Some of the many drawbacks of mail indicators discussed above include complexity of the signal flag, interference for the mail postal person, mechanical unreliability of the signal flag, need for complex installation, loss of weather integrity of the mail box and signal flag positioning which limits a viewer&#39;s ability to identify when the signal flag has been deployed. 
     It is evident from the past applications that an improved mail indication device for a mail box is needed. One of the most ubiquitous activities in every day life is the delivery and retrieval of the daily mail. Most individuals look forward to receiving their daily mail, often eagerly awaiting the arrival of the mail postal person. In rural areas, the mailbox often stands along the roadway, adjacent the homeowner&#39;s property. The mailbox is usually fitted with a flag to indicate to the postal person that there are posted letters inside the box. The flag is raised above the box when the homeowner deposits the posted mail for pick-up. Upon retrieving the posted letters the postal person pushes the flag back to its neutral, horizontal position. This indicates to the homeowner that the posted letters have been taken from the box and that newly arrived mail may be present. 
     However, on those occasions where the mail recipient has no letters to post, the arrival of the daily mail is non-indicated. Unless the property owner actually catches the exact moment of arrival of the postal person, there is absolutely no way to determine that new mail has arrived. Additionally, on the days in which the postal person does not have mail to deliver, the property owner is not notified unless he actually glimpses the actions of the postal person. 
     Thus, it may be seen that these prior art patents are very limited in their teaching and utilization, and an improved mail indication system is needed to overcome these limitations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention features a mailbox indicator for determining when the daily mail postal person has deposited mail in a rural or suburban mailbox. The mailbox indicator features a weighted flag, which is attached to the mailbox door in proximity to the door hinge. The flag is placed so it will be held by the closed mailbox door against the mailbox, to a free dangling position upon the unlatching of a mailbox door. Visual presence of the dangling, brightly colored flag indicates that the daily mail has been delivered. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved mail indicator. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a mail indicator that is easy to use. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a mail indictor which is easily reset. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a mail indicator that will not interfere with the mail postal person. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a mail indicator that works in conjunction with the actions of the mail postal person. 
     Further, it is an object of this invention to provide a mail indicator that will maintain the weather integrity of the mailbox. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a mail indicator which is completely weather proof. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a mail indicator that has minimal moving or working parts. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mail indicator that is easy to install without tools. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mail indicator that is low in cost. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a mail indicator that is mechanically reliable. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a mail indication system which may be installed upon a user-determined area of the mailbox to allow a user to determine the best visibility position available for the signal flag. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent by reviewing the following detailed description of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
         FIG. 1  is a left isometric view of my improved mail indications system deployed within a mailbox in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a left isometric view of the same deployed outside a mailbox in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of my improved mail indication system; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of another embodiment of my improved mail indication system; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the signal indicator of my improved mail indication system, the top plan view being a mirror image of the bottom plan view; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the attachment assembly of my improved mail indication system; 
         FIG. 7  is a left side elevational view of the same, the left side elevational view being a mirror image of the right side elevational view; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the same; 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the same; 
         FIG. 10  is a front side elevational view of the same, the front side elevational view being a mirror image of the back side elevational view. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Generally speaking, the invention is directed to a mail indicating device  15  for determining whether the daily mail has arrived. The mail indicating device  15  includes a signal indicator  14 , an attachment assembly  12 , and a linking tether  13  connecting the signal indicator  14  to the attachment assembly  12 . The signal indicator  14  is held wedged against the mailbox  10  and the movable opening  11  of the mailbox. Opening of the movable opening  11  for delivery of mail causes the signal indicator  14  to drop to an observable position below the mailbox, thus indicating that mail has been delivered. Upon retrieval of mail, the indicating device  15  is reset. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 1 , the mail indicating device  15  is shown in a first operative position with the signal indicator  14  held against the mailbox  10 . The mailbox  10  as shown includes an exterior shell  20  having a bottom  21 , a curved top side  22  extending from the left side  23  of the bottom  21  to the right side  24  of the bottom, a movable opening  11 , and a back wall  25 . The movable opening  11  of the mailbox  10  is embodied in  FIG. 1  as the mailbox door. As shown, the attachment assembly  12  is mounted upon the movable opening  11  of the mailbox. In this manner, the movement of the movable opening  11  motivates the wedged signal indicator, thus repositioning the signal indicator  14  linked to the attachment assembly  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the mail indicating device  15  is illustrated in a second operative position. The movable opening  11 , having been opened for deposit of mail, has released the signal indicator  14 , which drops below the mailbox  10 , and hangs by the linking tether  13 . 
       FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  illustrate two embodiments of the present invention, each having a different configuration of the linking tether  13  for its attachment to the attachment assembly  12  and the signal indicator  14 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the linking tether  13  may utilize a slip knot  30  for the connection to the attachment assembly  12  and utilize an overhand knot  33  proximate to the signal indicator  14 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the linking tether  13  may loop around a portion of the attachment assembly  12  for the connection to the attachment assembly  12  and loop through a portion of the signal indicator  14 . 
     The linking tether  13  as shown is adapted to secure the attachment assembly  12  and the signal indicator  14 . In the preferred embodiment, the linking tether is composed of a weather-resistant synthetic polymer, such as a plastic or nylon. The linking tether  13  must withstand deformation from repeated use and weather exposure to maintain the integrity of the invention. Additionally, the tether  13  must be durable to withstand the actions of deployment of the device, such as the closing of the movable opening  11  on the tether  13 . Further, the linking tether  13  must be sufficiently pliant to allow for repeated repositioning of the mail indication device against the mailbox  10 . The attachment assembly  12  is self-adhesive; in this manner, users who may have difficulty grasping objects may be attach the indicating device  15  with a minimum of difficulty. The linking tether  13  must consist of an appropriate length of material to allow for the proper positioning of the signal indicator  14  when deployed. The signal indicator  14  must be positioned distally from the mailbox  10  so as to allow an observer to see the signal indicator without obstruction by the mailbox  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the signal tether would have a length between one and six inches. However, some users may find that a longer tether  13  positions the signal indicator  14  in a more appropriate position for viewing. This positioning may be to avoid shrubbery, landscape features, or other obstructive elements. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the signal indicator  14  removed from the linking tether  13  and the attachment assembly  12 . The signal indicator  14  has a tether recess  51  for securing the linking tether  13  to the signal indicator  14 . The tether recess  51  may include a hole drilled through the signal indicator or other similar divots which would allow for the connection of the linking tether  13 . The signal indicator is composed of a gravitationally dense non-metallic material, preferably a heavy plastic, to provide the signal indicator  14  with the weight necessary to fall beneath the mailbox  10  when the movable opening  11  is motivated. The dense non-metallic aspect of the signal indicator  14  is important to the invention for many reasons. Without the weight of the signal indicator  14 , the signal indicator  14  may not fall beneath the mailbox  10  after the motivation of the movable opening  11 . This would impair the functioning of the device and prevent a user from adequately recognizing mail delivery. Additionally, the dense non-metallic material of the signal indicator  14  prevents the signal indicator  14  from disruption caused by the elements. Many of the signal indicators shown in previous inventions have utilized light-weight metallic material which may be damaged by the elements or blown in the wind, causing the mail indication device to wrap around elements of the mailbox, surrounding plants, or other nearby items. The dense material of the present invention allows the signal indicator  14  to withstand many of these forces, thus providing a mail indication device which will not become tangled with nearby items. In a preferred embodiment, the signal indicator  14  is composed of a material having a density between 1.25 g/cc to 1.45 .g/cc. The density of the signal indicator  14  also motivates the signal indicator  14  to a downward position below the mailbox  10  when deployed. This positioning benefits the observer of the device as it deploys in a substantially consistent location below the mailbox  10  in contrast to other mail indication devices which deploy upwards creating confusion between the standard mail flag and the mail indication device. Further, the dense material helps the signal indicator  14  to withstand deformation from the weather and from repeated use. Mail indication devices are under a constant barrage of wind, water, and cold. The dense plastic material of the signal indicator  14  enables the device to withstand rust, wrinkling, and other shape-modifying afflictions. 
     The signal indicator  14  material may further be modified to provide a visual element such as a colorful indication to an observer. In some areas, certain colors may blend too closely with the surrounding environment. Therefore, there is a need to provide contrasting colors for the signal indicator  14  to allow an observer to appropriately judge whether the device has been deployed. Further, the signal indicator  14  may utilize other designs more visually pleasing to the user. 
       FIG. 7  through  FIG. 10  show various views of the attachment assembly  12 . The attachment assembly is generally composed of a tether anchor  71  and a securing element  72  for attachment to the mailbox  10 . The securing element  72  is located upon the base  78  of the tether anchor  71 . In another embodiment, the securing element  72  may run through the width  79  of the tether anchor  71 . The securing element  72  may include a fastener or, as in the preferred embodiment, an adhesive pad  73 . The adhesive pad  73  has the benefit of providing attachment to the mailbox  10  without the use of tools or without comprising the weather integrity of the mailbox. The tether anchor  71  as shown includes a face  79 , two parallel extensions  74 ,  75  running along the length  76  of the attachment assembly, and a connection extension  77  connecting the two parallel extensions  74 ,  75 . The connection extension  77  does not connect to the face  79  of the tether anchor  71 ; instead a void  80  is left below the connection extension  77  to allow for the linking tether to be threaded around the tether anchor  71 . 
     The attachment assembly  12  is intended to be mounted on the movable opening  11  of the mailbox  10 . In this manner, the attachment assembly  12  is motivated with the movable opening  11  when mail is delivered. The motivation of the attachment assembly  12  encourages the linking tether  13  connected to the tether anchor  71  to pull the signal indicator  14  from the wedged position against the mailbox  10 . When the movable opening  11  is returned to a close position by the mail carrier, the signal indicator  14  remains in the second operative position. The indicating device  15  is reset to its first operating position upon collection of mail. 
     In describing a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology has been used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.