Deposit and collection receptacles – Letter boxes
Patent
1997-12-18
1999-09-21
Melius, Terry Lee
Deposit and collection receptacles
Letter boxes
232 45, 49340, B65D 9100
Patent
active
059542640
ABSTRACT:
A mailbox has a housing with an internal chamber for receiving mail and a mailbox door attached for movement with respect to the housing between a closed position for enclosing the internal chamber and an open position for exposing the internal chamber. A door actuating mechanism is attached to the mailbox and is operable to assist in remotely opening and closing the door by a mail carrier. The door actuating mechanism includes a transmitter; a door mounting section connected to the door; an electrical actuator having an actuator body fixed with respect to the mailbox housing; and an actuator shaft mounted for movement with respect to the actuator body. The shaft has a proximal end portion movably mounted in the actuator body and a distal end portion connected to the door mounting section for opening and closing the door upon movement of the shaft. A receiver is electrically coupled to the actuator for causing the actuator to open or close the mailbox door upon receipt of a signal from the transmitter. A signal flag is pivotally attached to the mailbox housing at a pivot joint and includes a lower portion that extends below the pivot joint when the flag is in a raised position. A flag lowering mechanism has a first end connected to the door for movement therewith and a second end for engagement with the lower portion of the flag. With this arrangement, movement of the door from the closed position to the open position causes the second end to engage and push against the lower end of the flag to thereby pivot the flag to a lowered position. A hollow base supports the mailbox and houses the receiver and actuator body. A battery pack is located within the hollow base for providing electrical power to the receiver and actuator body. The battery pack can be recharged by a solar panel mounted at an upper end of the base. A signal light can be provided on the mailbox to supplement or replace the signal flag.
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Melius Terry Lee
Miller William L.
LandOfFree
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