Mail catcher

Abstract

An assembly that receives and stores mail secured to the exit side of a mail slot comprising of an opaque flexible pouch attached to a U-shaped mounting frame. The variable positioning capabilities of the assembly adds security to the rear area of the mail slot by blocking the view through the mail slot. Support tracks allow the assembly to adjust to different mail slot dimensions, whether attached to a building, residence or garage door. A support means inserted through a loop located in the upper most portion of the pouch, forming to the U-shaped frame and support structure present a permanent opening for mail to pass through and be stored. The pouches approximate set length adds security against seizure of mail through front side of the mail slot. The invention stores mail as a garage door rotates from a vertical closed position to an open horizontal position. Based on the location of the mail slot, the assembly design allows easy access to the mail for those confined to a wheel chair.

Description

BACKROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001] 1. Field of Invention[0002] This invention relates to receptacles used for the collecting and temporary storage of mail, specifically through mail slots that are secured to a private dwelling or commercial structure.[0003] 2. Discussion of Prior Art[0004] A number of receptacle solutions have been proposed in prior art. Nearly every private dwelling and commercial building has some means of receiving and collecting the mail in one place. One of the most common devices used for this purpose is a mail slot. Mail slots are mounted to a structure such as a door, garage door or wall. Most mail slots are designed with a spring loaded hinged door that stays closed when not in use. The user opens the door then passes mail through the slot where by gravity it falls randomly onto the floor. This may cause the mail to be difficult to pick up or be lost and damaged. To approach this problem there are several devices designed to collect and store mail, but these ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This may cause the mail to be difficult to pick up or be lost and damaged.

To approach this problem there are several devices designed to collect and store mail, but these have significant problems with ease of attachment, security and mail retrieval.

More specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,272 to Fewer, Feb. 20, 1996 the invention is mounted below the mail slot, which may jeopardize security by not obscuring the view of the area behind and below the mail slot.

The mounting below the slot may cause structure damage and be intrusive to the surrounding structure.

Mail inserted and passed through the opening may bend against pouch sides and become damaged.

An added inconvenance is limited accessibility to which the contents of the pouch are retrieved, the unziping and zipping again of the pouch.

Images