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Mailbox with detachable decoration side panels

a side panel and mailbox technology, applied in the field of mailboxes, can solve the problem that mailboxes often do not lend themselves to decoration and signag

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-03-16
AFRICA TOM
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention addresses these and other problems of the prior art by providing a mailbox that is molded into a rectangular shape with a curved upper surface but that readily accepts a decorative plate on either or

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, these mailboxes often do not lend themselves to decoration and signage as do the stamped sheet metal mailboxes.

Method used

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  • Mailbox with detachable decoration side panels
  • Mailbox with detachable decoration side panels
  • Mailbox with detachable decoration side panels

Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0016] Turning to the Drawings, wherein in like numerals denote like components throughout the several views, in FIG. 1 a mailbox 10 is advantageously formed from a molded resin or plastic material that resists damage to due to weather (e.g., corrosion) as well as eliminating seams that tend to allow water intrusion. On at least one lateral side 12, a contoured top 14 includes an integral flattened surface 16 with a transition surface 18 formed therebetween. A decorative plate 20 has a corresponding flattened undersurface 22 registered for placement upon the flattened surface 16 of the mailbox 10.

[0017] An attachment mechanism advantageously allows for engagement and disengagement of the decorative plate 20, yet does not introduce a seam or through hole that would degrade the weather resistance of the mailbox 10. In the first illustrative version of FIG. 1, the attachment mechanism comprises a plurality of blind fastener holes 24 formed about the periphery of the flattened surface ...

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PUM

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Abstract

A molded mailbox having a curved top surface includes flattened vertical surface projecting from each lateral side each sized to receive a decorative plate having a corresponding flattened undersurface. Attachment and detachment is readily achieved by either blind holes formed in the flattened vertical surface that do not compromise the moisture resistance of the mailbox. Through holes in the decorative plate allow insertion of a fastener (e.g., bolt, screw, push-in fastener). Alternatively, attachment is achieved by a flange molded about three sides of the flattened vertical surface to slidingly receive the decorative plate.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 609,947 of the same title filed on Sep. 15, 2004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention pertains to a mailbox, and particularly to mail boxes having fixtures for attachable decorative plates. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Mailboxes are often a convenient item to decorate or to otherwise personalize. Various approaches to adornment have been described, such as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,772,938; 5,946,838; 4,872,610; 4,813,595; 5,323,959; 5,323,959; and 4,244,512. [0004] Adding name plates and other items that may be changed from time to time has also been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,991,769; 1,542,217; 1,474,424; 1,432,843; 808,764 and 5,346,125. These approaches lent themselves to the stamped metal construction typical of mailboxes of the time by adding cut-outs and tabs to receive a name card and other indicia. [0005] More rec...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A47G29/12
CPCA47G29/1209
Inventor AFRICA, TOM
Owner AFRICA TOM