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Apparatus for Protecting Mailboxes from Snowplow Damage

a technology for protecting mailboxes and snowplows, applied in the direction of protective constructions, constructions, etc., can solve the problems of destroying mailboxes, easily burying mailboxes, and often hitting mailboxes with this debris

Inactive Publication Date: 2010-09-30
MIDDLEBROOK JR ALANSON J
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a novel apparatus for protecting mailboxes from snowplow damage. The apparatus includes a panel supported by a rigid frame, pivoting arms, front and back legs that can be independently extended and retracted, and a wire mesh panel that can be erected so that it stands vertically with respect to the roadside. The apparatus is inexpensive, effective, easy to set up, and remove and store during non-use periods. The technical effects of the invention are improved protection of mailboxes from snowplow damage and reduced likelihood of damage to other objects in the vicinity of the mailbox."

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, because of their positioning on the sides of roadways, mailboxes are frequently hit by this debris when a snowplow passes.
This debris, which frequently includes rocks and sand in addition to snow and ice, can easily bury a mailbox or, worse yet, destroy it entirely.
However, these references utilize costly protective mechanisms, require the use of specialized mailboxes, require the use of permanent fixtures, and / or do not sufficiently protect a mailbox.

Method used

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  • Apparatus for Protecting Mailboxes from Snowplow Damage
  • Apparatus for Protecting Mailboxes from Snowplow Damage
  • Apparatus for Protecting Mailboxes from Snowplow Damage

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0014]The present invention will be described with reference to illustrative embodiments. For this reason, numerous modifications can be made to these embodiments and the results will still come within the scope of the invention. No limitations with respect to the specific embodiments described herein are intended or should be inferred.

[0015]FIGS. 1-4 show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, and a top view, respectively, of an apparatus 100 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The apparatus comprises a frame 105 including a top member 110, two side members 115, a bottom member 120, and a cross brace member 125. A wire mesh panel 130 is supported by the frame. Two pivoting arms 135 are pivotally attached to the two side members by pins 140.

[0016]The apparatus 100 is designed to be erected proximate to a mailbox 145 as shown in FIG. 2 with the plane of the wire mesh panel 130 preferably being substantially perpendicular to the ground 150. Advantag...

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PUM

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Abstract

An apparatus comprises a panel supported by a rigid frame, one or more pivoting arms, one or more front legs, and one or more back legs. The one or more pivoting arms are pivotally attached to the frame. Each of the one or more front legs is telescopically coupled to the frame such that each of the one or more front legs can be independently extended from and retracted into the frame. Finally, each of the one or more back legs is telescopically coupled to a respective one of the one or more pivoting arms such that each of the one or more back legs can be independently extended from and retracted into a respective one of the one or more pivoting arms.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to apparatus for protecting mailboxes, and, more particularly, to apparatus for protecting mailboxes from the debris (e.g., snow and ice) propelled by snowplows.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A snowplow typically clears a roadway by using a large blade to push snow and ice towards the side of the roadway. Unfortunately, because of their positioning on the sides of roadways, mailboxes are frequently hit by this debris when a snowplow passes. This debris, which frequently includes rocks and sand in addition to snow and ice, can easily bury a mailbox or, worse yet, destroy it entirely.[0003]Information relevant to attempts to address this problem can be found in, for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,460 to Pratt; 7,364,066 to Wilson; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,080,773 to Tepley; as well as in US Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0314967 to Black. However, these references utilize costly protective mechanisms, require the use of specia...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): E01F7/00
CPCE01F7/00
Inventor MIDDLEBROOK, JR., ALANSON J.
Owner MIDDLEBROOK JR ALANSON J