Mailbox delivery indicator assembly and method of use

Abstract

A mailbox delivery indicator assembly is provided comprising a flag connected to a rod member, the rod member connected to a spring, the spring connected to a mailbox connection member, and a retention assembly in communication with the rod member. A method of using a mailbox delivery indicator assembly is also provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to mailboxes. More specifically, the present invention relates to an delivery indicator assembly which operates in conjunction with a mailbox.BACKGROUND[0002]Mail receptacles for receiving incoming mail at a home, residence or business are known in the art. A mail receptacle may be positioned in a variety of places, including, but not limited to, placement of a mail slot in a door, direct attachment of a letterbox to a building for door-to-door mail delivery, or curbside placement of a mailbox enabling mail delivery from a vehicle.[0003]A curbside mailbox often includes features not present in a mail slot or building mounted letterbox. For example, the Jorolemon mailbox, which is a curbside mailbox design recognizable by its curved, tunnel-shape top, may include a semaphore arm and / or a latching door. These features are directed to streamlining vehicular mail delivery. Specifically, the semaphore arm indicates the presence of...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, curbside mailboxes do not provide features enabling consistent notification or signaling of mail delivery to a mail recipient.

For example, traveling to a curbside mailbox can be a difficult and time consuming task for a person who relies upon a wheelchair for mobility.

Further, additional time and preparation is necessary during adverse weather conditions, for example during heavy precipitation or icy conditions.

This often arises as difficulty in remembering recently learned facts and the inability to acquire new information.

As such, an individual afflicted with such a disorder may repeatedly travel to the curbside mailbox as the individual is unable to remember if the mail has been delivered or the result of the previous trip to the mailbox.

With each trip, the afflicted individual may be at risk of injury, for example from oncoming traffic or from a fall.

However, each has substantial limitations.

However, in operation and use, the device disclosed by Shively requires an affirmative act by the postal service employee delivering mail.

This may lead to nonuse of a device similar to the one disclosed in the '064 patent.

In addition, it is not practical to place additional burdens or work upon a letter carrier or postal service employee.

These additional responsibilities result in additional demands on a letter carrier or postal service employee, resulting in a reduction in available time to perform nonessential or unnecessary job functions.

Further, the other devices in the art do not have signals which are large in size and easy to see from a distance, can be attached to any type or style of mailbox and / or can be placed anywhere on a mailbox.

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