Nameplate holders for mailboxes

Abstract

Modular nameplate holder for insertion into the nameplate opening (12) of a mailbox (11), characterized in that the nameplate holder has a top part (1) and a bottom part (2), wherein the lower part (2) can be snapped into the nameplate opening (12) from the rear, which has the shape of a rectangle with additional rounded sections on the left and right, and the lower part (12) has edges (7, 8) which engage behind the sheet metal of the mailbox door (11) on the long sides of the nameplate opening (12), the circumferential surface (3) fits snugly against the inner wall of the mailbox (11), and the circumferential partial surface (4.1) fits snugly against the inner cut edges of the nameplate opening (12). and the upper part (1) can be snapped into the lower part (2) from the front, with the circumferential surface (5) completely covering the circumferential surface (4) on the front and thereby forming a form-fitting connection with the letterbox (11) on the rounded sides, as well as forming a form-fitting connection with the edges (7, 8) at the top and bottom.

Description

Summary:

[0001] Assemblable nameplate holder for insertion into the nameplate opening of a mailbox, characterized in that the nameplate holder has an upper part and a lower part, wherein the lower part can be snapped into the nameplate opening from the rear, wherein the nameplate opening has the shape of a rectangle with additional rounded edges arranged on the left and right, and the lower part has edges at the top and bottom which engage behind the sheet metal of the mailbox door on the long sides of the nameplate opening, wherein the circumferential surface (3) is positively locked to the inner wall of the mailbox, as well as the circumferential partial surface (4).1) fit snugly against the inner cut edges of the nameplate opening and the upper part can be snapped into the lower part from the front, wherein the circumferential surface (5) completely covers the circumferential surface (4) on the front and thereby fits snugly against the letterbox on the rounded sides, as well as fitting snugly against the edges of the lower part at the top and bottom.

[0002] The invention relates to a holder for a nameplate for insertion into mailbox doors.

[0003] For decades, typical mailbox doors and flaps have featured a generally simple, rectangular cutout on the front, into which a basic nameplate holder can be inserted. These nameplate holders are mostly one-piece, made of transparent plastic, and are simply clicked into the opening from the inside or outside. Simple (sometimes spring-loaded) claw-like devices located on the sides of the nameplate holder engage the metal of the mailbox (concealed from the outside) on the inside of the cutout, thus securing the nameplate holder permanently. If the claws are spring-loaded, the holders can be pushed out again without damage, for example, to change the nameplate or the entire nameplate holder.

[0004] DE102016116459A1 discloses a nameplate holder that, in principle, is also a single piece. It is essentially mounted on the front / outward side of the door panel, and its advantage is that it can cover the opening in the door panel (for the door plate holder) at the front, potentially extending well beyond the clear opening dimensions. This allows for a larger and more flexibly adjustable signage area than the dimensions of the cutout itself might otherwise permit. The mechanism on the back of the door panel is limited to pressing the nameplate holder flush against the panel using spring pressure, holding it in place, and securing it.

[0005] DE10013021C2 shows a more complex nameplate holder, which has a mounting frame inserted into the front of the mailbox door, into which a specially adapted window plate element is inserted laterally, which in turn is finally held and permanently fixed by a third element, a retaining element that is also inserted laterally.

[0006] The inventor, considering this state of the art, recognized as a disadvantage that such nameplate holders regularly protrude too much in relation to the plane of the door sheet (outwards, inwards, or both), and that this results in specific disadvantages in each case.

[0007] If the sign holder is constructed with an outward-facing design, as shown in DE102016116459A1, then it is permanently exposed to the elements and thus subject to regular water exposure. Combined with the fact that cardboard or paper signs are typically used in the name holder, these signs are not permanently protected from moisture penetration, as the necessary increased sealing in this area cannot be achieved by using simple, only moderately form-fitting plastic parts. Even plastic signs will experience weathering effects due to water exposure, such as condensation, moss, and mold growth. Furthermore, an outward-facing name holder generally weathers faster and is also aesthetically undesirable.

[0008] If the assembly is mounted inwards, as proposed in DE10013021C2, the entire receiving mechanism shifts into the space behind the door panel. This is disadvantageous, for example, because the depth available for mail is standardized, and therefore any inward-facing assembly reduces this standard. Furthermore, from a purely practical standpoint, the cross-sectional area available for mail is also correspondingly reduced. The relevance, and thus the interest, in reducing / optimizing such space losses is already in the single-digit millimeter range.

[0009] Furthermore, even when considering the very simple classic one-piece nameplate holders, it is typically a disadvantage that, due to their design, they are not permanently sealed and weatherproof.

[0010] The objective is therefore identified as solving the described disadvantages by means of a new inventive proposal, which consists in simultaneously avoiding all disadvantages identified in the prior art by means of an overall very flat, yet very form-fitting and dense arrangement, which does not build up more than is absolutely necessary either outwards or inwards and advantageously also satisfies the aesthetic requirement of achieving an almost flush-mounted unit between the sheet metal cutout and the nameplate holder, especially in the visible area, i.e. on the front.

[0011] The invention is based on the fundamental idea of ​​designing a nameplate holder in such a way that it protrudes as little as possible, both outwards and inwards, while still providing the best possible seal. Ideally, the outermost visible surface is positioned almost flush with the door panel. On the outwards side, only a thin, circumferential sealing edge is added, which, for example, adds approximately 1 mm in height or, advantageously, remains even thinner. At the same time, the inwards protrusion is, for example, only a maximum of approximately 5 mm, or even less.

[0012] A further advantage of the invention is that the device consists of only two structural parts: a retaining frame, which is inserted into the door opening from the inside, and a plate holder, which is inserted into the previously inserted retaining frame from the outside, corresponding precisely. The inventor considers a one-piece implementation of the invention impossible, but also assumes that more than two parts are not necessary to implement the invention.

[0013] An advantageous embodiment of the invention shows Fig. 1, basically consisting of part A, a plate holder or upper part (also feature 1) and part B, the holding frame or lower part (also feature 2).

[0014] The lower part (2) is inserted into the door opening from the inside, so that the surrounding surface (3) fits snugly and flush against the inside of the letterbox panel. The other surrounding surface (4) rests against the inner cut edges of the opening (ideally, but not necessarily, in a form-fitting manner). The lower part (2) has a pair of edges (7, 8) angled at 90 degrees on its front side, both at the top and bottom (in pairs), advantageously across its entire width. These edges serve to engage behind the door panel, so that it is ideally snugly enclosed between surface (3) and its own inner surface. The resulting partial area (4.1) of the surrounding surface (4) resulting from subtracting the width of these overlapping edges thus advantageously corresponds exactly to the material thickness of the door panel. Surfaces 3 and 4 are rounded on the left and right sides and have no edges (7, 8) there.This creates a spring effect, allowing the entire lower part (2) to be slightly compressed across its entire width, thus guiding it through the sheet metal from the inside, which would not be possible without this compression. The subsequent springback causes the edges (7, 8) to engage the door sheet metal across its entire width, permanently fixing the lower part in position. According to the invention, this insertion method is only possible due to the rounded side sections. With a (classic) simple rectangular design through a classic rectangular opening, this insertion method would not be possible, as the necessary spring effect can only be achieved through the rounded edges of the side sections.

[0015] The upper part (1) is inserted into the (previously inserted) lower part (2) from the outside. When inserted, the surrounding front surface (5) lies flush with the surrounding side surface (6) on the left and right sides of the door panel, as well as at the top and bottom against the interlocking edges (7, 8) of the lower part. Apart from the edges (7, 8), the uniform surface of 5 and 6 covers everything that extends from the lower part through the door panel to the outside. This creates a continuous seal.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the upper edge (8), and optionally also the lower edge (7), can be covered by the overall surface (5, 6), particularly to create even greater sealing in the upper area. This can be achieved, for example, by making the edges (7, 8) narrower, the surface (5) wider, or a combination of both.

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 shows the two parts in their assembled but not yet installed state. In the installed state, the sheet metal will abut the resulting circumferential surface (4.1). The thickness of this surface is defined by the width of the edge (6) of the circumferential surface (5). Preferably, all material and wall thicknesses are designed such that the sheet metal is flush and form-fitting on both sides and permanently fixed.

[0018] Fig. Figure 3 shows a vertical section through the two assembled parts (1, 2). The insertion of the upper part (1) stabilizes and stiffens the entire device, so that the slight spring effect of the lower part (necessary only for insertion and removal) is no longer present in the assembled state, which is also unnecessary in that state. The inner surfaces (9) and (10) are paired and, depending on their width, define the final clear installation dimension of the insertable nameplate. For example, widths between 4 mm and 6 mm are advantageous for using a correspondingly thick plastic sheet, either printed directly or as a base for printed name paper or name foil, etc.

[0019] Fig. Figure 4 shows a further enlarged vertical section through the composite device (1, 2) inserted into the opening (12) made in a door panel of a letterbox (11).

[0020] The Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a further advantageous embodiment, which has additional recesses (13) in the middle of the lower part at the top and bottom, wherein corresponding matching additions (14) are arranged on the upper part, which interlock in a form-fitting manner, thereby achieving an even greater permanent stiffness and strength of the connection between the two parts.

[0021] Fig. Figure 5 also shows a variant of the lower edge (7), which is formed as two sections. A central gap (15) can be used, in particular, to insert a suitable wrench or lever tool from below in order to separate the two parts non-destructively after installation. A gap of approximately 1 mm is sufficient for this purpose, but a larger one is equally suitable. This area remains open and is therefore not filled by a corresponding counterpart in the upper part. The lower edge (7) can also be shortened from the sides or subdivided into even more parts, as long as the rear grip effect is maintained and corresponding paired counterparts are provided in the upper part.

[0022] Fig. Figure 6 further shows a variant of the surface (5), which is divided into 4 sub-surfaces, wherein the inner one (5.1) is slightly angled inwards and the outer ones (5.3, 5.4) are slightly angled outwards or chamfered. In particular, the outer surfaces (5.3, 5.4) can thus be tapered even further outwards, especially towards the top, which offers even fewer vertical surfaces exposed to water attack. More or fewer surface divisions / angles / chamfers are also possible than shown in this embodiment.

[0023] Fig. Figure 7 shows another advantageous embodiment, and at the same time a further development, which further optimizes details regarding the positive locking mechanism. Fig.Figure 8 shows the same embodiment in a vertical section. The inventor is aware that even the smallest dimensional deviations / tolerances can unintentionally arise from the manufacturing process itself (preferably 3D printing). Different batches of the starting printing material (granules, filament, etc.) can lead to incalculable deviations in the finished product, even with identical dimensional settings and an accuracy of up to 1 / 100 of a millimeter. Therefore, it can happen that precisely manufactured upper and lower parts do not fit together due to the problem described, even if deviations as small as 1 / 100 of a millimeter are sufficient. For this reason, the inventor proposes an additional pressure pin (16). This pin is arranged on a separate crossbar (17) pointing inwards. The crossbar (17) is spring-loaded, allowing the pressure pin to be pressed outwards into a free area behind the crossbar (18).Simultaneously, when the upper part (1) is inserted, the crossbar (17) exerts a permanent pressure on the pressure pin (16), which in turn exerts pressure on the outside of the upper part frame (19). This allows even the smallest inaccuracies in the fit between the upper and lower parts (e.g., in the 1 / 100 millimeter range) to be compensated for, whether due to unforeseen manufacturing inaccuracies, because corresponding tolerances are incorporated into the manufacturing process from the outset, or for any other reason. The pressure pin is completely concealed when installed and is not visible from either the outside or the inside. At least one pressure pin is required to implement the invention.

[0024] The aforementioned pressure pin does not require a counterpart on the outer surface of the frame of the upper part (19). However, such a counterpart is advantageous and can preferably be designed as a corresponding, preferably round, recess (20) opposite the pressure pin. It is further advantageous if the frame of the upper part (19) has this recess (20) on both one longitudinal side (20.1) and the opposite longitudinal side (20.2). This has the advantage that the upper part (1) is mirror-symmetrical and can therefore be inserted into the lower part (2) in the same way in any transverse position, so that it fits in any possible insertion configuration.

[0025] An advantageous embodiment consists of a 3D-printable plastic compound which exhibits permanent elasticity in order to ensure the slight spring effect described in

[0013] as optimally as possible, so that the lower part can be installed and removed at any time. The material is also advantageously permanently weather- and UV-resistant.

[0026] The inventor ultimately realized that, according to the prior art of the relevant mass production methods, all embodiments could only be manufactured using 3D printing. Only this method allows for the production of the precise and intricate details. This is true from a purely financial perspective, as any other manufacturing method, such as injection molding or compression molding, is exorbitantly expensive and therefore uneconomical in comparison. It is also true from a purely technical perspective, as all alternative methods cannot offer the level of precision required in this case, which, in order to achieve the inventive form-fitting and sealing properties, is in the 1 / 100th of a millimeter range. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102016116459A1 [0004, 0007] DE 10013021C2 [0005, 0008]

Claims

[1] Modular nameplate holder for insertion into the nameplate opening (12) of a letterbox (11), characterized by , that the nameplate holder has a top part (1) and a bottom part (2), wherein the lower part (2) can be snapped into the nameplate opening (12) from the rear, which has the shape of a rectangle with additional rounded sections on the left and right, and the lower part (12) has edges (7, 8) which engage behind the sheet metal of the mailbox door (11) on the long sides of the nameplate opening (12), the circumferential surface (3) fits snugly against the inner wall of the mailbox (11), and the circumferential partial surface (4.1) fits snugly against the inner cut edges of the nameplate opening (12). and the upper part (1) can be snapped into the lower part (2) from the front, with the circumferential surface (5) completely covering the circumferential surface (4) on the front and thereby forming a form-fitting connection with the letterbox (11) on the rounded sides, as well as forming a form-fitting connection with the edges (7, 8) at the top and bottom. [2] Nameplate holder according to claim 1. characterized by , that projecting additions (14) are arranged on the upper part (1) which fit into additional recesses (13) in the lower part. [3] Nameplate holder according to claim 1 to 2. characterized by , that the edge (7) is made in multiple parts. [4] Nameplate holder according to claim 1 to 3. characterized by , that the edge (7) has a gap (13) in the middle. [5] Nameplate holder according to claims 1 to 4. characterized by , that the circumferential surface (5) is divided into several circumferential sub-surfaces which are angled inwards and outwards. [6] Nameplate holder according to claims 1 to 5. characterized by , that the circumferential surface (6) is also formed on the top side and completely covers the edge (8). [7] Nameplate holder according to claims 1 to 6. characterized by , that in the circumferential inner surface of the upper frame (10) a resilient crossbar (17) with a pressure pin (16) is arranged, which can spring in and out into a free area behind the crossbar (18) and which, in the assembled state, permanently presses on the outside of the upper frame (19). [8] Nameplate holder according to claim 7. characterized by , that the outer surface of the frame of the upper part (19) has a suitable recess (20) for receiving the pressure pin (16). [9] Nameplate holder according to claim 8. characterized by, that a recess (20) for receiving the pressure pin (16) is arranged on one longitudinal side (20.1) and another identical recess (20) is also arranged on the opposite longitudinal side (20.2) of the outer frame of the upper part (19). [10] Nameplate holder according to claims 1 to 9. characterized by that they are manufactured using a 3D printing process. [11] Nameplate holder according to claims 1 to 10. characterized by , that the upper part (1) and lower part (2) are made of a 3D-printable plastic mixture which contains at least one component that keeps the device permanently elastic.

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