Attachment element for a letter box

Abstract

A mailbox is like a business card for a house, as it's often the first thing a visitor sees. However, with conventional mailboxes, there are few options for making them more visually appealing. While it's possible to personalize the mailbox during manufacturing, particularly by adding a name and house number, and optionally the street address, as well as choosing a color and lighting elements, these options are fixed after production and cannot be changed. The present invention therefore aims to provide a way to add personalization options after delivery, allowing for retrofitting, interchangeable, and freely expandable elements, thus enabling a decorative design of the mailbox.This is achieved by an attachment element that can be mounted on an edge surface adjacent to the frontal visible side and which is either open at least on the visible side or closed on all sides with immovable wall elements.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment element for a mailbox according to the features of claim 1. In particular, the disclosure relates to an attachment element comprising an element body with at least one functional element and immovable wall elements, wherein the functional element is either open on a frontal visible side or closed on all sides and has at least one fastening element for connection with an adjacent edge surface of the mailbox.

[0002] In the realm of mailboxes, it is common for them to be designed as self-contained units, mounted, for example, on the exterior wall of a building or freestanding. Familiar systems typically comprise simple mailboxes with only a mail slot and a retrieval compartment secured by a simple lock. These traditional mailboxes are generally functional and fulfill their purpose of receiving and protecting mail. However, they offer little flexibility regarding additional features or aesthetic customization. Most mailboxes are standardized and difficult to adapt to individual needs or specific architectural features.

[0003] According to established techniques, mailboxes are often made of materials such as metal or plastic and feature, for example, a simple mounting method that allows them to be attached to the wall. These systems are limited in their functionality and offer no way to integrate additional elements or features. For instance, there are no standardized solutions for integrating lighting, planters, or shelves into the structure of a mailbox. This means that users who desire such additional features must resort to improvised solutions that often fail to meet aesthetic or functional requirements.

[0004] Therefore, one of the technical problems underlying the present invention is to provide an attachment element for mailboxes that enables the individualization of simple mailboxes.

[0005] According to the present disclosure, these problems are solved by the features of independent claim 1. Furthermore, additional advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] According to the invention, an add-on element for a mailbox is provided, comprising an element body equipped with at least one functional element. The functional element consists of fixed wall elements that can be either open on at least one front visible side or closed on all sides. This design facilitates the installation of the add-on element on existing mailboxes and offers flexibility in adapting to various mailbox designs. The add-on element can be securely and stably attached to the mailbox using fastening elements that allow a connection to an edge surface adjacent to the front visible side of the mailbox.The arrangement and placement of the fixed wall elements can help ensure the structural integrity of the extension while simultaneously providing easy access for fitting the functional elements with individual embellishments and decorative elements. The frontal opening or complete closure of the functional element can be chosen depending on the specific requirements of the application area, either to allow easy access and good air circulation, or, in the case of the closed solution, to create an enclosed and inaccessible area, or an enclosed area visible through transparent wall elements.

[0007] The mounting elements can be designed for quick and easy installation, reducing overall installation time. By connecting to the mailbox's edge, the add-on element integrates seamlessly without compromising the mailbox's aesthetic appearance or interfering with its operation. Overall, this add-on element offers a versatile and practical solution for expanding and customizing mailboxes, fulfilling both functional and aesthetic requirements.

[0008] According to a first embodiment of the mailbox attachment, the attachment has a depth that at least approximately matches the depth of the mailbox. This matching depth ensures an aesthetically pleasing and functional attachment of the attachment to the mailbox, resulting in a harmonious overall appearance. Furthermore, the identical depth allows for a stable and secure attachment of the attachment to the adjacent edge surface of the mailbox, as no protruding or recessed parts are created that could potentially represent mechanical weak points. Preferably, the depth of the attachment is between 6 and 40 cm, allowing for flexible adaptation to various mailbox models and sizes. This range ensures that the attachment is suitable for a wide variety of applications without requiring specific modifications.The depth of the mounting element is preferably between 7 and 12 cm, allowing for a more precise fit to common mailbox models while ensuring sufficient stability and functionality. Ideally, the depth of the mounting element should be at least approximately 8 cm, considered the optimal value for achieving a perfect balance between aesthetic integration, stability, and functionality. These specific depth dimensions contribute to the mounting element's not only visual appeal but also enhance the mailbox's structural integrity and ease of use. Furthermore, precisely matching the depth of the mounting element to the mailbox's depth simplifies installation, requiring fewer adjustments and modifications. This reduces installation time and minimizes the risk of installation errors.Furthermore, the uniform depth helps to better protect the add-on unit and mailbox from environmental influences such as rain and wind, as there are no unnecessary gaps or overhangs that could allow water or dirt to penetrate. Overall, these new features contribute to improving the functionality, aesthetics, and durability of the add-on unit and mailbox, ultimately leading to greater end-user satisfaction.

[0009] Preferably, the add-on element for a mailbox comprises a functional element that is covered with a decorative material, at least on its front surface. This specific design allows the mailbox's appearance to be aesthetically enhanced and adapted to its surroundings or the user's personal taste, thus matching the add-on element's appearance to the mailbox's exterior. The decorative material can have various visual and tactile properties, enabling flexible adaptation to different design requirements. Furthermore, the functional element includes a support frame that serves as a structural base and ensures the stability and integrity of the decorative material. The support frame allows for easy and secure attachment of the decorative material, simplifying installation and replacement. The decorative material is attached to the support frame either detachably or permanently.A removable mounting allows the user to replace the decorative material as needed to change the appearance of the mailbox or replace damaged parts without having to disassemble the entire mailbox. A permanent mounting, on the other hand, offers a secure and stable connection, which can be particularly advantageous with high-quality or delicate materials.

[0010] The decorative material can preferably be a wood finish, giving the mailbox a natural and high-quality look. Wood finishes are available in various colors and grains, offering additional design possibilities. Furthermore, wood finishes can provide a pleasant feel and harmoniously complement the overall appearance of the mailbox. The combination of these features allows the mailbox to be designed not only functionally but also aesthetically pleasing, thus increasing its attractiveness and perceived value.

[0011] Furthermore, a mounting flange may be provided for the fastening element. The mounting flange serves as an additional structural component that reinforces and stabilizes the connection between the attachment and the mailbox. By attaching the mounting flange to the fastening element, a larger contact area is created, which improves load distribution and increases the mechanical strength of the connection. This is particularly advantageous when the attachment is subjected to additional loads, for example, from the weight of decorative elements or from external influences such as wind or vibrations. The mounting flange is preferably bent at a right angle, meaning it is bent at a 90-degree angle to form an L-shaped structure.This right-angled reshaping of the mounting flange offers several advantages: First, it allows for easy and precise installation of the add-on to the mailbox, as the right-angled shape ensures clear and stable positioning. Second, the right-angled reshaping increases the structural integrity of the mounting flange by improving its bending strength and resistance to deformation. Third, the right-angled shape provides additional fixing points, enabling a more secure and robust connection. These new features contribute to improving the functionality and reliability of the add-on by ensuring a more robust and stable attachment to the mailbox.

[0012] In a further advantageous design, the mounting element of the add-on component can be equipped with at least one bracket. One option is to screw the bracket to the mailbox wall, creating a connection that is easily detachable yet secure. This is particularly useful if the add-on component needs to be removed or replaced regularly. Alternatively, the bracket can be welded to the mailbox's mounting flange, creating a permanent and very stable connection that can withstand high mechanical loads. This method is ideal for applications requiring a long-term and robust connection. Another option is to form-fit the bracket to the mailbox's rim.This type of connection utilizes the geometric properties of the components to ensure a strong and stable connection without the need for additional fasteners such as screws or welds. The positive-locking connection can be achieved through various techniques such as snap-fit, hook-in, or wedging, and offers the advantage of being quick and easy to implement while still providing high stability.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the functional element is a fully enclosed lighting element with a light source on its underside. This light source is powered by an energy storage device located within the functional element, which can be recharged by a photovoltaic element located on the top side of the functional element. The light source on the underside of the functional element is strategically positioned to ensure optimal illumination of the area below the mailbox, thus increasing visibility and security. The energy storage device powering the light source is integrated within the functional element, enabling a compact design and eliminating the need for external power sources. This results in increased autonomy and flexibility during installation of the add-on element.The photovoltaic element on the top of the functional element converts sunlight into electrical energy, which is then used to charge the energy storage unit. This arrangement enables a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy supply for the light source, as no external power supply is required. Integrating the photovoltaic element on the top of the functional element ensures maximum exposure to sunlight, thus increasing the efficiency of energy conversion. Other possible functional elements include one or more doorbell switches and intercom systems, door cameras, motion detectors, and similar devices.

[0014] The new features offer several advantages: First, the use of a fully enclosed lighting element extends the lifespan of the light source, as it is protected from dust, moisture, and other harmful environmental influences. Second, positioning the light source on the underside of the functional element improves the mailbox's functionality by illuminating the area beneath it, which is particularly useful in the evenings or in low-light conditions. Third, the integrated energy storage system provides a reliable power source independent of external power sources, simplifying the installation and maintenance of the add-on element. Finally, the photovoltaic element contributes to sustainability by utilizing renewable energy and thus reducing the product's environmental footprint.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the functional element is a pot-shaped element. The pot-shaped element has a circumferential wall and a base, giving it a specific structure that distinguishes it from other possible functional elements. This structure allows for clear demarcation and defines the space within the pot-shaped element. The open top design of the pot-shaped element ensures easy access, which is particularly advantageous for its use as a container or holder, as well as for use as a planter. Another feature of the pot-shaped element is its watertightness or the presence of an inner pot. This feature ensures that the pot-shaped element is suitable for outdoor use and is protected from the elements. The watertightness prevents water from leaking out, which is especially important when the pot-shaped element is used as a planter.The inner pot provides an additional protective layer and can be easily removed and cleaned, which simplifies the maintenance and care of the growing element and ensures that the outer material does not come into contact with moist potting soil.

[0016] In a further advantageous development, the mailbox attachment can comprise a unit body equipped with a functional element, specifically a shelf. This shelf is a dedicated component designed to provide additional storage space. The inclusion of a shelf significantly enhances the functionality of the attachment, as it can also serve as a practical storage surface for various items. This expanded functionality allows the user to utilize the mailbox more flexibly by displaying decorative objects on the shelf. The fixed wall elements of the functional component ensure that the shelf is stable and securely anchored, thus creating a safe and secure storage area.Integrating the shelving unit does not compromise the structural integrity of the mailbox; rather, it enhances it with additional functionality. Furthermore, the shelving unit can be manufactured in various sizes and shapes to meet the specific needs and preferences of users. The shelving unit is attached to the mailbox using suitable fasteners that ensure a stable and durable connection. These fasteners can include screws, clamps, or other appropriate connectors that allow for easy assembly and disassembly.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the functional element can be equipped with at least one fastening element on its upper side. This fastening element serves to securely and stably attach the functional element to a position on the underside of the mailbox. The fastening element is separated from the functional element by at least one wall element. This separation creates a defined space between the fastening element and the functional element, in which items can be stored or which is suitable for housing plants and the like. Accordingly, such a separation can be provided between the mailbox and a functional element, or between several functional elements. The separation can be open at the front or closed off with a transparent wall to form a kind of display case.An open spacer allows for easy maintenance and cleaning of the area between the functional element and the mounting. If the spacer is enclosed with a transparent wall, this provides additional protection against external elements such as dust, dirt, or moisture, while maintaining visibility and accessibility of the area and its contents from the outside. The transparent wall can be made of various materials such as glass or plastic, which offer high transparency and resistance.

[0018] Furthermore, the mailbox add-on can have several stacked functional elements associated with the main body. This arrangement allows for vertical stacking of the functional elements, thereby increasing the capacity and functionality of the add-on and resulting in a uniform structure for the mailbox. The functional elements are separated by gaps that serve various purposes, such as ventilation, preventing moisture buildup, or, in particular, providing additional storage space. The functional elements can be connected by at least one wall element, which can be transparent or opaque and creates a lateral seal against the mailbox's outer edge.A connection between such a multi-tiered add-on unit and the mailbox can be made using fixed or detachable fasteners, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly. The compartments are either open at the front or closed with a transparent panel to create a variety of small display cases. An open front provides direct access to the functional elements behind and can be used for easy storage of items. A transparent panel, on the other hand, offers the advantage of keeping the contents of the functional elements visible while simultaneously providing some protection from the elements and unauthorized access.

[0019] Specific training programs will cover various fastening methods, including magnets, screws, hooks, hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesive bonds, and welds. Magnets offer simple and reversible fastening, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly without tools. This is particularly useful when the attachment needs to be removed or replaced regularly. Screws provide a stable and durable connection that can withstand high loads and is therefore suitable for heavier functional components. Hooks allow for quick and easy attachment, also without tools, while offering some flexibility in positioning the attachment. Hook-and-loop fasteners provide a flexible and reusable fastening method that is easy to attach and remove, which is especially advantageous when the attachment needs to be repositioned frequently.Adhesive bonds offer a permanent and stable connection, but are less flexible as they are generally irreversible. Welds provide the strongest and most durable connection, but require specialized equipment and expertise and are also irreversible. The various fastening options allow the add-on to be adapted to different requirements and conditions, whether in terms of stability, flexibility, or ease of installation and removal. Providing these different fastening options significantly increases the versatility of the add-on, as it can be adapted to a wide variety of mailboxes and different installation environments.

[0020] Finally, it can be specified that the functional elements are made of wood, plastic, sheet steel, or aluminum, and that the wall elements can preferably be made of glass or transparent plastic in addition to wood, plastic, sheet steel, or aluminum. The choice of materials for the functional elements, such as wood, cardboard, plastic, sheet steel, or aluminum, allows for flexible adaptation of the add-on element to various aesthetic and functional requirements. Wood offers a natural and appealing look that blends well into traditional or rustic environments, while plastic is a cost-effective and easy-to-process option that is also weather-resistant. Sheet steel and aluminum, on the other hand, offer high strength and durability, are corrosion-resistant, and are particularly suitable for modern and industrial designs.These materials contribute to the robustness and durability of the add-on element, ensuring it can withstand varying environmental conditions. Furthermore, the use of glass or transparent plastic for the wall panels provides added functionality and aesthetic appeal. Glass offers a high-quality, elegant look and, when used as a transparent or translucent material, allows the contents of the enclosed area to be seen without opening it. Transparent plastic offers similar advantages to glass but is lighter and shatterproof, improving security and handling. These materials can also be used in combination to meet specific design requirements, such as creating viewing windows or decorative elements that enhance the mailbox's visual appeal.

[0021] Such add-on elements thus contribute to improving the versatility and aesthetics of the mailbox and offer users a wide range of design options to customize the mailbox and adapt it to their specific requirements.

[0022] The present disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings in which it is illustrated by way of example.

[0023] They show Figure 1 shows a mailbox with a side, multi-tiered shelf element in a frontal view, Figure 2 shows a mailbox with a side pot element and a light element arranged above it in a frontal view, Figure 3 shows a mailbox with a pot element attached below in a frontal view, and Figure 4 shows a mailbox with two individual, side shelf elements in a frontal view.

[0024] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an add-on element 1 for a mailbox 2. The add-on element 1 comprises a body equipped with several functional elements 3. In the illustrated embodiment, these functional elements 3 are designed as shelf elements 13. The mailbox 2 has a front visible side 5, to which the add-on element 1 is attached. The connection between the add-on element 1 and the edge surface 6 of the mailbox 2 is made via a fastening element, which is located in the Figure 1 However, this is not explicitly shown. The depth of the add-on element 1 is designed to at least approximately match the depth of the mailbox 2. This is important to ensure harmonious integration of the add-on element 1 with the mailbox 2.

[0025] The add-on element 1 comprises several stacked functional elements 3, which are jointly bounded by a side wall element 4. The spaces between them are either open at the front or closed off with a transparent wall 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the spaces are closed off with a transparent wall 14, which allows for an attractive visual design while simultaneously protecting the contents of the shelf elements 13. The wall elements 4 at the rear of the multi-part add-on element 1 can be made of various materials such as wood, plastic, sheet steel, or sheet aluminum.

[0026] Depending on requirements, the add-on element 1 can be equipped with different functional elements 3. In the illustrated embodiment, shelf elements 13 are used; however, other functional elements such as lighting elements 9 or pot elements 12 could also be integrated. Such alternative configurations are shown in the following figures.

[0027] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows another schematic representation of an attachment element 1 for a mailbox 2. The attachment element 1 comprises various functional elements 3, each of which fulfills specific functions and is attached to the side of the mailbox 2.

[0028] The first functional element 3 in the figure is a fully enclosed lighting element 9, which is attached to the top of the mailbox 2. The lighting element 9 is equipped with a light source 10, which is located on the underside of the lighting element 9. The light source 10 is powered by an energy storage device integrated into the lighting element 9. This energy storage device is charged by a photovoltaic element 11 located on the top of the lighting element 9. The photovoltaic element 11 converts sunlight into electrical energy, which is then stored in the energy storage device to power the light source 10.

[0029] The second functional element 3 in the figure is a pot element 12, which is attached to the left side of the mailbox 2. The pot element 12 has a circumferential wall and a base, but is open at the top to accommodate plants or other objects. The pot element 12 is watertight or contains an inner pot to prevent water from leaking out.

[0030] The mounting elements 1 are designed to at least approximately match the depth of the mailbox 2. This ensures harmonious integration of the mounting elements 1 with the mailbox 2. The depth of the mounting elements 1 is preferably between 6 and 40 cm, as in the case of parcel boxes, particularly preferably between 7 and 12 cm, and most preferably at least approximately 8 cm.

[0031] The figure thus illustrates the integration of various functional elements 3 into an add-on element 1 for a mailbox 2, whereby the functional elements 3 fulfill both aesthetic and functional purposes. The lighting element 9 provides illumination, while the pot element 12 serves as a decorative planter. The add-on elements 1 are designed so that they can be easily attached to the mailbox 2 and removed again when necessary.

[0032] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an attachment element 1 for a mailbox 2. The mailbox 2 is shown on its frontal visible side 5, with the attachment element 1 mounted on the lower edge surface 6 of the mailbox 2. The attachment element 1 comprises a functional element 3, which in this embodiment is designed as a pot element 12. The pot element 12 has a circumferential wall and a base, but is open at the top and either watertight or contains an inner pot.

[0033] The functional element 3 is covered on its visible side 5 with a decorative material, which is preferably a wood decor. The decorative material is attached to a support frame, which is either detachably or permanently connected to the functional element 3. The depth of the attachment element 1 corresponds at least approximately to the depth of the mailbox 2, preferably between 6 and 12 cm, particularly preferably between 7 and 10 cm, and most preferably at least approximately 8 cm.

[0034] The extension element 1 is equipped with fixed wall elements 4. In this embodiment, the wall elements 4 are arranged on the lower edge surface 6 of the mailbox 2 and serve as decorative and functional elements that define the space reserved for the plants.

[0035] Figure 4Finally, another schematic representation of an attachment element 1 for a mailbox 2 is shown. The attachment element 1 comprises two functional elements 3, which in this case are designed as shelf elements 13.

[0036] The shelf elements 13 are each provided with a fastening element that has a right-angle bent fastening flange 7. The fastening flange 7 is connected to an angle bracket 8, which serves to securely fasten the shelf element 13 to the mailbox 2. The connection between the fastening flange 7 and the angle bracket 8 can be made by screwing, welding, or a positive-locking connection.

[0037] Various decorative items 15 are placed on shelf unit 13. These items 15 can be decorative in nature, such as a sculpture or a flower pot. Figure 4Figure 1 shows two shelf elements 13 arranged one above the other. Each shelf element 13 is equipped with its own fastening element, which comprises a fastening flange 7 and an angle bracket 8.

[0038] The depth of the extension element 1 corresponds approximately to the depth of the mailbox 2, allowing for harmonious integration of the extension element 1 into the overall appearance of the mailbox 2. The shelf element 13 can be made of various materials such as wood, cardboard, plastic, sheet steel, or sheet aluminum.

[0039] The add-on element 1 is designed to serve both functional and decorative purposes. It provides additional storage space and can also enhance the appearance of the mailbox 2. The arrangement of the shelf elements 13 can be varied as needed to accommodate different items 15.

[0040] The figure also illustrates that the add-on element 1 has a modular design, allowing several functional elements 3 to be stacked on top of each other. This modular design enables flexible adaptation of the add-on element 1 to the individual needs of the user.

[0041] The above description describes an add-on element for mailboxes, which allows for the individualization of simple mailboxes. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0042] 1 Add-on element 2 Wall-mounted mailbox 3 Functional element 4 Wall element 5 Visible side 6 Edge surface 7 Mounting flange 8 Angle 9 Lighting element 10 Light source 11 Photovoltaic element 12 Pot element 13 Shelf element 14 Transparent wall 15 Decorative item

Claims

1. Attachment element for a mailbox (2), comprising an element body, with at least one functional element (3) with immovable wall elements (4), which is either open at least on a frontal visible side (5) or closed on all sides, and with at least one fastening element for connection with an edge surface (6) adjoining a frontal visible side (5) of the mailbox (2).

2. Attachment element according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the depth of the mounting element (1) corresponds at least approximately to the depth of the mailbox (2), thus preferably between 6 and 40 cm, particularly preferably between 7 and 12 cm, most preferably at least approximately 8 cm.

3. Mounting element according to claim 2, characterized by the fact thatthe functional element (3) is covered with a decorative material at least on the visible side (5), wherein the functional element (3) comprises a support frame to which the decorative material, preferably a wood decor, is detachably or indetachably attached.

4. Attachment element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The fastening element is associated with a fastening flange (7), preferably shaped at a right angle.

5. Mounting element according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that at least one angle (8) is associated with the fastening element, wherein the at least one angle (8) is connected to the fastening flange (7), namely screwed, welded or positively connected.

6. Attachment element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe functional element (3) is a luminaire element (9) wherein a light source (10) is arranged on a bottom side, which is supplied by an energy storage device arranged in the functional element (3), which can be charged by means of a photovoltaic element (11) arranged on a top side of the functional element (3).

7. Mounting element according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that The functional element (3) is a bell.

8. Mounting element according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that The functional element (3) is a motion detector.

9. Mounting element according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that the functional element (3) is a pot element (12) which has a circumferential wall and a base, but is open at the top, and which is formed in a watertight manner or has an inner pot.

10. Mounting element according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact thatThe functional element (3) is a shelf element (13).

11. Attachment element according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized by the fact that The functional element (3) is assigned at least one fastening means on its upper side and the fastening means is spaced away from the functional element (3) by at least one wall element (4), wherein the resulting space is either open to the front or closed with a transparent wall (14).

12. Mounting element according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized by the fact that The element body is assigned several superimposed functional elements (3) which accommodate gaps between them and are connected via at least one wall element (4), wherein the gaps are open to the front or closed with a transparent wall (14).

13. Attachment element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatMagnets, screws, hook elements, Velcro fasteners, adhesive connections or welds are provided as fastening means.

14. Attachment element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the functional elements (3) made of wood, plastic, hardboard, sheet steel or aluminum sheet, the wall elements preferably made of glass or transparent plastic in addition to these materials.

15. Attachment element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The functional element is assigned a sign, preferably with a name, company or address inscription, and especially preferably with an engraving.

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