gatepost

Abstract

To provide a gatepost in which a panel member and an upper lid are prevented from interference, even if the panel member and a mailbox are arranged to come in close contact or contact, and thereby an exterior appearance of design can be improved furthermore.SOLUTION: A gatepost includes: a pair of struts; a panel member mounted between the pair of struts; and a mailbox mounted between the pair of struts, and arranged to come in close contact or contact with the lower part of the panel member. The mailbox has a receiving box body, a posting port opened toward the upper part of the receiving box body, and an upper lid where the front end side is mounted so as to be opened toward the upper part to the posting port. The posting port and the upper lid are arranged in front of the receiving box body from the panel member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a gatepost.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a post having a mail slot provided on the upper surface side of a mailbox has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this post, a mail slot lid is attached to the mail slot so as to open downward toward the inside of the mailbox. A mail slot door that covers the mail slot lid is attached to the mail slot lid so as to be openable and closable. The mail slot door has a shape in which the tip is bent downward in an L shape and has a size that covers substantially the entire upper surface of the mailbox. The mail slot door is attached to be rotatable from the upper surface to the front surface of the mailbox.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, a gatepost having a panel member with a nameplate or the like and a mailbox below the panel member between a pair of columns has been known. In order to facilitate the operation of inserting mail from above, it is desirable to provide a mail slot on the upper surface side for the mailbox provided on such a gatepost.

[0005] However, when attaching a mailbox having a mail slot on the upper surface below the panel member, in order to secure a space for opening the upper lid provided on the mail slot upward, the mailbox must be arranged at a distance downward from the panel member. Therefore, a large gap is formed between the panel member and the mailbox, and it is difficult to improve the design appearance of the gatepost.

[0006] Therefore, the inventors identified a problem: to provide a gatepost that can improve the aesthetic appearance by preventing interference between the panel member and the top lid, even when the panel member and the mailbox are placed in close proximity or in contact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This disclosure relates to a gatepost comprising a pair of support columns, a panel member attached between the pair of support columns, and a mailbox attached between the pair of support columns and positioned close to or in contact with the lower part of the panel member, wherein the mailbox has a mailbox body, a mail slot opening upward toward the top of the mailbox body, a top lid attached to the mail slot so as to be openable upward toward the front end, and a retrieval lid positioned on the front side of the mailbox body and so as to be openable forward toward the top end, wherein the mail slot and the top lid are positioned in front of the mailbox body than the panel member, the top lid is formed of a flat plate, the upper surface of the top lid in the closed state is flush with the upper surface of the mailbox body and extends forward of the front of the mailbox body, and the portion extending forward of the front of the mailbox body forms a handle portion on the top lid that is flush with the upper surface of the mailbox body, and the top lid in the closed state is positioned to cover the upper end of the retrieval lid in the closed state from above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the gatepost. [Figure 2] This is a side view of the gatepost. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a mailbox attached to a gatepost, seen from the front. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a mailbox with the top lid and retrieval lid open, seen from the front. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a mailbox from the rear, with the top lid and retrieval lid open. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the inside of the mailbox, seen from below. [Figure 7]This is a perspective view showing the axis of rotation on one end of the top cover. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the axis of rotation on the other end of the top cover. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged view of the top lid of a mailbox in a vertical cross-section obtained by cutting along line AA in Figure 3. [Figure 10] This is a side view of a gatepost showing a close-up of the open top lid of a mailbox. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The gate post 1 of this embodiment comprises a panel member 3 attached to the inside of a support frame 2, and a mailbox 4 attached to the inside of the support frame 2 and positioned below the panel member 3.

[0010] The support frame 2 is composed of a pair of left and right support posts 21, 21, an upper rail 22, and a lower rail 23. The support posts 21, the upper rail 22, and the lower rail 23 are formed, for example, from extruded metal profiles in the shape of square tubes. The pair of support posts 21, 21 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other and are erected vertically upward from the installation surface G, which is, for example, the ground in front of the entrance. The upper rail 22 is provided to connect the upper ends of the pair of support posts 21, 21 in the horizontal direction. The lower rail 23 is provided to connect the pair of support posts 21, 21 in the horizontal direction on the upper surface of the installation surface G.

[0011] The panel member 3 consists of a rectangular plate made of metal or resin. The panel member 3 is attached between a pair of support columns 21, 21, in contact with the upper rail 22. As shown in Figure 2, the panel member 3 consists of two plates, a front panel 31 and a rear panel 32, which are arranged at a predetermined distance apart. As shown in Figure 1, a nameplate 33 and an intercom 34 are provided on the surface of the front panel 31. Lighting (not shown) for illuminating the nameplate 33 is provided on the surface of the front panel 31 or on the upper rail 22.

[0012] The gatepost 1 of this embodiment is a functional gatepost in which the functions of a nameplate 33, intercom 34, lighting, and mailbox 4 are all integrated into one unit inside the support frame 2. In the gatepost 1 of this embodiment, the side facing the nameplate 33 and intercom 34 is defined as the "front," and the opposite side is defined as the "rear."

[0013] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 10, the mailbox 4 is attached to the lower part of the panel member 3 inside the support frame 2. More specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the mailbox 4 is attached to the support columns 21, 21 by screws (not shown) that penetrate from the inside of the mailbox body 41 through screw holes 41d, 41d on both sides 41b, 41b of the mailbox body 41. In this embodiment, the mailbox 4 is in contact with the lower end portion 3a of the panel member 3. However, the mailbox 4 may be positioned closer to the lower end portion 3a of the panel member 3, as long as it does not detract from the appearance.

[0014] The mailbox body 41 has a mail retrieval opening 42 and a mail insertion opening 43. The retrieval opening 42 is formed by a large rectangular opening on the front of the mailbox body 41. The retrieval opening 42 is provided with a retrieval cover 44 that covers the entire surface of the opening 42. The lower end of the retrieval cover 44 is rotatably attached to the front side of the lower surface 41c of the mailbox body 41 by a hinge 441. As a result, the retrieval cover 44 is provided so that its upper end can be opened forward. As shown in Figure 3, when the retrieval opening 42 is closed, the retrieval cover 44 constitutes the front surface of the mailbox 4. That is, the vertical height dimension of the retrieval cover 44 is approximately equal to the vertical height dimension of the mailbox 4. The horizontal width dimension of the retrieval cover 44 is approximately equal to the horizontal width dimension of the mailbox 4.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 4, an upper edge plate portion 421, side edge plate portions 422, 422, and a lower edge plate portion 423 that project forward in an L shape are provided at the upper edge, both side edges, and the lower edge of the take-out opening 42, respectively. The left and right side portions 44b, 44b and the lower end portion 44c of the take-out lid 44 are bent so as to be flush with the both side surfaces 41b, 41b and the lower surface 41c of the receiving box body 41 so as to cover the side edge plate portions 422, 422 and the lower edge plate portion 423 from the outside when the take-out opening 42 is closed. As a result, the boundary line between the receiving box body 41 and the take-out lid 44 is not visible from the front side of the mailbox 4, improving the appearance of the mailbox 4 and the gatepost 1. Further, the upper end portion 44a of the take-out lid 44 is slightly bent toward the receiving box body 41 side. This upper end portion 44a is disposed above the upper edge plate portion 421 when the take-out opening 42 is closed, as shown in Fig. 9.

[0016] As shown in Figs. 5 and 9, waterproof materials 442, 443 made of rubber or the like are provided on the rear surface side of the take-out lid 44. The waterproof material 442 extends horizontally on the upper end side of the rear surface of the take-out lid 44. The waterproof material 442 abuts on the front plate surface 421a of the upper edge plate portion 421 when the take-out lid 44 is in the closed state. The waterproof materials 443, 443 extend vertically on both sides of the rear surface of the take-out lid 44. The waterproof materials 443, 443 abut on the front plate surfaces 422a, 422a of the both side edge plate portions 422, 422 when the take-out lid 44 is in the closed state. Thereby, the space between the receiving box body 41 and the take-out lid 44 around the take-out opening 42 is sealed, preventing rainwater from entering the inside of the receiving box body 41 from the take-out opening 42.

[0017] As shown in Figs. 4, 6, and 9, a magnet 424 is provided at the central portion in the width direction of the front plate surface 421a. When the take-out lid 44 closes the take-out opening 42, the take-out lid 44 is attracted by the magnet 424, and the closed state of the take-out opening 42 is maintained. As shown in Fig. 5, the waterproof material 442 is divided into two parts so as to avoid the magnet 424.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, on the rear surface of the access lid 44, an L-shaped piece 444 extending in the width direction is provided to protrude rearward below the water stop material 442. As shown in FIG. 9, the L-shaped piece 444 is arranged below the upper edge plate portion 421 of the receiving box body 41 when the access lid 44 is in the closed state. As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 8, a dial-type locking mechanism 45 is provided on the side of the letter slot 43 of the receiving box body 41. The locking mechanism 45 has a locking piece 451 arranged inside the receiving box body 41. The L-shaped piece 444 is provided with a locking hole 444a that engages with the locking piece 451 of the locking mechanism 45. The access lid 44 is locked to the receiving box body 41 when the locking piece 451 engages with the locking hole 444a.

[0019] The letter slot 43 is open upward at a position offset toward the front end side of the upper surface 41a of the receiving box body 41. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the mailbox 4 is attached so as to protrude forward with respect to the support frame 2. The letter slot 43 is arranged at a position protruding forward from the support frame 2 on the upper surface 41a side of the receiving box body 41.

[0020] The letter slot 43 is provided at a position one step lower than the height of the upper surface 41a of the receiving box body 41. The dimension of the letter slot 43 in the width direction is smaller than the dimension of the receiving box body 41 in the width direction. The receiving box body 41 is provided with a rim plate 431 protruding upward so as to surround the periphery of the letter slot 43. The upper end of the rim plate 431 is arranged slightly below the position of the upper surface 41a of the receiving box body 41.

[0021] The mail slot 43 is provided with a top cover 46 that can be opened and closed to cover the entire surface of the mail slot 43. The top cover 46 is attached to the receiving box body 41 such that its front end can be opened upwards toward the mail slot 43. The top cover 46 is made of, for example, a 1.2 mm thick metal plate. The top cover 46 covers the entire mail slot 43 and extends along the entire width of the receiving box body 41. That is, both side ends 46b, 46b of the top cover 46 are positioned on the extension lines in the plane direction of both side surfaces 41b, 41b of the receiving box body 41. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the top cover 46 is provided so that it fits into the portion of the mailbox 4 that protrudes forward from the support frame 2.

[0022] As shown in Figure 9, the front end 46a of the top lid 46 extends slightly forward from the retrieval lid 44, which forms the front of the mailbox 4, when the mail slot 43 is closed. This extended portion forms a handle 461 for opening and closing the top lid 46. If the extension amount E of the top lid 46 is too large, it may spoil the appearance of the mailbox 4, and if it is too small, it will be difficult to open and close the top lid 46. Therefore, the extension amount E can be, for example, 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0023] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, mounting bases 462, 462 are provided at both ends of the underside of the top lid 46, respectively, for rotatably attaching the top lid 46 to the receiving box body 41. The outer surfaces 462a, 462a of the mounting bases 462, 462 are positioned on the extensions of the surface directions of both sides 41b, 41b of the receiving box body 41. Cushioning materials 462b, 462b made of rubber or the like are provided on the underside of the mounting bases 462, 462, respectively. The cushioning materials 462b, 462b mitigate the impact when the top lid 46 is closed and suppress the generation of abnormal noise.

[0024] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the mounting bases 462, 462 are rotatably attached by pivot shafts 463, 463 to brackets 432, 432 provided on the rear sides of both sides of the rim plate 431 of the receiving box body 41. The inner ends 463a, 463a of the pivot shafts 463, 463 are restricted from moving inward by the shaft portions 433a, 433a of screws 433, 433 that penetrate the rear rim plate 431 from the mail slot 43 side. This prevents the pivot shafts 463, 463 from coming loose.

[0025] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, a waterproofing material 464 made of rubber or the like is provided on the underside of the top lid 46. The waterproofing material 464 extends across the width of the top lid 46. As shown in Figure 9, when the top lid 46 is closed, the waterproofing material 464 contacts the top plate 431a, which is bent at a right angle forward from the upper end of the front edge plate 431. This seals the space between the receiving box body 41 and the top lid 46 on the front side of the mail slot 43, preventing rainwater from entering the inside of the receiving box body 41 from the mail slot 43.

[0026] As shown in Figure 9, the top lid 46 in the closed state is positioned flush with the upper surface 41a of the receiving box body 41. The handle portion 461 of the top lid 46 is also positioned flush with the upper surface 41a of the receiving box body 41. The outer surfaces 462a, 462a of the mounting bases 462, 462 of the top lid 46 are positioned flush with both sides 41b, 41b of the receiving box body 41. Furthermore, the upper end portion 44a of the retrieval lid 44 in the closed state protrudes slightly above the top plate 431a and is positioned close to the back surface 46c of the top lid 46 in the closed state. As a result, the gaps visible when observing the mailbox 4 from the front, top, and side are kept to a minimum. Moreover, the retrieval lid 44 and the top lid 46 do not protrude significantly forward, upward, or to the side of the mailbox 4, and only the handle portion 461 of the top lid 46 protrudes slightly due to the thickness of the flat top lid 46. Therefore, when viewed from the front, the mailbox 4 has a clean and uncluttered appearance overall.

[0027] Next, the effects of the gatepost 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0028] The gatepost 1 of this embodiment comprises a pair of support posts 21, 21, a panel member 3 attached between the pair of support posts 21, 21, and a mailbox 4 attached between the pair of support posts 21, 21 and positioned close to or in contact with the lower part of the panel member 3. The mailbox 4 has a mailbox body 41, a mail slot 43 that opens upward toward the top of the mailbox body 41, and a top lid 46 that is attached to the mail slot 43 so as to be openable toward the top of the mail slot 43, with its front end 46a facing upward. The mail slot 43 and the top lid 46 are positioned in front of the mailbox body 41, ahead of the panel member 3. As a result, as shown in Figure 10, even when the top lid 46 is opened to insert mail M, the opened top lid 46 does not interfere with the panel member 3. Since the mailbox 4 is positioned close to or in contact with the panel member 3, no large gap is formed between the panel member 3 and the mailbox 4. Therefore, the gatepost 1 of this embodiment can further improve the aesthetic appearance.

[0029] In the gatepost 1 of this embodiment, the top cover 46 has a handle portion 461 that extends forward from the retrieval cover 44 which constitutes the front surface of the mailbox 4. The handle portion 461 is formed flush with the upper surface 41a of the mailbox body 41. Therefore, the top cover 46 can be opened and closed by placing fingers on the handle portion 461. As a result, no member is formed that protrudes significantly from the upper surface of the mailbox 4, and when the mailbox 4 is viewed from the front, the appearance of the mailbox 4 can be made neat, and the visibility of the panel member 3 positioned above the mailbox 4 is not impaired. Therefore, the aesthetic appearance of the gatepost 1 can be further improved.

[0030] In the gatepost 1 of this embodiment, the top cover 46 is formed from a flat plate. Therefore, the top cover 46 and the handle portion 461 extend only by the thickness of the flat plate in front of the mailbox 4. As a result, the top cover 46 is not conspicuous in the mailbox 4, and the aesthetic appearance of the gatepost 1 can be further improved.

[0031] In the gatepost 1 of this embodiment, the front side of the receiving box body 41 has a retrieval lid 44 whose upper end 44a can be opened forward. The upper end 44a of the retrieval lid 44 is positioned close to the back surface 46c of the top lid 46. As a result, the gap between the retrieval lid 44 and the top lid 16 that is visible when the mailbox 4 is viewed from the front is minimized, further improving the aesthetic appearance of the gatepost 1. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0032] 1 Gatepost, 3 Panel member, 4 Mailbox, 21 Support post, 41 Mailbox body, 41a Top surface, 43 Mail slot, 44 Removal lid, 44a Upper end, 46 Top lid, 46a Front end, 46c Back surface, 461 Handle

Claims

[Claim 1] A pair of support pillars, A panel member is installed between the pair of support columns, A mailbox is provided, which is mounted between the pair of support columns and positioned close to or in contact with the lower part of the panel member. The aforementioned mailbox comprises a mailbox body, a mail slot opening upward toward the top of the mailbox body, a top lid attached to the mail slot so that its front end can be opened upward toward the top, and a retrieval lid positioned on the front side of the mailbox body so that its upper end can be opened toward the front. The mail slot and the top lid are positioned in front of the receiving box body, The top lid is formed of a flat plate, and the upper surface of the top lid in the closed state is flush with the upper surface of the receiving box body and extends forward from the front of the receiving box body, and the portion extending forward from the front of the receiving box body forms a handle portion on the top lid that is flush with the upper surface of the receiving box body. The gatepost is positioned such that the closed top cover covers the upper end of the closed removal cover from above.

Images