Indicator for arrived mail

Abstract

The purpose of the invention is to provide an indicator for a mailbox for indicating the arrival of mail. The indicator comprises a body part (1) attached to the surface of the mailbox lid, said body part (1) further comprising an attachment element (1a) in connection with the body part (1). The indicator further comprises an indicator part (2), and the body part (1) and the indicator part (2) are connected via joint parts (3a, 3b) and a joint pin (3c) arranged to form a hinge joint (3) between the indicator part (2) and the body part (1), wherein a spring element (4) is arranged in connection with the hinge joint (3) to allow relative movement between the said parts. The indicator part (2) further comprises a bend (2a) to guide the indicator part (2) outside the mailbox when its lid (5) is closed.

Description

[0001] Indicator for arrived mail

[0002] The invention relates to an indicator, as defined in the preamble of the independent claim directed thereto , to be attached to a mailbox for indicating arrival of mail .

[0003] Mail arrival indicators are currently known, particularly in connection with the types of mailboxes commonly used in the United States . In these cases , when the lid placed at the end of the box in the longitudinal direction opens , it is connected to a lever mechanism that raises a flag or similar signaling device indicating to the mailbox owner that mail has arrived .

[0004] However, a similar mechanism is poorly suited for the types of mailboxes found, for example , in Finland and elsewhere in Northern Europe , or for the mail slots commonly used in apartment buildings , where the lid or flap for delivering mail typically opens upwards and is located at the front or top of the mailbox . Indicators for arrived mail have been proposed for such a mailbox, which are based on the lever-type solution commonly used in North America for raising the flag or marker, which has also been suggested as suitable for mentioned mailboxes with an upward-opening lids . However, the proposed solutions are cumbersome in terms of installation method and require tools as well as at least partial modification of the mailbox .

[0005] The patent publication FI 124056 B presents a magnetically lockable and / or mail indicator as part of a mailbox . The indicator is , for example , a spring-loaded sheet metal flap, where the spring force works together with one or two magnets in such a way that when the lid is opened, the spring force assisted in releasing the flap from the magnet holding it in place , caus ing the flap to become visible as the lid is opened .

[0006] Patent publication US 7 , 207 , 260 Bl presents a spring- loaded mail arrival indicator that is attached at its lower part to the outside of the hinged mail slot flap so that part of the indicator' s structure remains inside the slot when the flap is closed . In this case , when the mail slot flap is opened again, the indicator pops up on the side of the box under the influence of spring force , indicating the arrival of mail .

[0007] The utility model publication FI 5056 U presents a mail arrival indicator that is attached to the outside of the mailbox . The indicator according to the invention works in such a way that the indicator placed on the side of the box rises to an upright position, similar to a flag, when the upward-opening lid of the mailbox is opened . Further, the indicator can be manually reset to the standby position when mail is collected .

[0008] The utility model publication DK 201900076 U3 presents a mail arrival indicator that is attached to the inside of the mailbox flap . The indicator consists of two parts connected to each other by a flexible intermediate section . The first part of the indicator is attached to the inside of the mailbox door, allowing the second part to move freely . When the indicator is set to the standby position, the freely moving part is placed inside the mailbox by means of a flexible intermediate section, so that as the mail slot flap is opened, it pulls the indicator into view, and when the slot flap is closed again, the indicator is left hanging outside the slot flap .

[0009] In the above-mentioned solutions , it is typical to place the indicator that informs the user of mail arrival on the outside of the mailbox, making it exposed to varying weather conditions . Furthermore , in solutions where the indicator is placed inside the mailbox, controlling the movement of the indicator, especially when closing the mailbox or mail slot flap after mail delivery, is challenging, which creates a clear risk of the indicator becoming pinched . Furthermore , in case where mail is delivered multiple times without the mailbox being emptied between deliveries , it is possible with solutions according to prior art , that the indicator forms at least a partial obstruction on the delivery slot , hindering efficient mail delivery .

[0010] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a decisive improvement to the aforementioned problems and thereby significantly elevate the current state of the art in the field . To attain this purpose , the invention is characteri zed by what is set out in the characteri zing part of an independent claim directed thereto .

[0011] The indicator according to the invention enables the detection of incoming mail without opening the mailbox as long as the user is within visual range of the mailbox . The invention thus comprises an indicator that is fixedly or detachably attached to a movable part of the mailbox, such as a lid or a slot flap, comprising of two flat- shaped parts connected by a hinge-like j oint part , so that when the slot flap is opened and then closed, for example during mail delivery, the indicator' s visible part remains exposed beneath the lid or slot flap on the outside of the mailbox . In this case , the user can detect that the slot flap has been opened, which is typically an indication of a mail delivery event . When collecting the mail from the mailbox, the user can reset the indicator to the standby position, wherein the signaling part of the indicator is arranged inside the box out of the user' s sight .

[0012] The present invention comprises a two-part indicator made of plastic, metal , composite , wood or similar material suitable for the intended use , wherein the body part and the indicator part are connected to each other by means of a hinge-like j oint arranged in them, allowing the parts to move relative to each other around the j oint . The body part comprises a fastening element such as double-sided tape or similar adhesive , screw attachment or similar, which further allows the body part to be attached detachably or permanently to the inside of the mailbox lid or slot flap in a vertical or hori zontal position, so that when the mailbox is closed, the indicator remains in its standby position, hidden in the internal space of the mailbox . The indicator part is attached to the body part via a hinge-like j oint , wherein the body part and the indicator part have the necessary structure arranged at their interconnecting ends , for example , for a j oint pin that secures the said parts together along one edge .

[0013] The indicator according to the invention is further equipped with a spring element arranged between the body part and the indicator part in such a way that the spring is tensioned as the angle between the body part and the indicator part decreases , so that when the indicator according to the invention is in its free position, the spring force causes the angle between the indicator part and the body part to increase and opening up based on the spring' s design . Furthermore , for the spring element , attachment structures are arranged on the indicator part and body part , for example , by means of recesses made on their surfaces , wherein the first end of the spring element is attached to the attachment structure of the body part and the other end of the spring element is attached to the attachment structure on the indicator part . In this configuration, the indicator according to the invention operates such that the body part is attached by a suitable fastening mechanism to the inner edge of the upward-opening lid part of the mailbox, so that the hinge-like j oint is arranged near the edge of the lid . In this case , when setting to the standby position, the user tensions the spring between the body and indicator parts by pressing the said parts towards each other while simultaneously closing the mailbox lid or slot flap . In this position, the indicator according to the invention and its parts remain under the mailbox lid, held in a tensioned position by the spring, against the internal parts of the mailbox and / or its lid . When the mailbox lid is opened, the tensioned spring is released, and the spring force causes the indicator part to separate from the body part in such a way that the opening angle between the body and the indicator part increases , wherein the said parts are stil l connected by means of a hinge-like j oint allowing a rotational movement in relation to it . The said indicator is positioned within the internal structure of the mailbox or its lid or slot flap in such a way that as the opening angle increases under force of the spring, the indicator part becomes visible outside the front edge of the mailbox lid or slot flap . In this case , when the mailbox lid or slot flap is closed again, the indicator part remains visible , indicating to the user that the mailbox lid or slot flap has been open .

[0014] It is possible to equip the indicator according to the invention with user-friendly features , such as a locking mechanism, allowing the indicator part of the indicator to remain in the standby position when the mailbox lid or slot flap is opened, without releasing to indicate the opening of the lid . This allows the user, for example , to deactivate the mail arrival indicator during a period of absence .

[0015] The indicator can also be equipped with a light source , such as an LED light , to facilitate detection in dim and dark conditions , wherein it is fitted with a suitable power source , such as a battery or rechargeable cell . To further enhance visibility, the indicator can also be equipped, for example , with a reflector or coated with glow-in-the-dark material . Additionally, the visible part of the indicator can be equipped with various texts , logos , or messages , for example applied through printing or stickers .

[0016] Furthermore , the invention can be equipped with a wireless communication unit , enabling it to send and / or receive information wirelessly, for example , via Bluetooth, Wi- Fi , NFC, or similar frequencies and thus communicate with the user ' s device , such as a mobile phone or other terminal device suitable for the purpose .

[0017] The main advantages of the indicator according to the invention are its structural simplicity and cost-effectiveness in terms of manufacturing, installation, and use . Furthermore , the indicator according to the invention can be installed in diverse types of mailboxes and mail lockers that have an upward-opening lid for mail delivery . The indicator is independent of , for example , whether the upward-opening lid or slot flap of the mailbox for mail delivery is positioned on top or at the front of the mailbox . The structure of the indicator allows the mailbox lid to be opened and additional deliveries to be made easily, thanks to the j oint structure enabling the indicator part to flex inwards when new mail is being delivered . The parts and structures of the indicator are also simple to manufacture , for example , when made from plastic by inj ection molding or similar . The spring element , light source , power supply for the light , and the wireless communication components of the indicator can be standard components , and it is possible to allocate the necessary space for them within the body and / or indicator part of the indicator . Furthermore , arranging the indicator inside the internal space of the mai lbox protects the indicator from precipitation and other adverse weather conditions , which can significantly reduce the reliability and lifespan of indicators positioned outside the mailbox . In the following description, the invention is illustrated in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings , where :

[0018] Figure 1 shows a top-perspective view of the indicator according to the invention in its operational position,

[0019] Figure 2 shows a bottom-perspective view of the indicator according to the invention in its operational position,

[0020] Figure 3 shows a bottom-perspective view of the indicator according to the invention attached to the lid of the mailbox in its standby position,

[0021] Figure 4 shows a bottom-perspective view of the indicator according to the invention attached to the lid of the mailbox in its operational position,

[0022] Figure 5 shows a preferred embodiment of the indicator according to the invention .

[0023] The invention relates to an indicator D, arranged in connection to an inner surface of a mailbox or locker lid 5 or a slot flap, to indicate the user when the lid i s opened and thus indicate the arrival of mail . With reference to Figure 1 , the indicator according to the invention preferably comprises a flap-like body part 1 , which further comprises an attachment element la, such as a sticker with a double-sided adhes ive surface , screw attachment , or similar suitable fastening element , and a j oint part 3a being fixedly arranged on one side of the body part 1 ; preferably a flap-like indicator part 2 , comprising a j oint part 3b fixedly arranged on one side of it ; wherein body part 1 and indicator part 2 are connected fixedly or detachably to each other by j oint parts 3a, 3b and preferably a j oint pin 3c, forming a hinge j oint 3 . Furthermore , the indicator part 2 of the indicator D according to the invention is partially bent 2a outward at a bending point from the outer portion of the mailbox lid, so that the indicator part 2 is always directed to the outside of the mailbox when the mailbox lid is closed aga n .

[0024] With particular reference to Figure 2 , indicator D according to the invention further comprises a spring element 4 , such as a torsion spring, shaped wire , or similar, arranged in connection with hinge j oint 3 between the body part 1 and the indicator part 2 , wherein the spring element 4 is tensioned when , for example , the user compresses the body part 1 and the indicator part 2 together flat against each other, as shown in Figure 3 , placing the indicator D in its standby position , wherein when the lid of the mailbox lid 5 or slot flap is closed, the indicator remains hidden in the internal part of the lid 5 . Furthermore , when the compression is released, the body part 1 and indicator part 2 separate from each other under the force of the spring element 4 and, with reference to figure 4 , the indicator reaches its operational position, wherein it is visible from the outside the mailbox without opening the mailbox lid or slot flap . The body part 1 and the indicator part 2 of the indicator D further preferably comprise , with particular reference to Figure 2 , attachment structures 4a, 4b for securing free ends of the spring element 4 in order to hold the ends in place .

[0025] As a preferred embodiment of the invention, and with particular reference to Figure 5 , the indicator D comprises a battery- or accumulator-operated light source 6 , such as an LED or similar, for making the indicator D visible in dim and / or dark conditions . The light source 6 is preferably positioned in the visible part of indicator part 2 in such a way that the light source 6 is fully visible when the indicator D is in its operational position and can be observed from outside the mailbox . Furthermore , as a preferred embodiment of the invention, light source 6 is embedded in the indicator part 2 in a weather-resistant manner or attached to its surface , wherein the power supply of the light source is preferably arranged on the back side of the indicator part 2 . As a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the indicator D is equipped with a reflector to enhance its visibility .

[0026] As a further preferred embodiment of the invention, indicator D comprises a transmitter and / or receiver for transmitting and / or receiving a radio frequency signal , such as a Bluetooth signal or similar, to enable wireless communication with the user ' s transmitter and / or receiver, such as a mobile phone and / or standalone terminal device . As a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the wireless communication operates on Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication) or Wi-Fi frequencies or other similar active or passive radio frequency bands .

[0027] As a preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment structures 4a, 4b of spring element 4 are preferably recesses in the body part 1 and the indicator part 2 , wherein they can be formed within the manufacturing process of said parts , such as inj ection molding, or by machining methods applied on the surfaces of parts 1 , 2 .

[0028] As a further preferred embodiment of the invention, indicator D comprises of a locking element to secure the indicator part 2 against the body part 1 in the standby position, in case the user wishes to prevent the movement of indicator part 2 when the mailbox or locker lid and / or slot flap is opened .

[0029] As a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment element la of the body part 1 is a piece that has adhesive surface on both sides , such as a double-sided sticker, arranged on the body part 1 . As a preferred embodiment , the body part 1 can also be attached using an adhesive suitable for the purpose .

[0030] As a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the body part 1 is equipped with a structure allowing it to be attached to the mailbox lid 5 using screws , bolts , nails , or similar fasteners .

[0031] As a preferred embodiment of the invention, body part 1 and indicator part 2 of indicator D are made from a suitable polymer material , metal or metal alloy, plastic or metal composite , wood or wood composite , or another suitable material for the purpose .

[0032] It is obvious that the invention is not limited to the embodiments presented or described above but can be modified within the scope of the basic concept of the invention according to the details of the application, by using parts that are most suitable for the purpose in terms of shape and manufacturing materials . Within the scope of the basic concept of the invention, it is possible , for example , to position the indicator D according to the invention in different parts of the internal or external areas of the mailbox or slot flap , so that the indicator part 2 can be used in the manner described in the application to indicate the arrival of mail . In this case , the indicator D can be positioned, for example , on the front edge 5a of the mailbox lid 5 . Furthermore , the shape of the parts of the indicator D according to the invention, their manufacturing material , or the implementation of spring element 4 can be modified within the scope of the intended use of the invention .

Claims

Claims :

1. An indicator to be attached to a mailbox for indicating the opening of lid (5) and the arrival of mail to the user, the indicator (D) comprising a body part (1) attached in connection with surface of the mailbox, its lid (5) or slot, said body part (1) further comprising an attachment element (la) arranged detachably or fixedly in connection with the body part (1) , the indicator (D) further comprising an indicator part (2) , wherein the body part (1) and the indicator part (2) are connected to each other via joint parts (3a, 3b) and a joint pin (3c) arranged therein and forming a hinge joint (3) between the indicator part (2) and the body part (1) , wherein a spring element (4) is arranged in connection with the hinge joint (3) to allow relative movement between the body part (1) and the indicator part (2) , characterized in that said body part (1) and indicator part (2) comprise attachment structures (4a, 4b) in order to hold the free ends of the spring element (4) , such as a torsion spring and / or a shaped wire, in place and wherein the indicator part (2) further comprises a bend (2a) to guide the indicator part (2) outside the mailbox when the lid (5) or slot is closed.

2. The indicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment element (la) of the body part (1) is a piece that is adhesive on both sides, such as doublesided sticker, tape, adhesive or similar.

3. The indicator according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the indicator part (2) is equipped with abattery- or accumulator-operated light source (6) , such as an LED light or similar, wherein the light source (6) is positioned on the portion of the indicator part (2) that remains visible outside the mailbox enable detection of the indicator part (2) in dim and / or dark conditions.

4. the indicator (D) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises a transmitter and / or receiver for transmitting and / or receiving an active or passive radio frequency signal, such as a Bluetooth signal or similar, to enable wireless communication with the user's transmitter and / or receiver, such as a mobile phone and / or stand-alone terminal device.

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