Mail delivery notification device

• US 7,506,796 B1
• Filed: 02/02/2008
• Issued: 03/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/02/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert L. Hanna
• Original Assignee: Robert L. Hanna
• Inventors: Hanna, Robert Lee
• Primary Examiner(s): Miller; William L.
• Application Number:
  US12/012,417
• Time in Patent Office: 416 Days
• Field of Search: 232 34- 37, 340/569, 340/545.6, 340/689, 200/61.52, 200/61.63, 49 13- 14, 109/43
• US Class Current: 232/36
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 29/1214 including a receiver located remotely from the letter-box and a transmitter

Abstract

A transmitting mechanism for indicating the deposit of mail into mailboxes having doors that pivot about a horizontal hinge. Such mailboxes normally identified as curb side, wall mounted, and slot type. The transmitting mechanism is comprised of an adjustable knob capable of positioning an adjoining tilt switch, such that the mechanism can be set to send a signal at any preferred mailbox opening. As the mailbox door is opened past a predetermined angle, the tilt switch completes a circuit which emits a signal to a remote receiver which activates a sound and visual alarm indicating that mail has been deposited in the mailbox.

Claims

1. A transmitter mechanism for indicating when mail has been deposited in a mailbox having a pivotable door, wherein said mechanism indicates the arrival of mail by transmitting a signal to a remote receiver when said door has been opened, said mechanism comprising:

a) a tilt switch including a ball or mercury, said tilt switch connected to a circuit board to transmit said signal;

b) an enclosure having a mounting base affixed to said door, said door hinged to said mailbox such that said tilt switch positioned within said enclosure is activated when said mailbox door is opened;

c) a turning knob with internal bores respectively receiving a portion of said enclosure and a portion of a tilt switch holder, said knob being turnable to select a predetermined angle setting of said tilt switch, said turning knob having an indicator pointer on an external circular surface thereof;

d) said tilt switch holder with an internal bore receiving said tilt switch, and said portion defining a circular stem attached to said turning knob and to said enclosure;

e) indicia on a top surface of the enclosure opposite said mounting base for indicating the proper mounting orientation of said enclosure on said door such that said tilt switch is activated when said mailbox door is opened; and

f) indicia on an external side surface of the enclosure for indicating the position of said knob such that said indicator pointer is set to an indicated position corresponding to said predetermined angle setting of said tilt switch whereby said tilt switch will be activated when said door of said mailbox is opened.

2. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is mounted on an outside surface of said door.

3. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said mailbox is a wall mounted mailbox and said mailbox door is opened upwardly.

4. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said mailbox is a slot mailbox and said mailbox door is opened upwardly.

5. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said remote receiver includes an audible alarm and a visual alarm to indicate mail has been deposited in the mailbox.

6. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said mailbox is a curbside mailbox and said mailbox door is opened downwardly.

7. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is mounted on an inside surface of said door.