DK201900076U3 - Post Signaling Device - Google Patents

Abstract

A mail notification device is described. The mail notification device (1) is for use in indicating received mail in a mailbox (10.30), the device comprising a flexible material having a longitudinal extension and a longitudinal extension; wherein the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the latitudinal direction; wherein the longitudinal extension is greater than the longitudinal extension, thereby defining for the mail notification device a first end (6) and a second end, the first end and the second end being arranged opposite; the first end of the device comprising fasteners (4) for fastening to the surface of a mailbox; the other end of the device comprising visualization means (5) to visually indicate that mail (20) has been received in the mailbox.

Description

Post Signaling Device

Area of production

The present invention relates to the field of mail notification devices which are designed to indicate that mail has been delivered in a mailbox. Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to such a mail notification device. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a mailbox comprising a mail notification device according to the first aspect of the generation.

Background to the creation

See. Section 8 of the Postal Act, which applies in Denmark, requires households to set up mailboxes at the entrance to the individual parcel, which in many cases gives some distance between the mailbox and the household.

In times when physical mail is being released more and more rarely, as a resident, you will often find yourself in vain making a trip to a mailbox that turns out to be empty.

This is a major nuisance for the elderly, walking, but also if you have a long driveway or the weather is bad. It is also experienced that mail is unnecessarily long in a wet and damp mailbox, if it is not emptied at an appropriate time.

To solve these problems there are already so-called mailers.

A mail detector is arranged to provide a signal when the mailbox has received mail. The signal may be visual or acoustic.

Thus, a postal reporter has the great advantage of avoiding a futile trip to an empty mailbox.

Several patents have been published regarding visual indicators for receiving mail in a mailbox.

U.S. No. 5,660,327 (1995, Brinkley) discloses an indicator of received mail. The mail detector comprises a container attached to the side of the mailbox which holds on an indicator further connected to the door to the mailbox by means of a flexible line. When the mailbox door is opened, the indicator is pulled out of the container and hanging visible under the mailbox, it indicates that mail has been received.

In the U.S. No. 5,366,148 (1993, Shreckengost) discloses a received mail indicator comprising a container attached to the side of the mailbox door which holds on a spring indicator mounted on the side of the mailbox. When the mailbox door is opened, the spring indicator is pulled out of the container and changed from the horizontal to the vertical position on the side of the mailbox, thereby indicating that mail has been received.

U.S. 4,895,299 (1999, Perry) describes an indicator of received mail. A magnet is mounted on the side of the mailbox door on which the metal indicator is mounted. The indicator is attached to a line on the side of the mailbox. When the mailbox door with the magnet is opened, the indicator is pulled off and via gravity it hangs visible under the mailbox. This indicates that mail has been received.

In the U.S. 7,506,796 (2008, Hanna) discloses a digital indicator of received mail. A digital device located in the mailbox which, when opening the mailbox door, changes the inclination of the device and thereby sends a signal to a device further away, which visually and with sound indicates that mail has been delivered to the mailbox.

DK 2000 00170 U3 (2000, Christensen & Jørgensen) describes an indicator of received mail. The indicator is a flag or stick attached to the side of the mailbox. A rocker means that when opening the mailbox door, the position of the indicator changes from horizontal to vertical, thereby indicating that mail has been received.

DK 2002 00191 U3 (2002, Fogh) describes a combined bell and digital indicator for received mail. A digital mercury switch located in the mailbox door which, when opened, sends a signal to a receiver in the home.

DK 9300408U3 (1993, Nielsen & Hansen) relates to a digital indicator for received mail. A digital miniature transmitter with double-sided velcrotape and a magnetic switch located in the mailbox door, which when opened, sends a signal to a unit in the home. Flashing LED indicates that mail has been delivered to the mailbox.

All of these prior devices have, in various ways, met the goal of indicating mail. Generally, it has either succeeded with complicated devices that require some installation, or it consists of relatively expensive electronic equipment which is very sensitive to cold, frost and rain.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple yet reliable mail notification device which can visually indicate that a mailbox has received mail and thus avoids the disadvantages associated with the known mail notification systems.

Brief description of the production

This object is achieved according to the first and second aspects of production.

Accordingly, according to the first aspect of the invention, a mail notification device is provided for use in indicating received mail in a mailbox, the device comprising a flexible material having a longitudinal extension and a longitudinal extension;

wherein the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the latitudinal direction;

wherein the longitudinal extension is greater than the longitudinal extension, thereby defining for the postal message device a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being arranged opposite;

wherein the first end of the device comprises fasteners for fastening to the surface of a mailbox;

the other end of the device including visualization means to visually indicate that mail has been received in the mailbox.

According to the second aspect of the creation, a mailbox comprising a mail notification device according to the first aspect of the generation is provided.

The analogue mail notification device according to the first aspect of the invention differs from previous devices in not having complicated mechanical or electronic devices. It is distinguished by being made extremely simple with few and economical materials. It is simple to install and at the same time easy to remove again during holiday periods.

In this way, the present generation provides the market with an aesthetic, but at the same time inexpensive mail notification device, which can be used on all existing mailboxes and is durable regardless of the weather.

In addition, the mail notification device can be designed in all desirable shapes, colors, texts and with embossed symbols / icons.

Generation will be of great benefit to all households, eliminating unnecessary walks to an empty mailbox. It will benefit when awaiting important mail, where there is a long way between house and mailbox when the weather is bad, at residential blocks where all mailboxes are on the ground floor and especially to the elderly and the pedestrian.

Brief description of figures

FIG. 1 shows a standard mailbox upon receipt of letters through the mailbox door, in which mail notification device according to the invention is used.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged scale of the mail notification device with the individual elements, cf. the generation.

FIG. 3 shows the standard mailbox of FIG. 1 with the mail notification device according to the generation installed hidden behind the mailbox door.

FIG. 4 shows the standard mailbox upon receipt of a letter with the mail notification device according to the generation visibly installed behind the mailbox door.

FIG. 5 shows the standard mailbox upon receipt of letters with visible visualization means for the mail notification device according to the production arranged outside the mailbox and with hidden first part thereof installed behind the mailbox door.

FIG. 6 shows another type of standard mailbox with alternative mounting of the mail notification device according to the invention visible outside the mailbox.

FIG. 7 shows the mailbox of FIG. 6, upon receipt of a letter, with alternative mounting of the mail notification device visible outside the mailbox.

FIG. 8 shows the mailbox of FIG. 6 after receiving a letter and with visible first part of the mail notification device according to the production outside the mailbox and hidden visualization means behind the mailbox door.

Detailed description of the production

As mentioned, the present invention relates in its first aspect to a mail notification device for use in indicating received mail in a mailbox, the device comprising a flexible material having a longitudinal extension and a longitudinal extension;

wherein the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the latitudinal direction;

wherein the longitudinal extension is greater than the longitudinal extension, thereby defining for the postal message device a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being arranged opposite;

wherein the first end of the device comprises fasteners for fastening to the surface of a mailbox;

the other end of the device including visualization means to visually indicate that mail has been received in the mailbox.

The effect of the mail notification device according to the invention is achieved by the mail notification device being configured to change position and indicating that the mailbox door has been activated. The mail notification device thus comprises a flexible material. One end of the mail notification device comprises fasteners and the other end of the mail notification device comprises visualization means which, by means of gravity, allow the position thereof to be altered by the influence of the mailbox door.

In a particular embodiment of the mail notification device according to the first aspect of the production, the fastening means comprise a magnet.

Hereby the mail notification device can be easily attached to a mailbox of a ferromagnetic material.

In a particular embodiment of the mail notification device according to the first aspect of the production, the fastening means comprise a magnet in combination with a ferromagnetic material, such as an iron or steel material, optionally in the form of a disc.

This allows the magnetic attraction to be distributed over an area larger than the magnet itself.

In a particular embodiment of the mail notification device according to the first aspect of the production, the fastening means comprise an adhesive.

This also permits attachment of the postal message device to a material which is not ferromagnetic.

In a particular embodiment of the mail notification device according to the first aspect of the production, the adhesive is adhesive or double-adhesive tape.

This embodiment has proved excellent for securing the attachment of the mail notification device.

In a particular embodiment of the mail notification device according to the first aspect of the production, the adhesive side of the adhesive is provided with a protective liner for tearing off immediately prior to adhesion on the surface of a mailbox.

This ensures optimum adhesion for the adhesive, thereby avoiding the risk of sticking dust and dirt to adhesives prior to attaching to a mailbox.

The use of magnet or adhesive for mounting the mail notification device also means that it is easy to remove the mail notification device during holiday periods, so that a full mailbox is not indicated for a long time.

In a particular embodiment of the mail notification device according to the first aspect of the invention, the flexible material of the mail notification device is made of a polymer such as silicone or plastic or rubber.

These materials are excellent for the intended purpose.

In a particular embodiment of the mail notification device according to the first aspect of the production, the flexible material along the extension extending between the first end and the second end of the device comprises one or more notches.

This increases the flexibility of the flexible material of the mail notification device.

In a particular embodiment of the mail notification device according to the first aspect of the generation, the notches or notches are oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

This orientation ensures optimum flexibility in the desired direction.

In a particular embodiment of the mail notification device according to the first aspect of the generation, the number of notches 1 - 16, such as 2 - 15, e.g. 3 - 14, such as 4 - 13, for example 5 - 12, such as 6 - 11, such as 7 - 10 or 8 - 9.

This ensures good flexibility of the mail notification device.

In a particular embodiment of the mail notification device according to the first aspect of the generation, the device has a maximum lengthwise extension of 4 - 25 cm, such as 5 - 24 cm, e.g. 6 - 23 cm, such as 7 - 22 cm, for example 8 - 21 cm, such as 9 - 20 cm, such as 10 - 19 cm, for example 11 - 18 cm, such as 12 - 17 cm, e.g. 13 - 16 cm or 14 - 15 cm.

In a particular embodiment of the mail notification device according to the first aspect of the production, the device has a maximum width in the width direction of 0.5 - 9 cm, such as 1-8 cm, for example 2-7 cm, such as 3-6 cm or 4-5 cm.

In a particular embodiment of the mail notification device according to the first aspect of the production, the flexible material of the device has a maximum extent (thickness) in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and the width direction of 0.05 - 1 cm, such as 0.075 - 0.9 cm, for example. 0.1 - 0.8 cm, such as 0.2 - 0.7 cm, such as 0.3 - 0.6 cm or 0.4 - 0.5 cm.

These dimensions have proved appropriate for the intended purpose.

In a particular embodiment of the mail notification device according to the first aspect of the creation, the visualization means of the device comprise a particular color or geometry of the other end of the device or a portion thereof, this particular color or geometry being different from the color or geometry of the rest of the device; or the device visualization means merely comprises the material of the other end of the device.

This ensures good visibility for the indication that mail is received in a mailbox.

In the second aspect of the generation, there is provided a mailbox comprising a mail notification device according to the first aspect of the generation.

Referring now to the figures in order to illustrate in detail the present invention, FIG. 1 shows a standard mailbox 10 upon receipt of letter 20, thereby activating the mailbox door 11 and by means of gravity, the mail notification device 1 according to the first aspect of production is made visible.

In FIG. 2, the postal message device 1 is shown on an enlarged scale. The mail notification device 1 is here made of silicone, but can be made of any kind of flexible and weather resistant material, such as another polymer, such as rubber or plastic. It will be seen that the post notification device has a longitudinal and a longitudinal extension, the longitudinal direction being perpendicular to the latitudinal direction.

The first end 6 of the mail notification device 1 comprises fasteners 4 for fastening to the surface of a mailbox. In FIG. 2, the first end 6 is made with a diameter of 30 mm and designed to fit the door of most mailboxes on the market.

Embedded in the silicone at the first end, a metal plate 3 is arranged and a strong magnet 4 is mounted on the outside thereof. For non-metallic mailboxes, as a fastening means 4, alternatively or further, a piece of double-adhesive tape 7 which is attached to the magnet 4 can be used.

The mail notification device also comprises a second, opposite end which comprises visualization means 5 which, in the embodiment shown in FIG. is round with a diameter of 20 mm and with a letter symbol imprinted.

The visualization means 5 may also comprise a particular color or geometry of the other end of the device or a portion thereof, this particular color or geometry being different from the color or geometry of the rest of the device 1. Alternatively, the visualizing means 5 of the postal message device may merely comprise the material of the device itself. other end.

Between the first end 6 and the second end of the flexible material is shown in FIG. 2 small notches 2 to increase flexibility. This provides a minor feature in the first end of the postal message device 6, the visualization means changing position due to gravity.

The shape, geometry, size, length, width, height, number of notches 2 of the mail notification device 1 and the geometry of both the visualization means and the first end of the device can be changed and adapted to new and upcoming mailbox standards.

As already indicated, the visualization means 5 need not be round, but may be in different forms and with different embossed symbols, icons or text, e.g. suitable for a company logo.

In FIG. 3, 4 and 5, the effect of production is seen on a standard mailbox 10.

In FIG. 3, the mail notification device 1 according to the first aspect of the production is mounted on the inside of a mailbox lid, the first end 6 of the device being hidden on the back of the mailbox lid 11.

In FIG. 4, the opening of the mailbox cover 11 and the placement of a letter 20 are shown, whereby the mail message device 1 flips its visualization means 5, thereby making it visible.

In FIG. 5, a standard mailbox 10 is seen after receiving mail, where the visualization means 5 of the mail message device 1 are now visible.

In FIG. 6, 7 and 8 also see the effect of the production on receipt of mail, however here with an alternative location of the mail notification device 1.

In FIG. 6 is the mail notification device 1, with its first end 6 mounted visible on the side of the mail box 30.

In FIG. 7, it is seen that the mailbox door 11 is opened and that a letter 20 is received, whereby the visualization means 5 of the mail message device 1 tilt in behind the mailbox door 11.

In FIG. 8, a standard mailbox 30 is seen upon receipt of mail, where the visualization means 5 of the mail notification device 5 are now hidden.

For some mailbox types, an alternative location may be required. An essential feature of the mail notification device 1 of the generation is that visualization means are configured to change position upon receipt of mail.

Claims (5)

Use Model Requirements A mail notification device (1) for use in indicating received mail in a mailbox (10.30), wherein the device comprises a flexible material having a longitudinal extension and a longitudinal extension; wherein the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the latitudinal direction; wherein the longitudinal extension is greater than the longitudinal extension, thereby defining for the mail notification device a first end (6) and a second end, the first end and the second end being arranged opposite; the first end of the device comprising fasteners (4) for fastening to the surface of a mailbox; the other end of the device comprising visualization means (5) to visually indicate that mail (20) has been received in the mailbox. Mail notification device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening means (4) comprise a magnet. The mail notification device (1) of claim 2, wherein the fastening means (4) comprise a magnet in combination with a ferromagnetic material, such as an iron or steel material, optionally in the form of a disc (3). Mail notification device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fastening means (4) comprise an adhesive (7). Mail notification device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the adhesive (7) is glue or double-adhesive tape. Mail notification device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the adhesive side of the adhesive (7) is provided with a protective liner for tearing off immediately prior to adhesion on the surface of a mailbox. Mail notification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible material of the mail notification device is made of a polymer such as silicone or plastic or rubber. Mail notification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible material along the extension extending between the first end and the second end of the device comprises one or more notches (2). The mail notification device (1) of claim 8, wherein the notch or notches (2) are oriented in a direction substantially oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Mail notification device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the number of notches (2) is 1 - 16, such as 2 - 15, e.g. 3 - 14, such as 4 - 13, for example 5 - 12, such as 6 - 11, such as 7 - 10 or 8 - 9. Mail notification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device has a maximum lengthwise extension of 4 - 25 cm, such as 5 - 24 cm, eg. 6 - 23 cm, such as 7 - 22 cm, for example 8 - 21 cm, such as 9 - 20 cm, such as 10 19 cm, for example 11 - 18 cm, such as 12 - 17 cm, e.g. 13 - 16 cm or 14 - 15 cm. Mail notification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device has a maximum width in the width direction of 0.5 - 9 cm, such as 1-8 cm, for example 2-7 cm, such as 3-6 cm or 4-5 cm. Mail notification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible material of the device has a maximum extent (thickness) in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and the width direction of 0.05 - 1 cm, such as 0.075 - 0.9 cm, for example 0.1 - 0.8 cm, such as 0.2 - 0.7 cm, such as 0.3 - 0.6 cm or 0.4 - 0.5 cm. Mail notification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the visualization means (5) of the device comprise a particular color or geometry for the other end of the device or a portion thereof, wherein this particular color or geometry is different from the color or the geometry of the rest of the device (1); or wherein the visualization means (5) of the device merely comprise the material itself of the other end of the device. A mailbox (10.30) comprising a mail notification device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.