This invention relates to an illuminated mailbox post assembly and, more particularly, to a modular mailbox post equipped with a light source energized by a solar rechargeable battery.
Various illuminated mailbox posts are known for assisting persons in locating a particular address at night or other times when visibility is restricted. Illuminating the name and/or street number on a mailbox post can be quite beneficial in a number of situations. For example, ambulance, police or other emergency personnel may require assistance in locating a particular address. A lighted mailbox post can also assist delivery persons and visitors or guests in finding their intended destination.
Wise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,285 and the patents referred to therein disclose conventional examples of lighted mailbox supports. These devices invariably exhibit various disadvantages. They are fairly complicated to assemble and are usually impractical to use. Wise, for example, employs what appears to be an fluorescent light bulb that is powered by an alternating current source. The bulb must be connected by electrical wiring to the power source. Installing the wiring is a time consuming, tedious and often expensive task, which may require the use of an electrician. The bulb eventually fails and must be periodically replaced. This requires that the mailbox first be painstakingly removed from the post and then replaced after a new bulb is installed. In addition, the Wise bulb is operated by a photo switch that is mounted prominently to the outside of mailbox post. Not only is the switch unattractive, it is exposed on the post and susceptible to damage. The illuminated Wise mailbox is also likely to malfunction in wet or otherwise inclement weather conditions, which can damage the wiring and, electrical connections.
The prior art does not provide for a conveniently illuminated modular mailbox post that is aesthetically attractive, easy to install and maintain, and resistant to malfunction. The need exists for a mailbox post assembly that provides such benefits and which at the same time offers improved illumination and visibility of address indicia (i.e. street numbers and/or names) carried by the mailbox post.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an illuminated mailbox post assembly wherein street numbers and other address indicia are illuminated clearly, prominently and far more effectively than in known device so that the address associated with the mailbox is reliably visible at night or at other times of restricted lighting.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an illuminated mailbox post assembly featuring a modular light unit that requires infrequent light source replacement and relatively little maintenance.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an illuminated mailbox post assembly that is energized by a solar powered LED light source, which operates longer and more cost efficiently and reliably than relatively expensive and short lived fluorescent and incandescent bulbs.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an illuminated mailbox that does not require the use of an AC power source and which eliminates the expense and inconvenience associated with connecting the mailbox post to such a power source.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an illuminated mailbox post employing a modular light unit and modular display windows that may be installed and replaced in a quick and convenient manner without requiring tools or extra fasteners.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an illuminated mailbox post assembly featuring a modular construction that may be quickly and conveniently altered to provide either a side mounted or front mounted mailbox.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an aesthetically attractive illuminated mailbox post assembly that is suitable for use in all types of residences and communities and which presents a particularly advantageous mailbox option for homeowners associations that require an attractive, uniform mailbox appearance.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a highly efficient illuminated mailbox post that is lighted only at night and during periods of restricted visibility so that power consumption and maintenance costs are effectively controlled.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an illuminated mailbox post assembly featuring a compact and energy efficient light source housed protectively in the post and solar cells ideally positioned to optimally and effectively recharge and re-energize the light source such that maintenance and attendant expense are reduced considerably and a long service life is provided.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an illuminated mailbox post assembly featuring a long lasting modular light unit which is protectively enclosed within the post and resistant to damage.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an illuminated mailbox post assembly that is extremely durable and able to withstand extended outdoor use.
This invention results from a realization that a significantly improved illuminated mailbox post assembly is achieved by employing a solar rechargeable, battery powered modular LED lighting unit that is installed quickly and conveniently in the vertical post of the assembly. By using a solar rechargeable battery to power a long lasting LED light source, the unit is typically able to operate for extremely long periods of time without requiring repair or replacement. By further utilizing a unique angled reflector adjacent to the lighting unit, the LED light source, the lighting unit effectively and prominently illuminates address panels mounted on three sides of the post. This reliably and accurately displays the pertinent street number or other address information to persons attempting to locate the address associated with the mailbox post.
This invention features a solar powered, illuminated post assembly including a support post structure for supporting a mailbox operatively thereon. The support post structure includes a vertical post section for mounting in the ground and extending upwardly therefrom. The vertical post section has an interior chamber. A light unit is disposed in the chamber and includes a light source and a rechargeable power supply operatively connectible to the light source for energizing the light source and causing the light source to illuminate. There is at least one solar collector operably connected to the rechargeable power supply for collecting solar energy and converting such energy to electric power that is directed to the power supply for recharging thereof. At least one window is formed in the vertical post section adjacent the chamber. The window includes indicia that are highlighted for display upon the window when the light source is illuminated and light is transmitted through the window.
In a preferred embodiment, the support post structure further includes a horizontal post section attached to the vertical post section and extending transversely therefrom for holding a mailbox thereon. The vertical post section may have a transverse passageway formed therethrough for receiving the horizontal post section. The passageway and the horizontal post section may include substantially conforming, generally rectangular interengaging shapes. The vertical post section may have a substantially rectangular cross sectional shape, at least surrounding the interior chamber.
The horizontal post section may include a series of lower connector holes for being operatively aligned in a first pattern with a series of upper connector holes formed in the mailbox when the mailbox is oriented to extend laterally across the horizontal post section. The series of lower connector holes may be operatively aligned in a second pattern with the upper connector holes when the mailbox is oriented to extend longitudinally on the horizontal post section. This allows fastening components to be interengaged with the operatively aligned upper and lower connector holes to secure the mailbox to the horizontal post section.
The light source may include at least one and preferably two light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light unit may further include a reflector for directing light from the LED or other light source through the one or more window. The reflector may include a pair of diverging panels, each having a mirror surface from which the light source is reflected. The light unit may further include a generally vertically alignable column for supporting the reflector and generally horizontally alignable upper and lower platforms attached to and extending transversely from opposite end portions of the column. At least one of the platforms may carry a respective light source thereon.
The light unit may include a modular unit that is longitudinally and removably receivable by the chamber of the vertical post section. The chamber is preferably formed longitudinally through an upper end region of the vertical post section. A post cap may be attached to the light unit and engaged with an upper end of the vertical post section to cover the chamber when the light unit is received by the chamber. The solar collector may be mounted on the post cap. The post cap may have a plurality of inclined surfaces facing different respective directions. The solar collector may include multiple solar collection elements. Each such element may be disposed on a respective inclined surface of the post cap.
The rechargeable power supply may include a rechargeable battery for operatively connecting to the light source and a recharging circuit interconnected between the solar collector and the battery. The recharging circuit may be responsive to a predetermined electrical input from the solar collector for recharging the battery and operatively disconnecting the battery from the light source such that the light source is deactivated. Alternately, the recharging circuit may be responsive to less than the predetermined electrical input from the solar collector for operatively connecting the battery to the light source such that the battery causes the light source to illuminate.
Where the vertical post section has a rectangular cross sectional shape, the post section may be installed to extend upwardly from the ground and adjacent to a roadway with a first side of the vertical post section facing and aligned generally parallel to the roadway and two adjoining sides of the vertical post section extending laterally and generally perpendicular to the roadway. In such embodiments, the window may include three window segments, each carried by a respective one of the first side and two adjoining sides of the vertical post section. The window segment may include a first panel that carries the indicia and is disposable over a corresponding window opening in the vertical post section. A second transparent panel may be interposed over the first panel and a peripheral frame may be disposed over and surround the first and second panels. The light unit and frame may have complementary snap fastening elements for releasably securing the window segment to the vertical post section with the light unit disposed in the chamber.
Other objects, features and advantages will occur from the following description of a preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings, in which:
There is shown in
The mailbox post assembly 10 itself includes an elongate vertical post section 18 that is mounted in the ground and an elongate horizontal post section 20, which is attached to and extends generally perpendicularly from post section 18. The preferred manner of assembling the post sections is described below. As used herein, “horizontal” and “vertical” refer to the general orientations of the respective post sections when they are assembled for use in supporting the mailbox 12. Typically, vertical post section 18 is mounted in a hole dug in the ground at a location appropriate for delivery mail. The post sections may vary from perfect vertical and horizontal orientations, within the scope of this invention, due to inaccuracies and deviations that occur during installation of the post assembly. Generally speaking, however, when the post assembly is installed, the vertical post section 18 extends upwardly from the ground and the horizontal post section extends transversely from the horizontal post section. As is described more fully below, the horizontal post section may extend either longitudinally toward or laterally parallel to the roadway, walkway or other surface along which the post is mounted. A preferred manner of assembling the vertical and horizontal post is described more fully below.
Post sections 18 and 20 typically feature a rugged and durable material such as extruded aluminum. In alternative embodiments, the post sections may be composed of other materials such as metals, molded plastic, metal alloys, wood or wood composites.
Vertical post section 18 and horizontal post section 20 employ complementary rectangular cross sectional configurations. The corners may include a slight bevel such as depicted at 22 for post section 18 and at 24 for post section 20. A diagonal brace 26 interconnects one side of vertical post section 18 and the bottom surface of horizontal post section 20. This diagonal brace is composed of cast aluminum or other material of the type utilized in the post sections. It is specifically interconnected between the post sections in a manner that is described more fully below. The brace section lends additional support to the horizontal post section which is holding mailbox 12.
As best shown in
A modular light unit 40 is longitudinally and removably receivable in chamber 28 of post section 18. The light unit, which is shown alone in
Light unit 40 also includes a pair of spaced apart upper and lower platforms 50 and 52, which are formed respectively at the upper and lower ends of column 42. More particularly, platforms 50 and 52 are formed unitarily with plastic framework 44 when lighting unit 40 is being manufactured. Preferably, framework 44 and upper and lower platforms 50 and 52 comprise a one-piece molded plastic construction.
A preferably plastic post cap 54,
As best shown in
Rechargeable battery 76 is electrically interconnected to a recharging circuit 82 comprising a printed circuit board mounted within a respective compartment of framework 44. Circuit 82 recharges battery 76 in response to solar energy collected by cells 66. The recharging circuit also operates to activate the LEDs only during period of evening hours and other periods of low outdoor ambient light.
The electrical circuitry of light unit 42 is depicted diagrammatically in
Alternatively, during evening hours or during other times of relative low light or darkness, solar cells 66 do not deliver recharging power to circuit 82. As a result, the recharging circuit does not develop a sense voltage and signal 88 is removed. This causes the rechargeable battery 76 to reconnect with LEDs 72 and 74 and to release power to the LEDs, which energizes and illuminates the light unit.
It should be understood, in alternative embodiments, various other means may be utilized to activate and deactivate the light source during periods of darkness and daylight respectively. For example, an optical sensor and/or microprocessor may be utilized to activate and deactivate the lights as required. Recharging circuits of the type used for circuit 82 are known for other outdoor lighting operations and will be understood by persons skilled in the art.
Each of the four sides of vertical post section 18 has a rectangular window opening 90 formed therein. Windows with indicia are mounted over only three of these openings. However, by providing a window opening in each of the four sides of the vertical post, the post may be manufactured in a modular manner that allows its orientation to be adjusted for either side mounting or front mounting of the mailbox. This is described more fully below. When light unit 40 is inserted into the upper end of vertical post section 18, the LEDs 72, 74 and the reflective panels 46 and 48 are positioned so that, when activated, the light unit projects light outwardly through three of the window openings 90. When the light unit is mounted in the vertical post section, it is positioned adjacent to the window openings and reflective panels 46,48 face the three window openings through which reflected light from LEDs 72, 74 is transmitted.
In the side mounted mailbox version shown in
In particular, each of the indicia bearing window segments 32, 34 and 38 includes a transparent interior panel 100 that is preferably composed of plastic or extremely durable glass material. Information that identifies the residence or address associated with the mailbox, i.e. “6825” representing the street number, is applied to each panel 100. The indicia may be opaque and may comprise, for example, black vinyl tape or other forms of appliqués or stickers, painting, etching, etc., which are relatively opaque or otherwise block the transmission of light. An outer diffuser panel 102 is disposed over indicia bearing panel 100. The diffuser panel scatters the transmitted light and further highlights the opaque indicia.
A plastic frame 104 is disposed about the juxtaposed panels 100 and 102 and supports those panels in a respective window opening 90. In particular, frame 104 includes an interior recess 106 having dimensions that snugly receive the juxtaposed panels 100 and 102. Each peripheral frame 106 has integral upper and lower tabs 110 that are snap fit into window openings 90.
After light unit 40 is inserted into the upper end of vertical post section 18 and is positioned as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Vertical post section 18 also includes a pair of spaced apart pin receptacles 132 and 134 that are formed in one of the sides of post section 18 through which opening 130 is formed. A connector hole 136 is also formed in that side of the post section. The connector hole is located intermediate receptacles 132 and 134 and is spaced apart slightly from a line connecting those receptacles. A similar pattern of spaced apart pin receptacles 138, 140 and an intermediate connector hole 142 are formed in a bottom side of horizontal post section 20. These receptacles and connector holes are formed to permit diagonal brace 26 to be interconnected between the assembled vertical and horizontal post sections. The diagonal brace itself includes a pair of pins 144 and 146 formed at one end thereof and a second pair of pins 148 and 150 carried by the opposite end thereof. As shown in
To interconnect brace 26 between the vertical and horizontal post sections, pins 144 and 146 of the brace are inserted into pin receptacles 132 and 134 respectively in post section 18. This also aligns the slot 162,
After the post is fully assembled, the mailbox is attached to horizontal post section 20. In particular, as shown in
Front mounting of mailbox 12 is depicted in
In operation, post assembly 10 is oriented and assembled in the foregoing manner to provide for either side mounting,
Either version of the mailbox post assembly operates reliably to provide lighted residence information while requiring very little maintenance and repair. During daylight hours, the solar cells 66 collect sunlight and convert that energy to electrical power. The solar collector cells are positioned in an efficient and beneficial manner on four opposing inclined surfaces of the post cap. This allows solar energy to be collected effectively regardless of the orientation or location of the post assembly or the position of the sun in the daytime sky. The solar collector cells are positioned so that some light is effectively captured at virtually all daylight hours of the day.
As previously indicated, the solar collector cells deliver electrical power to the recharging unit. During daylight hours, this circuit continuously recharges battery 76. At the same time, the recharging circuit operatively disconnects the battery from the LEDs so that the LEDs are not inefficiently and unnecessarily illuminated during such daylight hours. At night or during other periods when a predetermined level of darkness is reached, the recharging circuit directs the battery to operatively connect to the LEDs. Power from the battery energizes the LEDs, which emit light. This light is reflected from mirror panels 46 and 48 and that reflected light is transmitted through window segments 32, 34 and 38. The opaque identifying indicia are highlighted. Easy to see and reliable identifying information is thereby carried on the mailbox post. Guests, delivery persons and/or emergency personnel are able to locate a particular address quickly and reliably.
It should also be understood that the indicia may comprise apartment numbers, names and various other alpha/numeric or symbolic designations. The indicia may be carried by the window in assorted ways other than those specifically disclosed in the drawings. For example, the windows may be cut out or otherwise formed in the shape of the particular indicia and light may be transmitted through such shapes to relay the identifying information. Various other forms of opaque, translucent and/or transparent indicia may be utilized and display.
The assembly of this invention uses electrical components, including solar collectors, recharging circuit, LEDs and mirrored reflectors that provide significant advantages over the prior art. The post assembly does not require the use of AC wiring, which is difficult and expensive to install and which is subject to malfunctioning particularly under adverse weather conditions. Instead, the assembly of the present invention is able to operate for extremely long period of time requiring little, if any, maintenance. When repair or maintenance are eventually required, these can be performed quickly, conveniently and cost effectively. The light unit, as well as the window segments, are totally modular so that they can be removed and replaced quite expeditiously and without requiring extra tools or significant physical effort.
It is particularly advantageous that the lighted address or other indicia be visible from three sides of the mailbox and not simply a pair of sides. This allows persons attempting to locate the address with much better visibility and guidance.
From the foregoing it may be seen that the apparatus of this invention provides for an illuminated mailbox post assembly and, more particularly, to a modular mailbox mounting post equipped with a light source energized by a solar rechargeable battery. While this detailed description has set forth particularly preferred embodiments of the apparatus of this invention, numerous modifications and variations of the structure of this invention, all within the scope of the invention, will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is understood that this description is illustrative only of the principles of the invention and is not limitative thereof.
Although specific features of the invention are shown in some of the drawings and not others, this is for convenience only, as each feature may be combined with any and all of the other features in accordance with this invention.
Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the following claims:
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