Patent Application
20250064243
The mail system has been a key backbone of the United States since its foundation in 1775. Millions of people rely on the mail to communicate, particularly in sending and receiving important papers, such as bills, letters, and official documents. The U.S. Post Office (USPS) therefore attempts to make it easy to engage with its services.
One such attempt has been the establishment of drop boxes across the United States. Drop boxes have also been deployed by courier companies such as UPS® and FedEx®. These boxes first began appearing in the 1850's and serve as a convenient way to drop off outgoing mail. During peak use, there were over 350,000 USPS drop boxes in cities across the country. Today, this number has fallen to less than 150,000, mostly due to decreased mail traffic with the rise of technological communications such as e-mail and social media. However, mail drop boxes are still imperative, as traditional mail is still an extremely important service for millions of people across the country.
Since their first appearance as literal boxes that anyone could access, mail drop boxes have undergone significant changes in design. These changes have mostly been in response to thievery, or improper access to the contents or interior of the drop box and theft or viewing of documents therein. Improvements in drop-off slots, where mail is inserted into the box, have made it almost impossible for anyone to reach through the slots to access the box contents. However, undeterred thieves have simply found other ways to access the outgoing mail.
Most modern designs for mail drop boxes feature a semicircular pivoting entry door, which prevents access into the mail drop box while the door is open. This prevents easier forms of theft. However, many of these boxes are penetrable through other means. For instance, these boxes may be constructed of a material, such as sheet steel, having only a single layer, which means that any potential thief would only have to break through the one-layer wall to access the contents. Some improvements have been offered in this area, but they have not proven either cost-effective to produce or effective at deterring/preventing theft.
In the event of vandalism or deterioration (e.g., such as rusting or other wear), for instance, repair of conventional drop boxes involves significant effort, including oftentimes requiring transportation of an entire drop box to a repair facility or manufacturer despite repair being necessary to only a portion of the box.
Accordingly, improved designs for mail drop boxes are desirable for improved security and/or modularity to allow for in-field repair.
The present invention relates to improved designs in theft-preventing mail drop boxes. Specifically, the present invention relates to a mail drop box having a multi-layered body configured to delay access to the contents within.
According to an aspect of an embodiment of a receptacle according to the present invention, the receptacle includes a cavity at least partially enclosed by a first side wall panel and a longitudinal panel arranged inside the cavity proximate and at least substantially parallel to the first side wall panel. The longitudinal panel is preferably spaced from the first side wall panel over a majority of the surface area of the longitudinal panel, thereby forming a space therebetween. The longitudinal panel is preferably accessible from within the cavity and removable into the cavity. That is, once access to the cavity is provided or gained, the longitudinal panel is preferably manually removable without the use of tools.
According to another aspect of an embodiment of a receptacle according to the present invention, the receptacle includes a frame supporting the first side wall panel. The first side wall panel may be secured to the frame with a tamper resistant fastener, such as a carriage bolt. As is known, a carriage bolt generally has a smooth, partially spherical or domed head that is secured to or formed integrally with a threaded shank. The carriage bolt also may include a registration portion of the shank (such as a square cross-section portion) adjacent the head to be inserted into a punch square hole and to prevent rotation of the bolt when secured. The carriage bolt preferably extends from outside the receptacle, through one or more panel materials and at least partially into the frame member, which may be a tubular frame member. A threaded nut preferably cooperates with the threaded shank of the carriage bolt, the nut being accessible from the cavity through at least a portion of the longitudinal panel. The frame may include an upper tube and a lower tube, the upper tube and lower tube being substantially parallel. A first slot is formed in the upper tube and a second slot is formed in the lower tube. The longitudinal panel preferably includes a hanger tab inserted in the first slot and an anchor tab inserted in the second slot. While the longitudinal panel is preferably held in place by gravity, it may be secured to the frame such as with a set screw. Additionally or alternatively, the longitudinal panel and frame interface may include a clip, such as a clip stamped or cut into the hanger tab or anchor tab, or formed in the frame, to at least partially restrict movement of the longitudinal panel. In any arrangement, it is preferable that the longitudinal panel is removable without the use of tools.
According to still another aspect of an embodiment of a receptacle according to the present invention, the receptacle includes a second side wall panel diametrically opposed across the cavity from the first side wall panel. A back wall panel extends substantially from (in touching relationship with or close proximity to) a first edge of the first side wall panel to (in touching relationship with or close proximity to) a first edge of the second side wall panel. A face plate extends substantially from (in touching relationship with or close proximity to) a second edge of the first side wall panel to (in touching relationship with or close proximity to) a second edge of the second side wall panel. A hinged door capable of limiting access through the face plate into the cavity. The door may include a locking mechanism to secure it in a closed position.
According to yet another aspect of an embodiment of a receptacle according to the present invention, each side (left, right, back) of the receptacle has a plurality of longitudinal panels arranged next to each other inside the cavity.
According to a further aspect of an embodiment of a receptacle according to the present invention, the receptacle includes a top portion covering the cavity, the top portion comprising a curviplanar covering sheet material and a top cut shield substantially curviparallel to the covering sheet material.
According to an aspect of a second embodiment of a receptacle according to the present invention, the receptacle includes a cavity at least partially enclosed by a first side wall panel and a first longitudinal bar arranged inside the cavity proximate the first side wall panel extending along a first longitudinal axis that is at least substantially parallel to the first side wall panel. The first longitudinal bar is preferably rotatable about the first longitudinal axis, such as by being journaled in a plain bearing arrangement provided by a brace.
According to another aspect of the second embodiment of a receptacle according to the present invention, the receptacle includes a frame supporting the first side wall panel. The first side wall panel may be secured to the frame with a tamper resistant fastener, such as a carriage bolt. As is known, a carriage bolt generally has a smooth, partially spherical or domed head that is secured to or formed integrally with a threaded shank. The carriage bolt also may include a registration portion of the shank (such as a square cross-section portion) adjacent the head to be inserted into a punch square hole and to prevent rotation of the bolt when secured. The carriage bolt preferably extends from outside the receptacle, through one or more panel materials and at least partially into the frame member, which may be a tubular frame member. A threaded nut preferably cooperates with the threaded shank of the carriage bolt, the nut being accessible from the cavity.
According to still another aspect of the second embodiment of a receptacle according to the present invention, a first end of the first longitudinal bar is received and journaled in a first hole provided in an upper C-shaped brace and a second end of the first longitudinal bar is received and journaled in a second hole provided in a lower C-shaped brace.
According to yet another aspect of the second embodiment of a receptacle according to the present invention, the receptacle includes a second side wall panel diametrically opposed across the cavity from the first side wall panel. A back wall panel extends substantially from (in touching relationship with or close proximity to) a first edge of the first side wall panel to (in touching relationship with or close proximity to) a first edge of the second side wall panel. A face plate extends substantially from (in touching relationship with or close proximity to) a second edge of the first side wall panel to (in touching relationship with or close proximity to) a second edge of the second side wall panel. A hinged door capable of limiting access through the face plate into the cavity. The door may include a locking mechanism to secure it in a closed position.
According to a further aspect of the second embodiment of a receptacle according to the present invention, a second longitudinal bar is arranged inside the cavity proximate the first side wall panel extending along a second longitudinal axis that is at least substantially parallel to the first side wall panel, wherein the second longitudinal bar is rotatable about the second longitudinal axis, the first and second longitudinal bars forming a first pair of bars disposed in a first orientation with respect to the first side wall panel. A second pair of longitudinal bars may be disposed in a second orientation with respect to the second side wall panel, the second orientation being at least substantially respectively similar to the first orientation. A third pair of longitudinal bars disposed in a third orientation with respect to the back side wall panel, the third orientation being at least substantially respectively similar to the first orientation.
According to a still further aspect of the second embodiment of a receptacle according to the present invention, the receptacle includes a top portion covering the cavity, the top portion comprising a curviplanar covering sheet material and a top cut shield substantially curviparallel to the covering sheet material.
Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention.
An embodiment of a system 100 according to the present invention is shown in
As seen most clearly in
On the side of the slot wall 122 facing into the top section 110, an inward face 122a of the slot wall 122 preferably includes prevention mechanisms for preventing unauthorized access to the system 100 through the slot 126. Such prevention mechanisms may be well known in the art. For instance, situated within the top section 110 and proximate the slot 126 are one or more pivotable receivers 127. Receivers 127 are preferably pivotably attached to the inward face 122a, such as through one or more braces 127a supporting a bolt 127b around which the receivers 127 may pivot. Receivers 127 permit mail to enter the mail receptacle system 100, while also preventing items from being removed from the system 100 through the slot 126. When a letter is inserted into the slot 126, the letter pushes against the receivers 127, causing them to pivot about the bolt 127b and allowing the letter to fall into the body 130. However, if an object (e.g. letter, fingers, etc.) is attempted to be removed outwardly through the slot 126 (i.e. being removed from the system 100 through the slot 126), the at least one receiver 127 preferably impedes the slot 126, at least interrupting or preventing removal.
The inward face 122a may also feature other conventional anti-tampering and anti-removal devices known in the art, such as sets of teeth. This configuration allows mail (or other parcel) to safely be deposited in the slot 126 without being harmed. However, anything that is attempted to be pulled back through the slot 126 may get caught.
Alternatively, the top section 110 may have another design that is known in the art, such as a pivoting basket rather than the slot 126. In such as design, the basket preferably has a handle, which may be pulled to pivot the basket. The basket is also preferably spring biased, such that the basket pivotably returns to its resting position once the handle is released.
However configured, the top section 110 is preferably fastened to the body 130 using carriage bolts 180, which are held in place by nuts and washers 182, to prevent unauthorized access. As seen more clearly in
With reference to
However, the side tubes 136 may be unique. In manufacturing, linear tubes are preferably V-cut (e.g., opposing 45 degree cuts meeting at an apex for an approximately 90 degree V) and bent to form a plurality of miter joints 137, giving the side tubes 136 a substantially u-shaped appearance, while still comprising only a singular tube, as seen in
Each tube type shares some common characteristics, such as assembly or repair access ports. For example, upper tubes 132 have a plurality of outer access ports 132a coaxially aligned with a plurality of inner access ports 132b. Outer access ports 132a are located on an outside face of the square upper tubes 132, while inner access ports 132b are located on an inner face of the upper tubes 132, as seen in
Many tube types are also similar in that they have tabs extending from one or both ends. Again using the upper tubes 132 as an example, end tabs 132c preferably extend from either end of the upper tubes 132 to be used for frame 131 stability, explained in detail below. Similarly, one or more lower tubes 134 preferably comprises end tabs 134c and door tube 138 preferably comprises one or more end tabs 138c, each with similar function (even if a different design) as upper tube end tabs 132c.
Finally, some of the tube types may feature a plurality of slots. For example, upper tubes 132 may feature hanger tab slots 132d that are used to interface with other components of the body 130 as will be described below. Similarly, lower tubes 134 preferably comprise a plurality of anchor tab slots 134d. Side tubes 136 are unique in this system 100 in that they preferably comprise two types of slots, those being hanger tab slots 136d as well as frame tab slots 136c. Hanger tab slots 136d function similarly to hanger tab slots 132d in the upper tubes 132, while the frame tab slots 136c are configured to receive the end tabs of each of the other tube types, those being upper tube end tabs 132c, lower tube end tabs 134c, and door tube end tabs 138c. These frame tab slots 136c help stabilize the entirety of the frame 131.
Now with reference to
Bolted to opposing sides of the outside of the frame 131 are a face plate 150 and opposing back wall 160. Further, bolted to the other opposing sides of the frame 131 are a first side wall 163 and second side wall 166. Lastly a largely planar base plate 169 forms the interior base of the body 130. The first side wall 163, second side wall 166, back wall 160, face plate 150, and base plate 169 are preferably flat sheets of metal that act as the outside boundary of the body 130. These walls 160, 163, 166, 169, face plate 150, and door 151 act as the first layer of security for the system body 130 to prevent unauthorized access to the contents within.
A door 151 is hingedly affixed to the face plate 150, having an outside surface 151a and inside surface 151b. The outside surface 151a of the door 151 is substantially similar to the side walls 156, 166 and back wall 160 in that it is essentially a plain, flat metal sheet. However, the outside surface 151a further comprises a keyhole 152, which allows access to a lock assembly 154 supported on the door inside surface 151b. The lock assembly 154 may be one known in the art, such as a double bar lock, that prevents the door 151 from opening when locked. Finally, a body base plate 169 is affixed to the frame 131 to provide a floor for the system 100, with a base tray 170 positioned directly beneath the base plate 169. The door 151 is connected to the base plate 169 through a hinge 156 preferably fastened or otherwise coupled to the door inside surface 151b. Together, the top section 110, face plate 150, back wall 160, side walls 152, 154, and base plate 169 form the closed system 100, with the only entry points being the slot 126 and the door 151 by unlocking the lock assembly 154.
However, nefarious actors will not usually be delayed from unauthorized access by a single layer of sheet metal between them and what they are after. Therefore, the present invention preferably includes a second layer along each of the back wall 160 and side walls 163, 166 for additional security. This second layer preferably takes the form of a plurality of longitudinal panels.
For example, in an embodiment of a system 100 according to the present invention shown in
Each panel 161 preferably further comprises a series of access ports 161a and bent sides 161b. Access ports 161 are preferably holes in the panel 161 through which the frame 131 may be accessed. More specifically, as back panels 161 are preferably hung on an upper tube 132, the access ports 161a preferably coaxially align with inner access port 132b of the upper tube 132, allowing a worker to access the nuts and washers 182 which secure a carriage bolt 180, and back wall 160 with it, in place. Bent sides 161b are preferably stamped sections formed integrally on either side of the panel 161 and bent at a substantially 90 degree angle from the panel 161. The bent sides 161b preferably extend a majority of the length of the panel 161b, but preferably do not extend up to the end of the panel 161 nearest the hanger 172, as seen in
Similar to the back wall 160, the first and second side walls 163, 166 preferably comprise a second layer of a plurality of panels. The first side wall 163 preferably comprises side panels 164, while the second side wall 166 preferably comprises panels 167. However, panels 164 and 167 are preferably substantially the same in makeup, therefore only panels 164 are described here and shown in
Much like the back panels 161, panels 164 preferably comprise access slots 164a, bent sides 164b, a hanger 172, and an anchor 174. Hanger 172 and anchor 174 are preferably composed and arranged in the same manner as described above. However, as panels 164 are arranged parallel to the first side wall 163, the hanger 172 of each panel 164 is preferably fitted into a hanger tab slot 136d of a side tube 136. The anchor 174 is preferably inserted into an anchor tab slot 134d of a lower tube 134. In this manner, the panels 164 may loosely hang in a similar manner to the panels 161 described above. Bent sides 164b of panels 164 are preferably similarly created and serve substantially the same purpose as bent sides 161b of panels 161 as described above as well. All of the side panels 164 are preferably at least substantially similar to each other, and more preferably at least substantially identical.
One aspect of panels 164 that are not similar to panels 161 are the composition of the access ports 164a. Unlike access ports 161a of panels 161, which were located in the center of the panel 161, access ports 164a are preferably halve circles cut out of either end of the panel 164 above the bent sides 164b and proximate the hanger 172, as seen in
As mentioned above, panels 164 are preferably substantially similar to panels 167, such that like numerals may describe the pats of panels 167 in a similar manner to panels 164. It should also be understood that, while the current examples and accompanying Figures display wherein there are the secondary layer consists of three panels, the number of panels may vary in other embodiments. The arrangement of the panels (i.e. horizontally or vertically aligned) may also vary in other embodiments.
The point of the secondary layer panels is not to entirely prevent unauthorized access to the contents of the system 100. Instead, the point of the secondary layer panels is to further delay unauthorized (usually mechanically destructive) access. The panels (with reference to panels 161 in the example above, but understood to apply to all panels 161, 163, and 166 listed above) make access difficult in at least three ways. First, they simply act as a secondary layer to cut through before accessing the system 100 contents, which wastes time and effort.
Second, the panels 161 frustrate access due to the bent reinforcement sides 161b between each. When panels 161 are arranged side by side in the system 100, at least one bent side 161b of each panel is adjacent and arranged in parallel to another bent sides 161b of an adjacent panel. These bent sides 161b are arranged perpendicular to the back wall 160, which make them exceedingly difficult, or at least time consuming, to cut or otherwise break through. A similar arrangement of bent sides 163b and 166b exist between the panels 163 and 166 of the first and second side walls 163, 166, respectively. These bent sides 161b, 163b, and 166b further waste time and effort by making any would be accessor determine the best way to cut through the sheet.
Third, the panels frustrate access through their method of installation. Instead of being bolted directly to the frame 131, each of the panels 161, 163, 166 are both hung from the frame 131 by a hanger 172 and anchored into the frame 131 by an anchor 174. This arrangement allows the panels a limited range of movement, which makes cutting through them even more difficult, even if the exterior panel fasteners (e.g., carriage bolts) are compromised.
One of the prime advantages of the arrangement of the embodiments of the systems as described above is that the component pieces of the embodiments are highly modular, wherein each component may be mass produced according to specific design specifications. Many systems according to the same design may then be created at the same time. Further, replacement parts are easy to create and order as needed. When a component of any system that is employed in the field deteriorates and needs replacing, a worker may simply remove and replace that part with a newly manufactured component. This may be accomplished by removing (or at least opening) the door 151 and face plate 150, allowing free access to the components within the body 130. Due to the abundance of access ports among the various components of the system, carriage bolts 180 holding any one piece in place may be removed without having to remove other surrounding pieces.
Previous mail receptacle systems have required complete removal from their installation locations in the event of a component breaking down. For instance, the entire system may need to be returned to a manufacturer to simply replace a punctured outer wall. The modular design of the present system 100, however, allows components to be replaced individually, such as in the field or at least remotely from the manufacturer. A worker may simply remove and replace a singular component with a new version of that component without having to remove the entire system 100 or ship it back to the manufacturer. For example, if the back wall 160 and one or more panels 161 are compromised, the present system 100 allows a worker to simply disconnect those broken pieces from the system 100 and replace them with new versions of the same pieces. This process saves money, both for the manufacturer in shipping costs, as well as for the consumer in having a reliably available mail receptacle preferably disposed near their place of residence, business, or other easily accessible location.
The modularity of the system further allows for a flexibility in size as required in any specific situation. Most previous mail receptacle systems were manufactured with a singular size in mind, such that every system throughout the country was the exact same size. This is fine when the systems were employed on street corners, but was unhelpful in situations where space was limited. The present system 100 has the advantage of being highly modular, as explained above, where each part may be increased or decreased in size during manufacturing as desired. This allows the system 100 to be employed in almost any situation, with large quantity-receiving systems 100 (or systems adapted to receive larger parcels) able to be employed where there is ample space and smaller quantity receiving systems 100 employed in limited space areas. Further, as these systems 100 experience wear and/or damage, the modular design allows for simple part swaps and fixes, as explained above, even in systems 100 that are not of a standard size. Thus, modularity of the embodiments of the present invention give significant advantages over previous mail receptacle systems.
Other embodiments of devices according to the present invention may include additional or alternative methods and/or means to prevent unauthorized access. For example, in the embodiment shown in
As seen in
When combined, each end of each bar 192 is preferably inserted into a brace 194, as seen in
Once installed, the secondary means 190 act to frustrate access into the device 100 by unauthorized actors. Research has shown that one of the main methods of accessing postboxes in the past has been reciprocating saws used to cut through side panels. However, the secondary means 190 as described above frustrates this method immensely. When installed, each bar 192 is not held rigidly in place by braces 194. Instead, braces 194 serve to keep each bar 192 in approximately the same place, while allowing for small movements and rotation. Thus, when the teeth of a reciprocating saw encounter a bar 192, the bar 192 simply moves and/or spins, making it exceedingly difficult for the saw teeth to catch. While this solution does not entirely prevent access by a reciprocating saw, it vastly increases the time and effort required, especially when multiple bars 192 are aligned in parallel as described in current embodiment. When used in conjunction with the other means of frustrating unauthorized access described above, the device 100 is an extremely affective disincentive to unauthorized actors.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63610137 | Dec 2023 | US | |
| 63578689 | Aug 2023 | US |
