GB2439954A - Internal mail collector which inverts mail inserted into letterbox - Google Patents

Abstract

A mail receiver is attached to the inside of a mail box flap. The receiver has a smooth scoop shaped rear surface which imparts an upwards motion to letters and parcels as they are inserted into the letterbox, and subsequently allows them to fall into a collection space. In use the collector allows lame letters (A4) and packages to be received in a relatively slim-line box. Access by domestic pets such as dogs is optionally prevented by a large lid shaped to prevent interference with the inversion process.

Description

<p>Internal Mailbox Existing internal mail collectors, which are usually

used in homes, consist commonly of a wire mesh basket, with opening top lid, fixed to the inside of the front door so that the mailbox is positioned with the external letter flap set below the lid.</p>

<p>Letters fall forward into the box. The mailbox intrudes 200mm into the room (this seems to be an invariable construction size) -usually the hall. This method works well with normal letter traffic as the common letter size is the DL Wallet' -for folded A4 business letters. This envelope is 220mm long, so allowing for the angle of insertion through the letter flap, plus the flexibility of the letter package itself, it will fall under gravity to the bottom of the mail collector.</p>

<p>The problems arise with unfolded A4 letters. Much domestic mail these days consist of such mail, some of it thick and with low flexibility. These packages are at least 330mm long, and as they would not go through the letter flap sideways they are posted lengthways. Because the avaflable distance the letter could travel to the back of the mailbox is 220mm (allowing for the angle of insertion), something has to give. What usually happens is that the letter is crushed against the cage and crammed down by the postman, or left with the last 50mm of the letter obtruding through the flap. If subsequent mail Is then inserted through the opening, the problem becomes compounded.</p>

<p>Some users remove the lid in the hope that the larger items will go over the top of the back of the mailbox -and onto the floor, which they often do, but which of course negates the original aim of the device. (Incidentally there is no real need for the lid in any event except possibly to prevent access by dogs).</p>

<p>The only way for the existing device to be made usable is for the depth of the cage to be increased. The problem with this solution is that the depth would need to be increased to over 350mm (to allow for the occasional slightly diagonal insertion) which is too intrusive spacewise. It would also still be fouled by still larger items like newspapers.</p>

<p>The new device solves this problem by inversion. The scooped rear of the mailbox directs the letter in an upward direction during insertion, and when the trailing edge of the letter clears the inside face of the door, the letter pivots on the top edge of the rear of the box and falls backwards into the receptacle. Since this pivot point only needs to be 25mm beyond the midpoint of the letter's length (330mm divided by 2 = 165mm, in the case of unfolded A4), the mailbox depth can be kept to 200mm. In fact this depth should be able to deal with letters of length 375mm (200mm x 2-25mm).</p>

<p>This mailbox can be fabricated from any rigid or semi-rigid material, for example folded and welded stainless steel, injection moulded plastic, even wood.</p>

<p>Transparent or partially transparent material would be best -to see at a distance that there were letters in it -but wire mesh would be unsuitable as the curved nature of the scoop would necessitate asymmetrical welding at its junction with the sides.</p>

<p>The internal rear surface, where an A4 package would meet the surface and be directed upwards, needs to be smooth arid if the construction material permits could be polished. This is not a major requirement, and as long as this surface is not rough or fricational the device will work.</p>

<p>The device does not need a top or flap, so could be constructed as a single object with contiguous surfaces.</p>

<p>The device also works where there is an internal anti-tamper flap fitted to prevent intruders getting their arm through the flap to open a Vale type lock.</p>

<p>One problem which this new device -unmodified -does not address is the issue of dogs. Many people use a mesh mail collector because their dogs attack objects coming through the letterbox. Some dogs actually lie in wait for this to happen -if the postman is at all regular. For this reason a variation on the original design is here provided, induded on this same application since the principle -inversion -is the same in both cases.</p>

<p>The device is an essentially simple object and the following drawings give guideline measurements (i.e. they are the ones used for the prototype), though these could be varied to suit differing circumstances. Generally though, the device as drawn would be suitable for available letterboxes where the flap is horizontal -which is virtually all of them.</p>

<p>* On Diagram 2, dim 1, depth is 200mm. Dim 2, height is 450mm. Dim 3, collection volume depth is 130mm. Dim 4, width is 335mm.</p>

<p>* Diagram 1 is a general isometric view demonstrating the smooth scoop (1), the letter box opening (2), and the collection volume (3).</p>

<p>* Diagram 3 shows the dynamic process. In figure 3.1 the unfolded A4 package us inserted through the letterbox slot 2, meets the smooth scoop 3 and is directed upwards. Figure 3.2 shows the package reaching the pivot point, and in 3.3 drops clear of the letterbox opening, and falls in 3.4 into the collection volume.</p>

<p>* Diagram 4 shows the extension to make the device pet proof. I indicates the new device as described above, and 2 shows an attachable curved cover which prevents pets from attacking the post as it arrives.</p>

Claims (1)

1. <p>CLAIMS</p>

   <p>1. A postal delivery collection device, mounted behind a letter box flap, that prevents fouling by larger, or irregular sized, letters and small packages during insertion.</p>

   <p>2. A postal delivery collection device according to Claim I whereby the mail is inverted during its insertion through the letter box.</p>

   <p>3. A postal delivery collection device according to Claim 1 in which the inverted mail drops into a collection volume below.</p>

   <p>4. An optional cover which prevents pets from attacking incoming mail.</p>