GB2570750A - A mail slot with security and insulation attachments - Google Patents

Abstract

A letter box with security and insulation attachments comprising a letter box aperture or mail slot 2 arranged in structure 3, wherein the letter box aperture has an upward slope e.g. an acclivity element 16 and an upstanding strip brush element 8 adjacent the top of aperture 9. In use the slope directs incoming mail 1 upwards and though the bristles of the brush element before falling behind the aperture into a receptacle 58, thereby hindering removal of mail, and introduction of items e.g. liquids. The acclivity element may be formed by plate 16 attached to brush channel 11. Additional security attachments may include locking element 49 Fig 10 to block access through the letter box, and mail container 35, Fig 5 The security and insulation elements are modular and may be fixed or adjustably positioned e.g. via brackets and fixing means 14, Fig 1 and may be used independently or together. The inside perimeter of the aperture may be protected by a sleeve against damaging or vandalism 17, Fig 3. A variety of letter plates A, B or C which hinge up, down, inward or outward relative to the structure wall may be fitted.

Description

A MAIL SLOT WITH SECURITY AND INSULATION ATTACHMENTS

This invention relates to a mail receptacle, particularly a mail slot, which can be formed through a structure, such as door and wall, or through the front wall of a mailbox for incoming mail and post box for outgoing mail, which can be mounted on a wall or a stand, etc., or by sequencing of the mail slots that are formed within the structure and in the front wall of the letter box for incoming mail, which is mounted behind the structure.

Mail slots are exposed to influences of the environment, such as weather, dust, insects, etc., and known to be targets for vandalism and crime. Although it is traditional to cover mail slots provided in a door or wall of a property by an external letter plate, this does not help much in terms of improving security. For example, the letter plate aperture is often used by burglars for access to door locks. Letterbox arson, which is committed by igniting inflammables (mostly liquid accelerants) after introducing them through the letter plate, is especially detrimental as it cuts off the main escape route from the property and poses a lifethreatening risk.

Similarly, the introduction of explosive devices through a mail slot cannot be ruled out either.

Crime is a green issue as millions of tonnes of CO2 per year are attributable to the consequence of crime. Even a small blaze can produce substantial carbon emissions, while larger fires may have dramatic and persistent adverse effects on the environment and pollution levels. Attending to the crime scene by emergency services and the need for rebuilding any damage results in further depletion of valuable resources and the additional release of greenhouse gases.

These dangers are especially prevalent where 24/7 unlimited public access to mail slots is needed for receiving mail deposits at any time.

Conventional mail slots are designed to allow deposited mail items to fall down behind the mail slot under the force of gravity. The problem of restricting undesirable access, introduction of undesirable items and removal of items through the mail slot is often addressed by reducing the dimensions of the mail slot. This helps make it difficult or impossible to reach and steal the stored mail items.

However, this can also result in impeding the deposits of mail items and/or can cause non-compliance with the standards that stipulate the mail slot dimensions. Another drawback of this measures is that it does not eliminate the introduction of liquid hazards and the life-threatening risk of letterbox arson, particularly by use of liquid accelerants, remains an issue.

Often letter plates are complemented by a brush draught excluder, typically comprising twin brush strips, which are fitted in a frame for mounting. Each brush strip comprises the filaments and a core channel, which holds together one end of the filaments, and attaches to the frame, with the unattached ends of the filaments meeting at the front.

The disadvantage of this solution is that it is difficult to push mail items through the stiff meeting ends of the filaments, often damaging the mail items or leaving them hanging out and creating a worse draught than one would have had before the brush draught excluder was fitted.

In more advanced solutions, mail slots are designed for the introduction of mail items against the force of gravity. This provides enhanced protection against the introduction of liquids.

A prior art from patent GB 2442966 depicts a letter box with security attachments allowing mail items to be introduced against the force of gravity through the insertion slot, which is formed between protection means attached to the flap of the letter plate and to the top surface of the mail insertion aperture. The security attachments are provided comprising the letter plate with a hinged spring-loaded flap co-operating with an axle and adapted to open inwards into the letter box aperture, a guiding means, which is bound with the flap by a hinge means, a bracket, which is attached to the letter plate using letter plate fixings, and a directing means, which is adjustably attached to the bracket.

One disadvantage of the prior art is the complicated design. The installation required is complicated too. This is because the dimensions of the mail insertion aperture must be made accurate enough for ensuring that the directing means will interconnect with the guiding means. This requirement is difficult to achieve in practice, since the directing means and the guiding means are fixed at the opposite sides of the mail slot.

Due to this, the prior art is only suitable for fitting to a limited range of structure thicknesses. It cannot be used in thicker structures where the guiding means and the directing means cannot reach each other and interconnect.

A further disadvantage is that when the replacement of a letter plate becomes necessary, for example, due to wear and tear, it is complicated to do so as a new hinge means for attaching the guidance means must be sourced and fixed to the flap of the new letter plate.

One more drawback of the prior art is that it cannot be used without a letter plate, which is an essential component of the security attachments. Furthermore, only one type of letter plate is suitable. It must have the axle of the spring-loaded flap located in the vicinity of a low long side of a mail slot and a flap that can open inwards into the mail slot.

To overcome these disadvantages, the present invention proposes a mail slot with security and insulation attachments comprising a brush strip with a core channel, which holds together one end of the filaments and preferably is inserted into a channel holder, which is attached to a fixing carrier plate with the fixing holes or slots, wherein the mail slot is formed through a structure at any level above the ground, or through the lower part of the front wall of a mailbox for incoming mail and post box for outgoing mail, which can be mounted on a wall or a stand, etc., or by sequencing of the mail slots that are formed within the structure and near the bottom of the front wall of the letter box for incoming mail, which is mounted behind the structure, with the brush strip, which is located behind the mail slot with the unattached ends of its filaments overlapping the top long side of the mail slot and attached by the core channel, the channel holder or the fixing carrier plate either firmly in place or with an option to be adjusted prior to fixation, acting as a key element for insulating the mail slot against influences of the environment and forming three consecutive openings for deposited mail items to go in smoothly, while simultaneously restricting the introduction of non-mail items and liquids, undesirable access and the removal of items through the mail slot, with the first opening created as static in the upper portion of the mail slot, with its height formed between the top long side of the mail slot and the core channel or channel holder, with the second opening created as dynamic behind the first opening, with its short sides either left open or created by the brackets, which are fixed firmly or can be adjusted prior to fixation behind the mail slot in the vicinity of the mail slot short sides, or by the side walls of a mail container that is attached firmly or adjusted prior to fixation behind the mail slot either with an aperture in its front wall encompassing the mail slot or a mail container which has no front wall, with the height of the second opening developed dynamically between the top long side of the mail slot and the filaments when they are pushed and deflected by deposited mail items, with the deflected filaments propelling deposited mail items upwards against the force of gravity and facilitating their introduction through the third opening, which is created as static or dynamic behind the second opening with its short sides created similarly to the short sides of the second opening, and with its height formed between the top long side of the mail slot and either the rear wall or the top long side of the rear wall of the said mail container, or the top long side of an acclivity means, which is attached firmly in place or can be adjusted prior to fixation behind the mail slot with its low long side located in the vicinity of the core channel or channel holder and its top long side projecting upwards away from the mail slot.

With many possible embodiments of the proposed invention, only a few specific ones will now be described solely by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings (as in Figures 1-14) in which:

Figure 1 shows side sectional view of the brush strip with the filaments 8, core channel 10, channel holder 11 and the straight fixing carrier plate 12 with the fixing holes or slots 13. Also shown is the side sectional view of the introduction of deposited mail items 1 against the force of gravity into a mailbox (or post box) 5, which has the mail slot 2 formed through the lower part of the front wall 4.

Figure 2 shows the view behind the front wall 4 and the filaments 8 in the embodiment of the proposed invention as in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows the side sectional view of the introduction of deposited mail items 1 against the force of gravity through the mail slot 2 with the flat surface of its low long side 19 that is formed through the structure 3 at any level above the ground.

The mail slot 2 is provided with a telescopic letter plate comprising the front-mounted letter plate 24 (type

A) and the rear-mounted letter plate 28 (type D), which are connected by the fixing means 15 and a sleeve mount means 17.

The brackets 31 are attached behind the mail slot 2 in the vicinity of its short sides and provided with the adjustable restrictor means 32.

Also shown are the side sectional views of two types of front-mounted letter plates 24 (type A) and 26 (type

B) that are suitable for this embodiment, and one suitable type of the rear-mounted letter plate 28 (type D).

Figure 4 shows the view behind the mail slot 2 and the filaments 8 in the embodiment of the proposed invention as in Figure 3. The filaments 8 are held together by the core channel 10, which is attached near the low long side 19 of the mail slot 2 by the fixing means 30, which are provided in the rear-mounted letter plate 28.

Figure 5 shows the side sectional view of the introduction of deposited mail items 1 against the force of gravity through the mail slot 2 with the flat surface of its low long side 19 that is formed through the structure 3 at any level above the ground. The mail slot 2 is provided with a telescopic letter plate and a narrow low-height open-top mail container 35 that is attached firmly or adjustably behind the mail slot 2.

Also shown are the side sectional views of two types of front-mounted letter plates 24 (type A) and 26 (type B), which are suitable for this embodiment, one suitable type of the rear-mounted letter plate 28 (type D) and the perspective view of the example embodiment of a narrow low-height open-top mail container 35.

Figure 6 shows the side sectional view of the introduction of deposited mail items 1 against the force of gravity through the mail slot 2 that is formed through a structure 3 at any level above the ground, and is provided with a front-mounted letter plate 26 (type B) and a narrow low-height open-top mail container 37 that is attached firmly or adjustably behind the mail slot 2. The surface of the mail slot 2 low long side 19 is inclined in the shape of an acclivity that projects upwards towards the first opening.

Also shown are the side sectional views of three types of the front-mounted letter plates 23 (type C), 24 (type A) and 26 (type B) that are suitable for this embodiment, and the perspective view of the example embodiment of a narrow low-height open-top mail container 37.

Figure 7 shows the side sectional view of the introduction of deposited mail items 1 against the force of gravity through a mail slot 2 with the flat surface of its low long side 19 formed through a structure 3 at any level above the ground. The narrow low-height open-top mail container 41 and the V-shaped additional acclivity means are attached behind the mail slot 2. Also shown is the perspective view of the embodiment of the V-shaped additional acclivity means.

A narrow low-height open-top mail container 41 is provided with a movable insert 43 allowing the adjustment of its depth for setting the required security provided by the third opening.

Figure 7 also shows the side sectional view of a narrow low-height open-top mail container 41 with a different position of the movable insert 43 and the rear wall 42 lifted up for setting the required security provided by the third opening.

Figure 8 shows the side sectional view of the introduction of deposited mail items 1 against the force of gravity into the embodiment of the proposed invention as in Figure 7 with the added front-mounted letter plate 23 (type C), brackets 45 and the locking element 48 shown in the position when it is stored. Also shown are the side sectional views of three types of front-mounted letter plates 23 (type C), 24 (type A) and 26 (type B), which are suitable for this embodiment.

Figure 9 shows the view behind the structure 3, filaments 8 and brackets 45 in the embodiment, which is shown in Figure 8. Also shown is the optional elastic band 47 that is attached to the brackets 45 and stretched behind the filaments 8 to keep them in shape after displacement.

Figure 10 shows the view behind the structure 3, the brackets 45 and the locking element 48 in the embodiment shown in Figure 8. The locking element 48 is shown inserted between the brackets 45 with its wide side 49 blocking access through the first and second openings.

Figure 11 shows the side sectional view of the introduction of deposited mail items 1 against the force of gravity through a mail slot 2, which is formed by sequencing of the mail slots that are formed within the structure 3 and near the bottom of the front wall 6 of a letter box 7 for incoming mail, that is mounted behind the structure 3.

Also shown are the side sectional views of the brush strip with the fixing carrier plate 16 provided as an acclivity, and three types of the suitable front-mounted letter plates 23 (type C), 24 (type A) and 26 (type B) that are suitable for this embodiment.

Figure 12 shows the view behind a structure 3 and the filaments 8 in the embodiment of the proposed invention in Figure 11.

Figure 13 shows the side sectional view of the introduction of deposited mail items 1 against the force of gravity through a mail slot 2 with the flat surface of its low long side 19 formed through a structure 3 at any level above the ground.

The brackets 52 are fixed firmly or adjustably behind a mail slot 2 in the vicinity of its short sides and provided with the fixing means 53 and the adjustable restrictor means 54 allowing the attachment of the locking element 48 and enabling the adjustment of the inclination of its wide side 49.

In this embodiment the wide side 49 of the locking element 48 is used as the acclivity means that projects upwards away from the mail slot 2.

The access through the portion of a mail slot 2 located below the first opening is blocked by the fixing carrier plate 16, which is provided inside the mail slot 2 in the shape of an acclivity.

Figure 14 shows the side sectional view of the embodiment of the proposed invention in Figure 13 with the locking element 48 in a position where the wide side 49 is blocking access through the first and second openings.

Referring to the drawings, deposited mail items 1 are introduced through a mail slot 2, which is formed through a structure 3, such as a door or wall, at any level above the ground (as in Figure 1, Figure 3, Figures 5-8 and Figures 13-14), or through the lower part of the front wall 4 of a mailbox 5 for incoming mail (or post box for outgoing mail) (as in Figure 1), or by sequencing of the mail slots that are formed within the structure 3 and near the bottom of the front wall 6 of a letter box 7 for incoming mail, that is mounted behind the structure 3 (as in Figure 11).

A sealing means, which is surrounding the perimeter of the mail slot 2, can be provided between the structure 3 and the front wall 6 (not shown).

The brush strip is provided as a key element for insulating the mail slot 2 against influences of the environment and forming three consecutive openings for mail deposits go in smoothly, while simultaneously restricting the introduction of non-mail items and liquids, undesirable access and the removal of items through the mail slot 2.

The brush strip is fixed firmly or adjustably behind the mail slot 2 with the unattached ends of the filaments 8 overlapping the top long side 9 of the mail slot 2 (as in Figure 2, Figure 4, Figure 12 and Figure 14).

Depending on the embodiment, the brush strip can be fixed by the core channel 10 (as in Figure 4), which holds together one end of the filaments 8 (as in Figure 3-5), or the core channel can be inserted into a channel holder 11 (as in Figures 1-2 and Figures 6-14) with the brush strip fixed by the channel holder 11 (as in Figure 12).

In the alternative embodiments the brush strip is fixed by a fixing carrier plate that can be attached to the channel holder 11, and can be provided straight or in the shape of an acclivity.

In the embodiments (as in Figures 1-2 and Figure 7-10) the fixing carrier plate 12 is provided straight and has fixing holes or slots 13 (as in Figure 1) for attaching by a fixing means 14, for example, screws with nuts and washers (as in Figures 1-2 and Figure 7) or by the fixing means 15 of a letter plate (as in Figure 6 and Figures 8-10).

The fixing carrier plate 16 (as in Figures 11-14) has the shape of an acclivity and is attached to the structure 3 by using the fixing means 14 (as in Figure 12) or fixing means 15 of a letter plate.

A sleeve mount means 17 for protection against damaging actions or events such as fire, vandalism, forced entry, etc. and/or against elements entering inside the hollow structure can be provided in the mail slot 2 (as in Figure 3 and Figure 5) and inside the perimeter of the sealing means as a whole chute or assembled from individual components, including an intumescent means.

The first opening is created static in the upper portion of the mail slot 2. The short sides of the first opening are created by the short sides of the mail slot 2. The height of the first opening is formed between the top long side 9 of the mail slot 2 and the core channel 10 or channel holder 11, which is fixed firmly or can be adjusted prior to fixation. The first opening is covered by the filaments 8, with their unattached ends overlapping the top long side 9 of the mail slot 2 (as in Figure 2, Figure 4, Figure 12 and Figure 14).

The benefits of creating the first opening are the following. With the length dimension of the mail slot 2 not reduced, most regular deposited mail items 1 can be easily introduced without folding or any additional effort, whereas liquid cannot be simply poured in against the force of gravity and only small sized solid items can pass through the upper portion of the mail slot 2. The undesirable access and the attempted removal of items through the first opening would be difficult too.

The access through the portion of the mail slot 2, which is located below the first opening, can be blocked by straight fixing carrier plate 12 (as in Figures 1-2), or fixing carrier plate 16, which is provided in the shape of an acclivity, with its low long side 18 located in the mail slot 2 in the vicinity of its low long side 19 (as in Figures 11-14).

Alternatively, access through the portion of the mail slot 2 located below the first opening, can be blocked by an additional acclivity means 20 with fixed or adjustable dimensions, which is provided in the mail slot 2 similarly to the fixing carrier plate 16 and fixed firmly or can be adjusted prior to fixation, with its low long side 18 located in the mail slot 2 in the vicinity of its low long side 19.

The additional acclivity means can be provided in the multitude of embodiments.

For example, in the embodiment (as in Figure 6) the additional acclivity means is provided by the inclined low long side 19 of the mail slot 2.

In the embodiments (as in Figures 7-8) the additional acclivity means 20 is provided as a V-shape profile with fixing slots 21. Using fixing slots 21 the additional acclivity means 20 is fixed firmly or adjustably behind the mail slot 2, allowing the vertical and horizontal adjustment of its position and the angle of the V-profile can be provided as an adjustable option.

In the embodiments (as in Figure 8 and Figure 11) part of the additional acclivity means 20 is provided by the open spring-loaded flap 22 of the front-mounted letter plate 23 (type C), with the axle of the flap 22 located in the vicinity of the low long side 19 of the mail slot 2 and flap 22 openable towards the inside of the mail slot 2.

The front-mounted letter plate 23 (type C) is also suitable in the embodiments (as in Figure 6 and Figure 13).

Depending on the embodiment, two other types of the front-mounted letter plate can be used (as in Figure 3, Figures 5-6, Figure 8, Figure 11 and Figure 13). The front-mounted letter plate 24 (type A) is provided with the axle of the spring-loaded flap 25 located in the vicinity of low long side 19 of the mail slot 2 with the flap 25 openable towards the outside of the mail slot 2. The front-mounted letter plate 26 (type B) is provided with the axle of the flap Tl located in the vicinity of the top long side 9 of the mail slot 2 and flap Tl openable towards the outside of the mail slot 2.

A letter plate is a traditional opening element of door furniture. The fact that the mail slot 2 can be provided with the front-mounted letter plate is one of the advantages of the proposed invention, as it allows to maintain the appearance of a traditional front door. With a suitable thickness of the structure 3 the additional acclivity means 20 entirely can be provided by the open spring-loaded flap 22 of the frontmounted letter plate 23 (type C).

It is further advantageous that the proposed invention also allows fitting of a rear-mounted letter plate 28 (type D) with the axle of the spring-loaded flap 29 located in the vicinity of the low long side 19 of the mail slot 2 and flap 29 openable towards the outside of the mail slot 2 (as in Figure 3 and Figure 5). The rearmounted letter plate 28 (type D) can be provided with the fixing means 30 for attaching the core channel 10 (as in Figure 4).

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The extent of the flap 29 opening can be restricted by the brackets 31 that are fixed firmly or can be adjusted prior to fixation behind the mail slot 2 in the vicinity of its short sides, or by an adjustable restrictor means 32 that is provided in the brackets 31 (as in Figure 3), e.g. screws fixed in the slots.

The rear-mounted letter plate 28 (type D) can be a member of the telescopic letter plate (as in Figure 3 and Figure 5), which also comprises the front-mounted letter plate 24 (type A) or letter plate 26 (type B), with the front-mounted and rear-mounted letter plates connected by the fixing means 15 and the sleeve mount means 17.

Brackets 31 depict just one embodiment of the brackets, which can be attached behind the mail slot 2 in the vicinity of its short sides.

For example, the brackets 33 that are fixed firmly or can be adjusted prior to fixation behind the mail slot 2 in the vicinity of the its short sides are assembled with the rear wall 34 for creating a narrow low-height open-top mail container 35 (as in Figure 5), which is suitable for mounting in conjunction with a telescopic letter plate. The rear wall 34 is provided in assembly with the bottom wall 36. The front wall of the narrow low-height open-top mail container 35 facing the mail slot 2 is provided either with an aperture, which is encompassing the mail slot 2, or the narrow low-height open-top mail container 35 has no front wall (as in Figure 5).

Another embodiment of a narrow low-height open-top mail container 37 is created by the assembly of the brackets 38 that are fixed firmly or can be adjusted prior to fixation behind the mail slot 2 in the vicinity of the its short sides, with the rear wall 39 (as in Figures 6). The rear wall 39 is provided in assembly with the bottom wall 40. The front wall of the narrow low-height open-top mail container 37, which is facing the mail slot 2, is provided with an aperture, which encompasses the mail slot 2, or the narrow low-height open-top mail container 37 has no front wall (as in Figures 6).

A further example embodiment of the narrow low-height open-top mail container 41 (as in Figures 7-8) is created by the assembly of the brackets 38 that are fixed firmly or can be adjusted prior to fixation behind the mail slot 2 in the vicinity of the its short sides, with the rear wall 42 and the movable insert 43. The insert 43 has a short side 44 forming the bottom wall of the narrow low-height open-top mail container 41. The front wall of the narrow low-height open-top mail container 41 facing the mail slot 2, is provided with an aperture, which encompasses the mail slot 2, or the narrow low-height open-top mail container 41 has no front wall (as in Figures 7-8).

The seams in the narrow low-height open-top mail containers 35, 37 and 41 can be optionally sealed with the sealing means to make them liquid tight.

The brackets 45 with fixing slots 46 are fixed firmly or can be adjusted prior to fixation behind the mail slot 2 in the vicinity of its short sides in the embodiment (as in Figures 8-10). The brackets 45 are suitable for attaching an optional elastic band 47 (as in Figures 9-10) that is stretched behind the filaments 8 to keep them in shape after deflection, and for supporting the locking element 48 (as in Figures 8 and Figure 10) that is provided as an unequal angle profile.

The locking element 48 is used for blocking access through the first and second openings. This is achieved when its wide side 49 is placed behind filaments 8 and inserted between the brackets 45 for support (as in Figure 10). When not in use for blocking access, the locking element 48 can be stored with its wide side 49 inserted into the narrow low-height open-top mail container 41 near the rear wall 42 and with its short side 50 supported by the rear wall 42 (as in Figure 8).

In the embodiments with the front-mounted letter plate 23 (type C) the brackets 38 are preferably fixed to the fixing means 15 of the front-mounted letter plate 23 (type C) (as in Figure 8-10).

The brackets 51, which are fixed firmly or can be adjusted prior to fixation behind the mail slot 2 in the vicinity of its short sides in the embodiment (as in Figure 11), are suitable for attaching the letter box 7.

In the embodiment (as in Figures 13-14) the brackets 52 are fixed firmly or can be adjusted prior to fixation behind the mail slot 2 in the vicinity of the its short sides. The brackets 52 are provided with the fixing means 53 and the adjustable restrictor means 54, allowing the fixing of the locking element 48 and adjusting the inclination of its wide side 49.

In this embodiment the wide side 49 of the locking element 48 is used as the acclivity means, which projects upwards away from the mail slot 2.

With the changed position of the locking element 48 when it is inserted behind the filaments 8 and between the brackets 52, the wide side 49 is used for blocking access through the first and second openings.

The access through the portion of the mail slot 2 located below the first opening, is blocked by the fixing carrier plate 16, which is provided inside the mail slot 2 in the shape of an acclivity.

In the embodiments (as in Figure 5-6) the rear wall 34 is provided in assembly with the bottom wall 36 and the rear wall 39 is provided in assembly with the bottom wall 40.

The rear walls 34 and 39 can be provided with folded section 55 at the top, which allows attaching them to the relevant brackets 33 (as in Figure 5) and the brackets 38 (as in Figures 6-8).

The rear walls 34 and 39 can be provided with fixing holes for fixing by screws 56 to the fixing holes, which are provided in the front faces of the brackets 33 (as in Figure 5) and the brackets 38 (as in Figures 6-8).

The second opening for deposited mail items 1 is created as dynamic behind the first opening. The height of the second opening is dynamically developed between the top long side 9 of the mail slot 2 and the filaments 8 when they are pushed and deflected by deposited mail items 1 (as in Figure 1, Figure 3, Figures 5-8, Figure 11 and Figure 13).

The short sides of the second opening are either left open (as in Figure 1), or created either by brackets 31 (as in Figure 3), brackets 45 (as in Figure 9-10), brackets 33 that are the side walls of the narrow low-height open-top mail container 35 (as in Figures 5), brackets 38 that are the side walls of the narrow low-height open-top mail container 37 and 41 (as in Figures 6-8), brackets 51 (as in Figure 11), or brackets 52 (as in Figures 13-14).

There are a number of benefits from the second opening. With the length dimension of the mail slot 2 not reduced, regular deposited mail items 1 that have passed through the first opening, can easily be introduced through the second opening without the need for folding or any additional effort. In the absence of deposited mail items 1, the filaments 8 keep the first and second openings closed and insulate the mail slot 2 against influences of the environment, such as weather, dust, pests, insects and other vermin getting in, and against the loss of house heat in the relevant embodiments, such as the letter box 7.

Simultaneously, in addition to the first opening, the filaments 8 allow further hindering of the introduction of non-mail items and liquids, undesirable access and the removal of items through the mail slot 2. Furthermore, the filaments 8 are flexible. When displaced by deposited mail items 1 they tend to return to their original position. With this motion, the displaced filaments 8 will propel deposited mail items 1 upward against the force of gravity and facilitate their introduction through the third opening. Providing the third opening helps significantly increase security in the mail slot 2, while allowing easy introduction of the deposited mail items 1 - all of which would not be possible without providing the filaments 8. Trying to push deposited mail items 1 through the third opening using one's fingers would not be possible as fingers cannot reach through the low height of the first and second openings.

The third opening for deposited mail items 1 is created behind the second opening as static or dynamic. These are the options for forming the height of the third opening.

One option is to form the height of the third opening between the top long side 9 of the mail slot 2 and the rear wall of a mail container, such as the rear wall 57 of the mailbox (or post box) 5 (as in Figure 1), the rear wall 39 of the narrow low-height open-top mail container 37 (as in Figure 6), or the rear wall 58 of the letter box 7 (as in Figure 11).

After meeting the rear wall, moving upward along the surface of the rear wall and clearing through the filaments 8, deposited mail items 1 will slide down into the mail container and stay there (as in Figure 1, Figure 6 and Figure 11).

In the case of the embodiment of the narrow low-height open-top mail container 37, depending on the height of the rear wall 39, some of the mail items 1 will override the top long side 59 of the rear wall 39 and fall down behind it under the force of gravity (as in Figure 6). In this embodiment the height of the third opening is formed between the top long side 9 of the mail slot 2 and the top long side 59 of the rear wall 39.

Either way, the mail items 1 will be introduced through the mail slot 2, while the rear wall of the mail container creates an obstacle for the introduction of non-mail items and liquids, and the removal of items through the mail slot 2.

The security provided by the third opening depends on its height. The height of the third opening can be adjusted.

One way of adjusting the height of the third opening is by adjusting the depth of the mail container. This can be achieved by providing the mail container with one or more inserts, which are placed inside in front of the rear wall.

For example, in the embodiments (as in Figures 7-8) the depth of the narrow low-height open-top container 41 is reduced due to the provided insert 43, which is movable towards the mail slot 2 to a chosen fixed position. As a result, deposited mail items 1 will be overriding the top long side 60 of the insert 43 and the height of the third opening will be reduced too.

Another way of adjusting the height of the third opening that is available in the embodiments with the narrow low-height open-top mail container, is by adjusting the vertical position of the insert or the rear wall. For example (as in Figure 7), the side sectional view of the narrow low-height open-top mail container 41 shows the rear wall 42 lifted up, so that deposited mail items 1 will be overriding the top long side 59 of the rear wall 42.

The bottom wall 40 of the narrow low-height open-top mail container 37 (as in Figure 6), the bottom wall 44 of the narrow low-height open-top mail container 41 that is created by the short side of the insert 43 (as in Figures 7-8), and the bottom wall 61 of the letter box 7 (as in Figure 11) cannot be any higher than the low long side 19 of the mail slot 2, preferably on the same level, partly extended into the mail slot 2 and placed on the surface of its low long side 19.

Since liquids may be introduced past first and second openings into the letter box 7 and the narrow lowheight open-top mail container 37, the extended part of the bottom wall allows an outlet 62 (as in Figure 11) for draining liquids out through the mail slot 2 due to the force of gravity. To facilitate faster outflow of liquids, the bottom wall or part of it can be provided as an acclivity that descends from the rear wall towards the outlet.

In the embodiment with the mailbox (or post box) 5 the outlet 62 for draining liquids out is provided near the bottom wall 63 (as in Figure 1).

In addition to the previously mentioned features, the embodiments of the narrow low-height open-top mail containers can be provided with some or all of the following further features: it can be fully or partly demountable, created by the assembly of the suitable embodiments of the brackets with the rear wall and bottom wall, with the adjustable fixing means and dimensions for matching a variety of the diversely sized mail slots, with the adjustable position of the rear wall or the assembly of the rear wall with the bottom wall for allowing adjusting the depth or height or both of the narrow low-height open-top mail container.

The second option to form the height of the third opening is shown in the embodiments (as in Figure 3 and Figures 13-14). In these embodiments the mail slot 2 is provided in the structure 3 at any level above the ground. The height of the third opening is formed between top long side 9 of the mail slot 2 and top long side 64 of an acclivity means, which is attached firmly or adjustably behind the second opening and projecting upwards with its low long side located in the vicinity of the low long side 19 of the mail slot 2.

The acclivity means can be made of solid material, in which case the third opening is provided as static. For example, in the embodiment (as in Figure 3) the solid acclivity means is provided by the open flap 29 and in the embodiment (as in Figures 13-14) by the wide side 49 of the locking element 48.

Alternatively, the acclivity means can be provided by the flexible filaments of an additional brush strip, in which case the third opening is provided as dynamic. The height of the dynamic third opening is dynamically developed between top long side 9 of the mail slot 2 and the filaments of the additional brush strip when they are pushed and deflected by deposited mail items 1 (not shown).

Whereas the acclivity means creates an obstruction to the introduction of liquids and inflexible items, regular mail items 1, such as letters and leaflets, which are paper based, thin and flexible, are easily introduced by overriding the top long side 64.

These items as well as more substantial deposited mail items 1, that are also flexible, such as large letters, brochures, newspapers and magazines, pass through the first and second openings, are propelled upwards by the filaments 8, and will then be introduced through the third opening after directly overriding the top long side 64 of the acclivity means or after meeting the surface of the acclivity means first and moving upward. Then the deposited mail items 1 will fall down behind the acclivity means due to the force of gravity.

The advantage of this embodiment is the unlimited capacity to receive the mail items and the impossibility of reaching and stealing deposited mail items that have fallen down behind the acclivity means.

The short sides of the third opening are created similarly to the short sides of the second opening: they are either left open (as in Figure 1), or created by brackets 31 (as in Figure 3), brackets 45 (as in Figure 9-10), brackets 33 (as in Figures 5), brackets 38 (as in Figures 6-8), brackets 51 (as in Figure 11), or brackets 52 (as in Figures 13-14).

The benefits of creating the third opening are as follows. With the length dimension of the third opening not reduced, most regular deposited mail items 1 that have passed through the first and second openings, can be easily introduced without the need for folding or any additional effort, while it would be difficult to introduce liquid and solid non-mail items over the further obstacle created by the third opening and the attempted removal of items would be very difficult, if at all possible. This is achieved without the need to insert fingers deep inside the mail slot 2, which would be impossible to accomplish with the limited height of the first and second openings.

An important advantage of the proposed invention is that security and insulation attachments are suitable for new and retro fitting to a wide range of diversely sized existing mail slots and in conjunction with existing or new letter plates. Also, in some installations, it is possible to simply flip the existing letter plate of a particular type 180 degrees for refitting it in the upside-down position as a letter plate of a different type.

The embodiments of the mailbox (or post box) 5 and letter box 7 can be provided in multitude of designs. These embodiments can be provided closed on all sides, except from having the mail slot 2, with the optionally lockable access means, with a sealing means for making the access means tight when closed, with the appropriate retention means to stop the mail items 1 falling off or sliding into the mail slot 2, with the appropriate fixing means for fixing outdoors or indoors either individually or in an assembly of individual units to a structure, a panel, a support stand, etc., and suitable for fulfilling multiple functions apart from receiving and storage of the deposited mail items 1. The example embodiments of the mailbox (or post box) 5 and letter box 7 are shown (as in Figures 1-2 and Figures 11-12).

Clearly, the embodiments of the mailbox (or post box) 5 and letter box 7 that are closed on all sides allow comparatively better security and insulation, whereas the embodiments of the narrow low-height opentop mail container 35, 37 and 41 provide simplified and low cost solutions for enhancing security and insulation in a mail slot 2.

In case any volume of liquid is introduced through the mail slot 2 into any of the embodiments with the provided outlet, it will be drained out by the force of gravity.

Further important benefits of the proposed invention are as follows.

Most deposited mail items 1 can be easily introduced through the mail slot 2 without the need for folding or any additional effort, since all three openings for the deposited mail items 1 are created without reducing the length dimension of the mail slot 2.

The proposed mail slot 2 with security and insulation attachments can be formed through a wide range of structures 3 at any level above the ground regardless of the structure 3 thickness, as the security and insulation attachments are fixed only at one side of the structure 3.

Making the proposed mail slot 2 is simplified because it is not required to have precise dimensions. For that reason, fixing the proposed security and insulation attachments to the mail slot 2 is simplified too.

The proposed mail slot 2 with security and insulation attachments provides a simple yet highly effective, DIY suitable and inexpensive front door security solution.

The optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention as described and illustrated in the drawings and the embodiments of the invention are deemed obvious and apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Claims (10)

1. A mail slot with security and insulation attachments comprising a brush strip with a core channel, which holds together one end of the filaments and preferably is inserted into a channel holder, which is attached to a fixing carrier plate with the fixing holes or slots, wherein the mail slot is formed through a structure at any level above the ground, or through the lower part of the front wall of a mailbox for incoming mail and post box for outgoing mail, which can be mounted on a wall or a stand, etc., or by sequencing of the mail slots that are formed within the structure and near the bottom of the front wall of the letter box for incoming mail, which is mounted behind the structure, with the brush strip, which is located behind the mail slot with the unattached ends of its filaments overlapping the top long side of the mail slot and attached by the core channel, the channel holder or the fixing carrier plate either firmly in place or with an option to be adjusted prior to fixation, acting as a key element for insulating the mail slot against influences of the environment and forming three consecutive openings for deposited mail items to go in smoothly, while simultaneously restricting the introduction of non-mail items and liquids, undesirable access and the removal of items through the mail slot, with the first opening created as static in the upper portion of the mail slot, with its height formed between the top long side of the mail slot and the core channel or channel holder, with the second opening created as dynamic behind the first opening, with its short sides either left open or created by the brackets, which are fixed firmly or can be adjusted prior to fixation behind the mail slot in the vicinity of the mail slot short sides, or by the side walls of a mail container that is attached firmly or adjusted prior to fixation behind the mail slot either with an aperture in its front wall encompassing the mail slot or a mail container which has no front wall, with the height of the second opening developed dynamically between the top long side of the mail slot and the filaments when they are pushed and deflected by deposited mail items, with the deflected filaments propelling deposited mail items upwards against the force of gravity and facilitating their introduction through the third opening, which is created as static or dynamic behind the second opening with its short sides created similarly to the short sides of the second opening, and with its height formed between the top long side of the mail slot and either the rear wall or the top long side of the rear wall of the said mail container, or the top long side of an acclivity means, which is attached firmly in place or can be adjusted prior to fixation behind the mail slot with its low long side located in the vicinity of the core channel or channel holder and its top long side projecting upwards away from the mail slot.

2. The security and insulation attachments as in Claim 1 wherein the access through the portion of the mail slot that is located below the first opening is blocked by the core channel, channel holder, or by the fixing carrier plate, which is provided either straight or in the shape of an acclivity, with the low long side of the acclivity located in the mail slot in the vicinity of its low long side, or/and by an additional acclivity means with fixed or adjustable dimensions, which is similarly located in the mail slot and fixed firmly or can be adjusted prior to fixation.

3. The security and insulation attachments as in Claim 1 wherein the brackets are suitable for attaching an elastic band, which is stretched behind the filaments to keep them in shape after deflection and are suitable for supporting the locking element, which is provided as an unequal angle profile with its wide side allowing blocking access through the first and second openings.

4. The security and insulation attachments as in Claim 1 wherein the brackets are provided with the fixing means and fixing slots and are suitable for adjustably fixing the locking element in a position where its wide side functions as the acclivity means or in a position where its wide side is used for blocking access through the first and second openings.

5. The security and insulation attachments as in Claim 1 wherein a letter plate is mounted in front of or behind or on both sides of the mail slot, with the letter plate comprising a plate with an aperture, a built-in flap and fixing means, with the axle of the flap of the frontmounted letter plate located in the vicinity of the top long side of the mail slot and the flap openable towards the outside of the mail slot, or with the axle of the flap located in the vicinity of the low long side of the mail slot, with the flap spring-loaded and openable either towards inside or outside of the mail slot, and with the axle of the flap of the rear-mounted letter plate located in the vicinity of the low long side of the mail slot, with the flap spring-loaded and openable towards the outside of the mail slot.

6. The security and insulation attachments as in Claim 1 wherein a sleeve mount means for protection against damaging actions or events such as fire, vandalism, forced entry, etc. and/or against elements entering inside the hollow structure is provided in the mail slot as a whole chute or assembled from individual components, including an intumescent means, and/or a sealing means that surrounds the perimeter of the mail slot and is provided between the structure and the front wall of the letter box.

7. The security and insulation attachments as in Claim 1 and Claim 3 wherein the mail container is narrow, has a low-height and open-top and provided including some or all of the following features: it is fully or partly demountable, created by the assembly of the rear wall with the brackets, which are fixed firmly or can be adjusted prior to fixation behind the mail slot in the vicinity of its short sides and with the sealing means optionally provided in the seams, with a folded section on the top of the rear wall allowing its attachment to the brackets, with the adjustable vertical and/or horizontal position of the rear wall or the assembly of the rear wall with the bottom wall, with the bottom wall created by the short side of the insert, which has its vertical long side adjustably fixed inside the mail container to the rear wall, with the bottom wall partly extended into the mail slot and placed on the surface of its low long side allowing an outlet for draining liquids out of the mail container through the mail slot due to the force of gravity, with the bottom wall or part of it provided as an acclivity descending towards the outlet, with the adjustable fixing means and dimensions for matching a variety of diversely sized mail slots, with the wide side of the stored locking element inserted into the mail container near the rear wall and its short side supported by the rear wall.

8. The security and insulation attachments as in Claim 1, Claim 2 and Claim 5 wherein the additional acclivity means is provided by the open spring-loaded flap of the front-mounted letter plate, with the axle of the flap located in the vicinity of the low long side of the mail slot and the flap openable towards the inside of the mail slot, or by the inclined low long side of the mail slot.

9. The security and insulation attachments as in Claim 1, Claim 3 and Claim 5 wherein the acclivity means is made of solid material, such as the open flap of the rear-mounted letter plate, or the wide side of the locking element, or it is provided by the flexible filaments of an additional brush strip.

10. The security and insulation attachments as in Claim 1, Claim 5, and Claim 7 wherein the mail slot is provided with a telescopic letter plate comprising the front-mounted and rear-mounted letter plates, which are connected by a fixing means and the sleeve mount means, with the axle of the flap in the front-mounted letter plate located in the vicinity of the top or low long side of the mail slot and with the flap openable towards the outside of the mail slot, and with the axle of the flap in the rear-mounted letter plate located in the vicinity of the low long side of the mail slot, with the flap openable outwards the mail slot, with the extent of its opening restricted by the brackets that are attached behind the mail slot in the vicinity of its short sides, or by an adjustable restrictor means that is provided in the brackets, or by the rear wall of the mail container that is narrow, has a low-height and an open top.