NL2001713C2

NL2001713C2 - Mail collection device, has housing mounted on door, and activation mechanism with activator part that is triggered by mail posted through letterbox opening, where locking part of mechanism locks mail collection box in collapsed position

Info

Publication number: NL2001713C2
Application number: NL2001713A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Pieter Lieven Klompe
Original assignee: Magdale B V
Priority date: 2008-06-23
Filing date: 2008-06-23
Publication date: 2009-12-24

Abstract

The device (1) has a housing (2) mounted on a door, and an activation mechanism with an activator part (5a) that is triggered by a mail posted through a letterbox opening (L). A locking part (5c) of the activation mechanism locks a collapsible mail collection box (8) in a collapsed position, where the collapsible mail collection box is positioned behind the opening. A side portion of the collapsible mail collection box is connected to the housing via a rod linkage mechanism. The collapsible mail collection box is movably connected to the housing.

Description

P29437NLOO/IWO Mail collection device

The present invention relates to a mail collection device for mail posted through a letterbox opening in a door, comprising a housing mountable on the door surrounding the letterbox opening, a collapsible mail collection box which can adopt a collapsed and an extended position, which mail collection box is connected to the housing, and an activation mechanism 5 comprising an activator part which is triggered by mail posted through the letterbox opening, and a locking part for locking the box in the collapsed position.

Such a mail collection device is known from NL 1027132 from the same applicant.

10 The object of the present invention is to provide an improved or at least an alternative mail collection device.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that the collapsible mail collection box in the collapsed position is positioned essentially behind the letterbox opening. Thus, the collapsed 15 mail box is provided at the same height as the letterbox opening. Preferably, the activator part is positioned between the letterbox opening and the collapsed mail box, and all components are provided at the same height level.

As such, the housing, the activation mechanism and the collapsed mail collection box form a 20 compact unit which is suitable to be mounted on any door, including doors having windows above and below a small door region in which the letterbox opening is provided. It is also conceivable to mount the mail collection device on any other place where a letterbox opening is provided, without requiring a lot of space. Preferred dimensions of the mail collection device do not exceed 15 centimeters in height, 10 centimeters in depth and 30-45 centimeters in width.

25 The dimensions of the letterbox opening are frequently statutory, in the Netherlands about 27 centimeters in width and 3,5 centimeters in height.

The appearance of a compact unit is much more appealing than a large mail collection device, e.g. such as known nets and large mail boxes ready for use.

30 -2- A further advantage of the mail collection device according to the present invention is that only when mail is actually delivered though the letterbox opening the mail collection box unfolds to adopt the extended position. Thus, the large extended size of the mail collection box required to be able to collect mail is only adopted when mail is delivered, but is collapsible to a very 5 compact mail collection device when not in use.

Preferably, all components of the activation mechanism and the collapsible mail collection box function operate essentially frictionless. More preferably, the mail collection device is also silent in operation. This is in particular beneficial in case of early mail delivery. A further feature 10 resulting in a silent operation is the use of particular materials, e.g. rubber and rubber-like materials.

Once the box is in the extended position, the mail may be collected in the box. This has the advantage that the mail does not fall on the floor where it may be stepped on, and which is more 15 difficult to pick up, in particular for elderly persons. In the box the mail is presented to the mail collector in an attractive manner and allows easy collection of the mail. Preferred dimensions of the box in the extended position are 25-45 centimeters in length, 20-35 centimeters in width and 2-10 centimeters in height. In the extended position of the mail collection box, the mailbox preferably extends downwards from the letterbox opening in a direction between perpendicular 20 to the letterbox opening (i.e. horizontal) and vertical, preferably at an angle of between 25-85° with respect to the vertical, more preferably between 40-70°.

The housing of the mail collection device may e.g. be made of plastics, carbon or metal. Preferably, it is available in multiple colors to match with the door or other construction whereto 25 it is mounted, or match with fashion or trend. The housing comprises a mounting portion surrounding the letterbox, which may be provided with mounting holes for screws, or alternatively Velcro, or which may be mountable via gluing.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing comprises a set back portion below the mounting 30 portion, e.g. to be able to accommodate a door curtain, which may require e.g. a curtain rail or track, or a curtain rod or pole or string. Such set back portion is preferably provided over the entire width of the housing. This embodiment has the advantage that it may be installed on existing doors provided with such a door curtain.

35 The collapsible mail collection box may be any type of foldable material which can adopt a collapsed and an extended position. The collapsible box preferably comprises a bottom which can adopt a collapsed and an extended position.

-3-

It is preferred to provide a collapsible mail collection box that adopts the extended position as a result of gravity, after being unlocked by the locking part of the activation mechanism. Hingedly connected rods may be provided to enable the extension and collapsing of the box. A possible 5 construction involves crossed rods providing a link motion. Alternatively, an electrical mechanism to adopt the extended position is also possible but much less preferred as it is more costly. When a gravity-based collapsible mail box is used, collapsing from the extended position back to the collapsed position is preferably carried out manually.

10 The bottom of the mail collection box may for example be formed by foldable panels. Preferably, the panels are connected to each other such that they are foldable in a concertina-manner.

Such panels are preferably of a light-weight material such as plastic, carbon or aluminum, which are connected to each other e.g. by portions of flexible material or hinge portions such that they are foldable. Alternatively, the bottom may be formed by fabric, which e.g. is rollable onto a rod, 15 e.g. composed as a spring-mount roller.

In a preferred embodiment, the collapsible mail collection box further comprises one or two side portions adjacent the bottom, to prevent mail falling out of the box. Such side portions may also e.g. be formed of panels which are foldable in a concertina-manner, or alternatively made of 20 fabric or hingedly connected rods.

More preferably, the collapsible mail box comprises an end portion, opposite the side facing the letterbox opening. Such an end portion prevents letters from gliding onto the floor via the mail box. The end portion may be formed integral with the bottom or by a seperate part connected to 25 the bottom. In a preferred embodiment, the end portion is formed by a cover part, which in the collapsed position of the mail collection box butts up with the housing, in order to form an essentially closed, compact mail collection device.

The activation mechanism comprises an activator part which is triggered by mail posted through 30 the letterbox opening. The activation mechanism preferably at least partially covers the letterbox opening in a resting position, such that any mail posted through the letterbox opening comes into contact with the activator part. Preferably, the activator part is designed such that it is activated by the pressure of an A4 fold in half. It is possible to provide an internal letterbox draught excluder, such as a letterbox door brush draught excluder, between the activator part 35 and the letterbox opening. Alternatively, functions of draught excluder and activator part are integrated by providing an activator part covering the entire letterbox opening and acting as an internal letterbox draught excluder in its rest position.

-4-

In a preferred embodiment, the activation mechanism comprises a flap, preferably covering the entire letterbox opening. The flap may be pivotably connected to the frame.

5 The activation mechanism further comprises a locking part, locking the collapsible mail collection box in the collapsed position. This locking part may be activated directly or indirectly by the activator part. In a preferred embodiment, the activator part is mounted pivotably to the housing, and the locking part is formed integral with the activator part. Mail posted through the letterbox effects a pivoting movement of the activator part, and thus of the locking part. This 10 movement may eventually result in the unlocking of the collapsible mail collection box.

Alternatively, movement, e.g. a pivoting movement of the activator part is noticed by a sensor which sends a signal to the locking part, allowing the unlocking of the collapsible mail collection box. In a preferred embodiment, the locking means comprise a hook connected to the frame, possibly via the activator part, and a recess in the collapsible mail collection box in which the 15 hook engages in the locked position and from which the hook is disengaged when unlocked.

In a preferred embodiment, catching parts are provided for catching the collapsible mail collection box when it is being collapsed and positioning the box such that it engages with the locking means. As such, the box is locked again. Preferably the catching parts are connected to 20 the housing.

Preferably, the mail collection box is movably connected to the housing such that a side of the collapsible mail box facing the letterbox opening moves downwards when the collapsible mail box collapses from the collapsed position to the extended position. It is also conceivable to have 25 the collapsible mail collection box not movably mounted to the housing, which mainly results in a reduced capacity of the mail collection box.

Such a construction allows mail being posted though the letterbox opening to activate the activation mechanism and unlock the collapsible mail collection box to the extended position, 30 and further to move the side of the collapsible mail box facing the letterbox opening downwards, preferably just below the letterbox opening. The mail may then freely glide into the collapsed mail box. Also, when a lot of mail is being received, mail may continue to be posted as the box is full, because the mail may glide over the full box onto the floor. Preferably, the side of the collapsible mail box facing the letterbox opening lowers to a level approximately 3-10 35 centimeters below its level in the collapsed position, preferably 5 centimeters lower.

-5-

When the collapsible mail box is collapsed from the extended position back to the collapsed position, the side of the mail box facing the letterbox opening moves upwards again. Such operation is preferably carried out manually.

5 Multiple mechanisms allow a movable connection between the collapsible mail collection box and the housing, such that a side of the collapsible mail box facing the letterbox opening is lower in the extended position of the collapsible mail box than in the collapsed position. Preferably, such mechanism is provided between a side portion of the mail collection box and the housing. Such a mechanism may only be provided at one side of the mail collection box but 10 is preferably provided at both sides.

In a preferred embodiment, a side portion of the mail collection box is connected to the housing via a rod linkage mechanism. The rod linkage mechanism preferably comprises a lower rod pivotably connected to a lower portion of the side portion and to a lower portion of the housing, 15 and a higher rod pivotably connected to a higher portion of the side portion and to a higher portion of the housing. This mechanism allows for smooth and sufficient lowering of the collapsible mail collection box.

In an alternative mail collection device a side portion of the mail collection box is connected to 20 the housing via a groove and follower mechanism. For example, one or more grooves are provided in the housing, preferably a portion of the housing extending essentially perpendicular to the letterbox opening. Followers provided on the side portion of the mail collection box are allowed to follow the grooves once the collapsible mail collection box is allowed to collapse by unlocking the box from the locking part of the activation mechanism. Alternatively, the followers 25 are provided on the housing and the grooves on the collapsible mail collection box. One or more followers and grooves may be provided to allow more or less complicated downward movement.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention an overload protection mechanism is provided allowing the collapsible mail collection box to move downwards from the collapsed 30 position to an overload position in which the mail collection box is lowered further, preferably to an essentially vertical position. It is also conceivable to only temporarily move to the overload position, after which the collapsible mail collection box moves back, e.g. as a result of spring force, to the extended position. Such overload protection mechanism prevents/ limits damage due to overloading the mail box and offers enhanced consumer safety. The mechanism is 35 activated due to overload of the mail box, which may occur when large packages or heavy mail is received, or by human agency, e.g. by children. The collapsible mail box may be collapsed into its collapsed position while reactivating the overload protection system.

-6-

The invention will now be explained further with respect to the drawing, in which:

Fig. 1a shows in cross-section a first embodiment of a mail collection device according to the 5 invention in the collapsed position; fig. 1b shows the embodiment of the mail collection device of fig. 1a in cross-section in the extended position; fig. 1c shows the embodiment of fig. 1b in a perspective view; fig. 1d shows the embodiment of the mail collection device of fig. 1a in cross-section in the 10 overload position; fig. 2a shows in cross-section a second embodiment of a mail collection device according to the invention in the collapsed position; fig. 2b shows the second embodiment of the mail collection device of fig. 2a in cross-section in the extended position; 15 fig. 2c shows the second embodiment of fig. 2b in a perspective view; fig. 2d shows the second embodiment of the mail collection device of fig. 2a in cross-section in the overload position; fig. 3a shows in cross-section a third embodiment of a mail collection device according to the invention in the collapsed position; 20 fig. 3b shows the third embodiment of the mail collection device of fig. 3a in cross-section in the extended position; fig. 3c shows the third embodiment of the mail collection device of fig. 3a in cross-section in the overload position; fig. 4a shows in cross-section a fourth embodiment of a mail collection device according to the 25 invention in the collapsed position; fig. 4b shows the fourth embodiment of the mail collection device of fig. 4a in cross-section in the extended position; fig. 4d shows the fourth embodiment of the mail collection device of fig. 4a in cross-section in the overload position.

30

In figs. 1a-1d a preferred mail collection device 1 according to the invention is shown. The mail collection device 1 is shown in fig. 1a in the collapsed position, before any mail is posted through a letterbox opening in a door (not shown).

The mail collection device 1 comprises a housing 2, mountable on the door surrounding the letterbox opening, schematically indicated by the letter L. The housing 2 comprises a mounting 35 portion 3 surrounding the letterbox opening L comprising to mount the housing 2 onto a door or the like. Furthermore, the housing 2 comprises a set back portion 4 below the mounting portion 3, e.g. to be able to accommodate a door curtain.

-7- 5 The mail collection device 1 further comprises an activation mechanism 5, comprising an activator part 5a which is triggered by mail posted though the letterbox opening L. The activator part 5a in the shown embodiment is a flap, also functioning as a draught excluder. The activator part 5a is mounted pivotably to the housing 2, about a pivot axis 5b. The activation mechanism 5 further comprises a locking part 5c, here comprising a hook part 5d, which in the shown 10 embodiment is formed integral with the activator part 5a. Hook part 5d engages with a recess or opening 6a in the collapsible mail collection box 8. In the shown embodiment, the recess or opening 6a is provided in a locking portion 6 of the mail collection box 8.

In the shown embodiment, further a catching part 7 is provided between which the locking 15 portion 6 of the collapsible mail collection box may be catched when it is being collapsed. As such, the locking portion 6 of the box comprising the recess or opening 6a engaging with the locking part 5c with the hook part 5d is positioned such that the recess or opening 6a actually engages with the locking part 5c, 5d. As such, the box is locked again. The catching part 7 is here connected to the housing 2.

20

According to the invention, the collapsible mail collection box 8 shown in the collapsed position in fig. 1a is positioned essentially behind the letterbox opening L. The mail collection box 8 comprises an end part 9 opposite the side facing the letterbox opening L, which end part 9 is formed by a cover part which, in the shown collapsed position, butts up with the housing 2.

25 A bottom 10 of the collapsible mail collection box 8 is formed by foldable panels 10a. The bottom 10 is pivotably connected to the cover part 9 on connection point 9a.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the collapsible mail collection box 8 is movably 30 connected to the housing 2 such that a side S of the collapsible mail box facing the letterbox opening L moves downwards when the collapsible mail box 8 collapses from the collapsed position shown in fig. 1a to the extended position shown in fig. 1b.

In this first preferred embodiment, the mail collection box 8 is movably connected to the housing 35 2 via two side portions 100 of the mail collection box 8. In particular, the bottom 10 of the collapsible mail box 8 is pivotably connected to the side portion 100 at a connection point 10c. As visible in particular in fig. 1c, two side portions 102 of the housing 2 each comprise a lower -8- pivotable connection point 102b for a lower rod 104, which lower rod 104 is attached on the other end to side portion 100 of the mail box 8.

The movable connection is obtained by the provision of a further, higher rod 103 which is 5 pivotably connected to a higher position of the side portion 100 of the mail box 8. The higher rod 103 is pivotably connected to a pivotable connection point 102a which is located at a higher position than the first pivotable connection point 102b. As such, the mail collection box 8 is movable connected to the housing 2 such that a side S of the collapsible mail box facing the letterbox opening L moves downwards when the collapsible mail box collapses from the 10 collapsed position shown in fig. 1a to the extended position shown in fig. 1c.

The operation of the first embodiment is shown in figs. 1b and 1c. Hook 5d is disengaged from opening 6a and due to gravity, collapsible mail collection box 8 has collapsed while rods 103, 104 pivoted about pivot axes 102a, 102b and pivot axes 100a, 100b on the side portions 100 of 15 the mail collection box 8. The extended position is determined by the capability of the rod linkage mechanism to pivot. In the extended position the collapsible mail collection box 18 is at an angle of about 45° with the horizontal position of the letterbox opening L.

In fig. 1 c it is visible that the collapsible mail box 8 of this embodiment is formed by end portion 20 9, a bottom 10 formed by bottom panels 10a and side panels 108a, also hingedly connected to each other and to the side portion 100 via hinges 108b.

In the shown embodiment, the pivotable connection point 102a is provided at the end of a swiveling arm 105, which is connected flexible or pivotably via connection 105b to the housing 25 2, in this embodiment in particular to the mounting portion 3 of the housing 2. As visible in fig.

1c, two swiveling arms 105 are provided at both ends of the letterbox opening L. It is also visible in fig. 1c, that the swiveling operation is prohibited by a blockage 106 providing a defined resistance to the swiveling operation. The blockage 106 is provided at the side portion 102 of the housing 2. These swiveling arms 105 enable an overload position as is shown in fig. 1d.

30

The collapsible mail box 8 is lowered in its entirety when excess downwards pressure is exerted, e.g. in case of large packages or heavy mail, or by human agency, as a result of which the resistance offered by blockage 106 will be overcome by the swiveling arms 105 which allow a movement of the upper pivotable connection point 102a of the upper rod 103. As such, a 35 further downward movement of the mail box 8 is made possible.

-9-

In figs. 2a-2d a second preferred mail collection device 1 according to the invention is shown. The mail collection device 11 is shown in fig. 2a in the collapsed position.

The mail collection device 11 comprises a housing 12, mountable on the door surrounding the 5 letterbox opening, schematically indicated by the letter L. The housing 12 comprises a mounting portion 13 surrounding the letterbox opening L comprising screw holes 13a to mount the housing 12 onto a door or the like. Furthermore, the housing 12 comprises a set back portion 14 below the mounting portion 13, e.g. to be able to accommodate a door curtain.

10 The mail collection device 11 further comprises an activation mechanism 15, comprising an activator part 15a which is triggered by mail posted though the letterbox opening L. The activator part 15a in the shown embodiment is a flap, also functioning as a draught excluder.

The activator part 15a is mounted pivotably to the housing 12, about a pivot axis 15b. The activation mechanism 15 further comprises a locking part 15c, here comprising a hook part 15d, 15 which in the shown embodiment is formed integral with the activator part 15a. Hook part 15d engages with a recess or opening 16a in a collapsible mail collection box 18. In the shown embodiment, the recess or opening 16a is provided in a locking portion 16 of the mail collection box 18.

20 In the shown embodiment, further catching parts 17a and 17b are provided between which the locking portion 16 of the collapsible mail collection box may be catched when it is being collapsed. As such, the locking portion 16 of the box comprising the recess or opening 16a engaging with the locking part 15c with the hook part 15d is positioned such that the recess or opening 16a actually engages with the locking part 15c, 15d. As such, the box is locked again. 25 The catching parts 17a, 17b are here connected to the housing 12.

According to the invention, the collapsible mail collection box 18 shown in the collapsed position in fig. 2a is positioned essentially behind the letterbox opening L. The mail collection box 18 comprises an end part 19 opposite the side facing the letterbox opening L, which end part 19 is 30 formed by a cover part which, in the shown collapsed position, butts up with the housing 12.

A bottom 20 of the collapsible mail collection box 18 is formed by foldable panels 20a connected to each other via hinge parts 20b, which bottom 20 is pivotably connected to the cover part 19 on connection point 19a.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the collapsible mail collection box 18 is movably connected to the housing 12 such that a side S of the collapsible mail box facing the 35 -10- letterbox opening L moves downwards when the collapsible mail box 18 collapses from the collapsed position shown in fig. 2a to the extended position shown in fig. 2b.

In this second embodiment, the mail collection box 18 is movably connected to the housing 12 5 via a side portion 110 of the mail collection box 18. In particular, the bottom 20 of the collapsible mail box 18 is pivotably connected to the side portion 110 at a connection point 20c. As visible in particular in fig. 2c, two side portions 112 of the housing 12 are provided with grooves 111. Side portions 110 of the mail collection box 18 are provided with followers 113, in this embodiment two followers at each side portions 112, cooperating with the grooves 111. The 10 grooves 111 define an extended position of the mail box 18, in which the followers 113 are at positions 114 and 115 respectively. Also, an overload position is defined at position 116 of the groove 111.

The operation of the second embodiment is shown in figs. 2b and 2c. Hook 15d is disengaged 15 from opening 16a and due to gravity, collapsible mail collection box 18 has collapsed while followers 113 on the side portions 110 of the mail collection box 18 followed the grooves 111 on the side portions 112 of the housing 18, until the followers 113 are at positions 114 and 115, respectively. In this extended position, the extended collapsible mail collection box 18 is at an angle of about 45° with the horizontal position of the letterbox opening L.

20

In fig. 2c it is visible that the collapsible mail box 18 of this embodiment is formed by end portion 19, a bottom 20 formed by bottom panels 20a and side panels 118a, also hingedly connected to each other via hinges 118b.

25 In fig. 2d the collapsible mail box 18 of the second embodiment is shown in the overload position. The collapsible mail box 18 is lowered in its entirety when excess downwards pressure is exerted, e.g. in case of large packages or heavy mail, or by human agency, as a result of which the followers 113 are manipulated out of the positions 114, 115 into positions 117 (a little higher than position 114) and 116.

30

In figs. 3a-3c a third preferred mail collection device 21 according to the invention is shown. The mail collection device 21 is shown in fig. 3a in the collapsed position.

35 The mail collection device 21 comprises a housing 22, mountable on the door surrounding the letterbox opening, schematically indicated by the letter L. The housing 22 comprises a mounting portion 23 surrounding the letterbox opening L comprising screw holes 23a to mount the -11 - housing 22 onto a door or the like. Furthermore, the housing 22 comprises a set back portion 24 below the mounting portion 23, e.g. to be able to accommodate a door curtain.

The mail collection device 21 further comprises an activation mechanism 25, comprising an 5 activator part 25a which is triggered by mail posted though the letterbox opening L. The activator part 25a in the shown embodiment is a flap, also functioning as a draught excluder. The activator part 25a is mounted pivotably to the housing 22, about a pivot axis 25b. The activation mechanism 25 further comprises a locking part 25c, here comprising a hook part 25d, which in the shown embodiment is formed integral with the activator part 25a. Hook part 25d 10 engages with a recess or opening 26a in the collapsible mail collection box 28. In the shown embodiment, the recess or opening 26a is provided in a locking portion 26 of the mail collection box 28.

In the shown embodiment, further catching part 27 is provided between which the locking 15 portion 26 of the collapsible mail collection box may be catched when it is being collapsed. As such, the locking portion 26 of the box comprising the recess or opening 26a engaging with the locking part 25c with the hook part 25d is positioned such that the recess or opening 26a actually engages with the locking part 25c, 25d. As such, the box is locked again. The catching part 27 is here connected to the housing 22.

20

According to the invention, the collapsible mail collection box 28 shown in the collapsed position in fig. 3a is positioned essentially behind the letterbox opening L. The mail collection box 28 comprises an end part 29 opposite the side facing the letterbox opening L, which end part 29 is formed by a cover part which, in the shown collapsed position, butts up with the housing 22.

25 A bottom 30 of the collapsible mail collection box 28 is formed by foldable panels 30a connected to each other via hinge parts 30b, which bottom 30 is pivotably connected to the cover part 29 on connection point 29a.

30 According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the collapsible mail collection box 28 is movably connected to the housing 22 such that a side S of the collapsible mail box facing the letterbox opening L moves downwards when the collapsible mail box 28 collapses from the collapsed position shown in fig. 3a to the extended position shown in fig. 3b.

35 In this third embodiment, the mail collection box 28 is movably connected to the housing 22 via a side portion 120 of the mail collection box 28. In particular, the bottom 30 of the collapsible mail box 28 is pivotably connected to the side portion 120 at a connection point 30c. A side - 12- portion 122 of the housing 22 is provided with a groove 121. Side portion 120 of the mail collection box 28 is provided with an upper follower 123a an a lower follower 123b. Two followers may be provided at opposite side portions 120, cooperating with the grooves 121 provided at opposite side portions 122 of the housing 22.

5

The operation of the third embodiment is shown in figs. 3b and 3c. Hook 25d is disengaged from opening 26a and due to gravity, collapsible mail collection box 28 collapses while followers 123 on the side portions 120 of the mail collection box 28 follow the grooves 121 on the side portions 122 of the housing 28. Furthermore, the side portion 120 of the mail collection box 28 is 10 provided with teeth 120a, engaging with teeth 122a provided on side portion 122 of the housing 22. These engaging teeth 120a, 122a enable smooth lowering of the mail collection box 28, while the followers 123 and groove 121 may prevent the engaging teeth to give way/ loosen.

The mail box 28 lowers until lower stop boss 120b provided on side portion 120 of the mail collection box 22 engages with the lower portion 124a of spring element 124. Spring element 15 124 is resiliently mounted to the frame 22 at connection point 124b. In this extended position, the extended collapsible mail collection box 28 is at an angle of about 45° with the horizontal position of the letterbox opening L.

In fig. 3c the collapsible mail box 28 of the third embodiment is shown in the overload position. 20 The collapsible mail box 28 is lowered in its entirety when excess downwards pressure is exerted, e.g. in case of large packages or heavy mail, or by human agency, as a result of which the lower stop boss 120b manipulates the lower portion of spring element 124 out of its position, allowing a further lowering of the collapsible mail box 28, and thus of the side portion 120 of the box 28, until higher stop boss 120c provided on the side portion 120 of the mail collection box 25 22 engages with the lower portion 124a of the spring element 124. Any further downward movement of the mail collection box 28 is prevented by the engagement of a blocking extension 120d extending from the side portion 120 of the mail collection box 28 with a blockage 122d provided at the side portion 122 of the housing 22.

30

In figs. 4a-4c yet another, fourth preferred mail collection device 31 according to the invention is shown. The mail collection device 31 is shown in fig. 3a in the collapsed position.

The mail collection device 31 comprises a housing 32, mountable on the door surrounding the 35 letterbox opening, schematically indicated by the letter L. The housing 32 comprises a mounting portion 33 surrounding the letterbox opening L comprising screw holes 33a to mount the housing 32 onto a door or the like. Furthermore, the housing 32 comprises a set back portion 34 below the mounting portion 33, e.g. to be able to accommodate a door curtain.

-13-

The mail collection device 31 further comprises an activation mechanism 35, comprising an 5 activator part 35a which is triggered by mail posted though the letterbox opening L. The activator part 35a in the shown embodiment is a flap, also functioning as a draught excluder.

The activator part 35a is mounted pivotably to the housing 32, about a pivot axis 35b. The activation mechanism 35 further comprises a locking part 35c, here comprising a hook part 35d, which in the shown embodiment is formed integral with the activator part 35a. Hook part 35d 10 engages with a recess or opening 36a in collapsible mail collection box 38. In the shown embodiment, the recess or opening 36a is provided in a locking portion 36 of the mail collection box 38.

In the shown embodiment, further catching part 37 is provided between which the locking 15 portion 36 of the collapsible mail collection box may be catched when it is being collapsed. As such, the locking portion 36 of the box comprising the recess or opening 36a engaging with the locking part 35c with the hook part 35d is positioned such that the recess or opening 36a actually engages with the locking part 35c, 35d. As such, the box is locked again. The catching part 37 is here connected to the housing 32.

20

According to the invention, the collapsible mail collection box 38 shown in the collapsed position in fig. 3a is positioned essentially behind the letterbox opening L. The mail collection box 38 comprises an end part 39 opposite the side facing the letterbox opening L, which end part 39 is formed by a cover part which, in the shown collapsed position, butts up with the housing 32.

25 A bottom 40 of the collapsible mail collection box 38 is formed by foldable panels 40a connected to each other via hinge parts 40b, which bottom 40 is pivotably connected to the cover part 39 via connection point 39a.

30 According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the collapsible mail collection box 38 is movably connected to the housing 32 such that a side S of the collapsible mail box facing the letterbox opening L moves downwards when the collapsible mail box 38 collapses from the collapsed position shown in fig. 4a to the extended position shown in fig. 4b.

35 In this fourth embodiment, the mail collection box 38 is movably connected to the housing 32 via a side portion 130 of the mail collection box 38. In particular, the bottom 40 of the collapsible mail box 38 is pivotably connected to the side portion 130 at a connection point 40c.

5 -14- A side portion 132 of the housing 32 is provided with a pivot point 132a to which a pivoting plate 133 is pivotably connected. Side portion 130 of the mail collection box 38 is connected to this pivoting plate 133.

The operation of the fourth embodiment is shown in figs. 4a and 4b. Hook 35d is disengaged from opening 36a and due to gravity, collapsible mail collection box 38 collapses while pivoting plate 133 pivots about pivot axis 132a. The mail box 38 lowers until lower stop boss 133c provided on pivoting plate 133 engages with the lower portion of the housing 32. In this 10 extended position, the extended collapsible mail collection box 38 is at an angle of about 45° with the horizontal position of the letterbox opening L.

Side portion 130 of the mail collection box 38 is pivotably connected to this pivoting plate 133 at pivot point 133a. Furthermore, side portion 130 of the mail collection box 38 is pivotably 15 connected to the pivoting plate 133 via a pivotable rod 135, which is pivotably connected to the pivoting plate at pivot point 133b, located above first pivot point 133a, and movably mounted to the side portion 130 via a resilient member 134 engaging with end portion 135a of the rod 135.

In fig. 4c the collapsible mail box 38 of the fourth embodiment is shown in the overload position. 20 The collapsible mail box 38 is lowered in its entirety when excess downwards pressure is exerted, e.g. in case of large packages or heavy mail, or by human agency, as a result of which the end portion 135a of the rod 135 overcomes the resilient forces of the resilient member 134 and moves though the resilient member 134, allowing a further pivoting movement of the side portion 130 about pivot axis 133a. Any further downward movement of the mail collection box 25 38 is prevented by the engagement of the end portion 135a of the rod 135 with a blockage 134a provided at the end of the resilient member 134.

Of course, it is conceivable to provide any of the above embodiments without overload protection mechanism, or to combine an overload protection mechanism described with respect 30 to an embodiment with a collapsing mechanism described with respect to another embodiment.

The invention can be described according to the following clauses: 1. Mail collection device for mail posted through a letterbox opening in a door, comprising: 35 - a housing mountable on the door surrounding the letterbox opening; - a collapsible mail collection box which can adopt a collapsed and an extended position, which mail collection box is connected to the housing; -15- - an activation mechanism comprising an activator part which is triggered by mail posted through the letterbox opening, and a locking part for locking the collapsible mail collection box in the collapsed position; characterized in that 5 the collapsible mail collection box in the collapsed position is positioned essentially behind the letterbox opening.

2. Mail collection device according to clause 1, wherein the mail collection box is movably connected to the housing such that a side of the collapsible mail box facing the letterbox 10 opening moves downwards when the collapsible mail box collapses from the collapsed position to the extended position.

3. Mail collection device according to clause 2, wherein a side portion of the mail collection box is connected to the housing via a rod linkage mechanism.

15 4. Mail collection device according to clause 3, wherein the rod linkage mechanism comprises a lower rod pivotably connected to a lower portion of the side portion and to a lower portion of the housing, and a higher rod pivotably connected to a higher portion of the side portion and to a higher portion of the housing.

20 5. Mail collection device according to clause 2, wherein a side portion of the mail collection box is connected to the housing via a groove and follower mechanism, such as a groove provided in the housing and followers provided on the side portion of the mail collection box.

25 6. Mail collection device according to clause 2, wherein a side portion of the mail collection box is connected to the housing via a gear mechanism.

7. Mail collection device according to one or more of the preceding clauses, wherein the mail collection box comprises an end portion opposite a side facing the letterbox opening, which 30 comprises a cover part butting up with the housing in the collapsed position of the mail collection box.

8. Mail collection device according to one or more of the preceding clauses, wherein the mail collection box comprises a side portion which is formed by foldable panels.

35 9. Mail collection device according to one or more of the preceding clauses 1-8, wherein the mail collection box comprises a bottom which is formed by foldable panels.

-16- 10. Mail collection device according to one or more of the preceding clauses 1-8, wherein the mail collection box comprises a bottom which is formed by fabric.

5 11. Mail collection device according to one or more of the preceding clauses, wherein the activator part of acts as an internal letterbox draught excluder.

12. Mail collection device according to one or more of the preceding clauses, wherein the housing comprises a mounting portion surrounding the letterbox, and a set back 10 portion below the mounting portion, e.g. to be able to accommodate a door curtain.

13. Mail collection device according to one or more of the preceding clauses, wherein the dimensions of the housing with the mail collection box in the collapsed position do not exceed 15 centimeters in height, 10 centimeters in depth and 30-45 centimeters in width.

15 14. Mail collection device according to one or more of the preceding clauses, comprising an overload protection mechanism allowing the collapsible mail collection box to move downwards from the collapsed position to an overload position, in which overload position the mail collection box is lowered further, preferably to an essentially vertical position.

Claims

A device for receiving mail that has been posted through a letterbox opening in a door, which device comprises: 5. a housing that can be mounted on the door around the letterbox opening; - a foldable mail collection box that can assume a folded and an unfolded position, which mail collection box is connected to the housing; - an activation mechanism comprising an activator part that is activated by mail posted through the letterbox opening, and a locking part for locking the mail box in the folded position; characterized in that the collapsible mail collection box in the folded position is located substantially behind the letterbox opening.

The mail-receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the mail-receiving box is movably connected to the housing such that one side of the mail-receiving box moves downwardly towards the letterbox opening when the foldable mail-receiving box unfolds from the folded position to the unfolded position.

Device for receiving mail according to claim 2, wherein a side part of the mail receiving box is connected to the housing via a rod mechanism.

4. Device for receiving mail according to claim 3, wherein the rod mechanism comprises a lower rod hingedly connected to a lower part of the side part and to a lower part of the housing, and a higher-lying rod hingedly connected to an upper part of the side part and with a higher part of the housing.

5. Device for receiving mail according to claim 2, wherein a side part of the mail receiving box is connected via a groove and follower mechanism to the housing, such as for instance a groove arranged in the housing and followers are provided on the side part of the mail receiving box .

The device for receiving mail according to claim 2, wherein a side part of the mail receiving box is connected to the housing via a gear mechanism. 35

7. Device for receiving mail according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the mail receiving box comprises an end part opposite a side directed at the letterbox opening, which end part comprises a closing part which borders on the folded position of the mail receiving box. housing.

Device for collecting mail according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the mail collection box comprises a side part formed by foldable panels.

9. Device for collecting mail according to one or more of the preceding claims 1-8, wherein the mail receiving box comprises a bottom which is formed by foldable panels.

Device for receiving mail according to one or more of the preceding claims 1-8, wherein the mail receiving box comprises a bottom formed by tissue.

Apparatus for receiving mail according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the activator part acts as an anti-draft valve.

12. Device for receiving mail according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a mounting part which surrounds the letterbox opening, and a recessed part under the mounting part, for instance for placing a door curtain.

13. Device for receiving mail as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the size of the housing with the mail receiving box in the folded position is no greater than 15 centimeters in height, 10 centimeters in depth and 30-45 centimeters in width.

14. Device for receiving mail according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising an overload protection mechanism that allows the foldable mail collection box to move further down from the unfolded position to an overload position, in which overload position the mail collection box is moved further down, preferably to a substantially vertical position.