US2050280A - Indestructible safety mail box support - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 11, 1936. G. J. DEAN 2,050,280

INDESTRUCTIBLE SAFETY MAIL Box SUPPORT Filed April 8; 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 11, 1936. E v 2,050,280

INDESTRUCTIBLE SAFETY MAIL BOX SUPPORT Filed April 8, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 v Inventm i g. $26M I V gfi aariwmm 5 Attomeyd;

Patented Aug. 11, 1936 UNITED ST -"res INDESTRUCTIBLE SAFETY MAIL SUPPORT v Box George J, Dean, Pueblo, 0010.

Application April 8, 1936, Serial-No. 73,360

2 Claims. (01. 248-145) This invention relates to rural mail box structures and supporting means therefor, and has ref erence in particular to a self-adapting, dangerproof post and arm assembly of a substantially indestructible safety type.

Those familiar with supports utilized in this special line of endeavor are aware that, for the convenience of mail delivery, the posts are often placed close to the marginal edges of narrow roads and lanes. Quite frequently the right angularly projecting mail box supporting arm, which is carried by the post, projects into the pathway of passing motor vehicles. Since the arm is generally rigidly attached to the post and the box rigidly supported on the arm, the structure becomes a hazardous obstruction endangering passers-by and rendering itself liable to ready demolishment.

Taking into account the foregoing and other objections found in present-day post constructions, I have evolved and produced an arrangement which is substantially indestructible and properly safeguarding in character in that the mail box supporting arm is swingably attached to the post and associated with spring return and centering means and other devices whereby if struck by a passing vehicle, will simply be shoved out of the way and to thereafter automatically return to normal centering position, while at the same time avoiding accidents as well as impairment to itself.

My primary aim is to generally improve upon structural assemblies of this specific classification by providing a systematic simplified arrangement of structural features assuring success and eificiency in operation and otherwise rendering the invention aptly fitted for the particular purposes intended.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following description and drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a support constructed in accordance with the specific ideas and principles of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an end view thereof, that is, a view observing Figure 1 in a direction from left to right;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, detailing the pivotal ball jointing and spring retention means;

Figure 4 is a horizontal fragmentary section showing the method of anchoring one end of the automatic coiled return spring;

Figures 5, 6, and 7 are detail views.

Referring in particular to Figure 3, in conjunction with the otherv figures, it will be observed that the numeral 8 designates the stationary vertical tubular post. This is preferably anchored in a concrete or similar base or foundation as indicated at9 in Figure 1. It is provided at its 5 top with a closing lug or cap ID to permit access to be had to the interior. Adjacent the top and in one side the post is formed with an aperture or hole I I with which the adapter brackets l2 and I3 cooperate. The lower bracket I 2 is fixedly welded 10 or otherwise secured as at [4 to the post below the opening II and includes a substantially semispherical seat. The upper clamping and capforming bracket is of corresponding type, butis riveted or otherwise fastened to the post in proper relationship as indicated at l5. These brackets serve to accommodate the ball jointing and pivoting head I6 formed as an integral part of the coupling ll. This coupling unit is of tubular formation and the extension IT projects telescopical- 2O 1y into the inner end of the horizontal tubular arm 18 in a manner to accommodate the automatic coiled return spring Ill. The outer eye 20 on the spring is attached to a cross-pin 2! in the tubular arm and the inner eye is detachably connected with the hook 22 on the adjustable anchoring bolt carried by thepost. The bolt is adjusted by a nut 23 whereby topermit the tension of the spring to be satisfactorily and easily regulated from the outside of the post.

The mail box, which is conventional, is denoted by the numeral 24 and is attached to a supporting plate 25 appropriately fastened to the outer swingable end of the arm. On the outer end of the arm I provide safety reflectors 26 to facilitate safe night driving.

The diagonal brace 21 has its outer laterally directed end 28 fastened by a set screw 29 in an appropriate retention fixture 30 on the under intermediate portion of the arm. The opposite lower laterally directed end 3| is pivoted by a pin 32 between accommodation lugs 33 on the anchoring plate or bracket 34 attached to the post below the arm pivoting or hinging means.

The gist of the invention, as is evident, resides in the provision of a stationary post and a mail box carrying arm where the arm is hingedly connected at its inner end to the post, properly braced for stability, and provided with spring return means to bring about the desired substantially automatic results. More specifically stated, novelty resides in the telescopic jointing of the arm I8 to the coupling means I! and the ball and socket connection between this part I! and the stationary post, wherein spring means extends through the coupling means, being attached to the arm at one end and adjustably anchored in the post at the opposite end. These parts have been carefully selected and mechanically coordinated to provide the requisite safeguarding results.

It is thought that the description taken in connection with the drawings will enable a clear understanding of the invention to be had. Therefore, a more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that minor changes coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired.

I claim:

1. In a structure of the class described, a fixed upstanding post of hollow form provided at its top with a closing plug and adjacent said plug with a spring accommodation hole, a hooked adjusting and anchoring bolt attached to the post and projecting into the post in alignment with said hole, a tubular hinge forming fixture hingedly connected with the post, a tubular arm connected with said fixture, and a coiled spring anchored at one end in the arm and passing through said tubular fixture into the post, through the spring hole and attached to said hooked bolt.

2. An indestructible safety mail box support of the class described comprising a substantially fixed upstanding tubular post provided at its top with a closing plug and in one side below said plug with a spring accommodation opening, an adjustable spring anchoring hooked bolt arranged in the post in alignment with said opening and provided with externally arranged and easily available adjusting means to regulate the position of the hook within the post, exteriorly arranged upper and lower attaching brackets including semi-spherical companion socket members in registry with the spring accommodation opening, a tubular coupling member having a ball jointing head at its inner end operatively and swingably connected with the socket members, the bore of said coupling member being in registration with said spring accommodation opening, a tubular arm adapted to support a mail box, said arm having said coupling member fitting telescopically therein, a coiled spring anchored at its inner end on said hook and extending outwardly through the bore in said coupling member and attached at its outer end to the adjacent end portion of said tubular arm, and a brace carried by said arm depending therefrom and pivotally attached to the post.

GEORGE J. DEAN.

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