US3747752A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for mail distribution
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-10-22
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Granted: 1973-07-24
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Expires: 1991-10-22
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for the improved distribution of mail consisting of sorting the mail at central sorting stations into containers for different addresses, placing the containers onto carts, deliverying the carts to the addressees'' location and inserting the containers into each addressee''s mailbox. Mailbox systems for receiving the containers are located either on the first floor of the addressee''s building, or on each of the floors. The containers can be detachably stacked to form modules consisting of groups of containers for holding mail.
Inventors
- 👤 A Reader
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 01:01
CPC Classifications
B; B07; B07C; B07C7/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S209/00; Y10S209/90; Y10S209/933; Y10S209/935; Y10S209/942
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for the distribution of mail in containers to specified addressees, comprising the steps of: sorting the mail at a central sorting station and simultaneously inserting the mail into individual portable containers each designated for delivery to a specific destination and addressee, placing the containers on moveable carts, delivering the carts to a plurality of delivery stations in the designated addressees'' buildings, and removing the containers from said carts and inserting them in the addressees'' mail boxes.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for the distribution of mail in containers to specified addressees, comprising the steps of: sorting the mail at a central sorting station and simultaneously inserting the mail into individual portable containers each designated for delivery to a specific destination and addressee, placing the containers on moveable carts, delivering the carts to a plurality of delivery stations in the designated addressees'' buildings, and removing the containers from said carts and inserting them in the addressees'' mail boxes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of placing additionally comprises the step of closing the carts after the containers are inserted.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method as recited in claim 2 wherein said step of inserting the containers in the addressees'' mailboxes additionally comprises the step of removing empty containers from the mailboxes and placing them on said carts.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as recited in claim 3, additionally comprising the step of locking the container into the addressees'' mailboxes after the containers have been inserted.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claim 1, additionally comprising the step of detachably combining said containers to form modules for placement on said carts.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method as recited in claim 1, additionally comprising the step of vertically transporting the carts to predetermined locations on each addressees'' floor after the carts are delivered to the addressees'' floor after the carts are delivered to the addressees'' building.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claim 1, additionally comprising the step of labeling each of said carts with the building location of the addressees.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method as recited in claim 1, additionally comprising the step of collecting the outgoing mail from the addressees'' mailboxes in pouches on said carts after said carts are delivered to the addressees'' building.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method as recited in claim 5, wheRein said step of inserting the containers into the addressees'' mailboxes comprises the step of inserting modules formed from a plurality of containers into plural boxes of the addressees.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as recited in claim 2, wherein said step of closing the carts additionally comprises the step of locking the containers in said carts.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-23 | 1977-01-22 | 1977-07-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-23 | 1981-01-22 | 1981-07-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-23 | 1985-01-22 | 1985-07-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |