Mail delivery signal device

Claim 2

A signal device for use in combination with an elongated mail box having an open forward end and a door hingedly mounted at its lower portion to normally cover the open end, comprising: a bracket provided with means for mounting it beneath and in the vicinity of the forward end of the box and having pivotal mounting means directed along a lateral axis with respect to the longitudinal axis of the box; a generally planar signal flag pivotally connected to the pivotal mounting means of the bracket for swinging between a first, retracted, position with its plane generally horizontal and spaced below the bottom of the box, and a second, extended, signaling position with its plane generally vertical; the pivotal connection of the flag to the bracket being spaced aft of the center of gravity of the flag rearwardly with respect to the open forward end of the box to cause the flag to swing downward and rearward to its signaling position solely by the action of gravity; and a latch lever pivotally mounted to the bracket on an axis extending laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the box to extend in a generally upright attitude with its lower end in a position to releasably engage the flag and retain it in retracted position and its upper end separate from said door in a position in the path of opening movement of the box door to be angularly engaged and cammed by same to release the flag to swing down to its signaling position.

Claim 3

A signal device as claimed in claim 1; wherein the pivotal mounting of the latch lever to the bracket is located below the level of the bottom of the mail box.

Claim 4

A signal device as claimed in claim 1; wherein the pivotal mounting of the latch lever to the bracket is located below and forward of the mail box door hinge.

Claim 5

A signal device as claimed in claim 1; wherein a weight is secured to the latch lever below its pivOtal mounting to continuously urge the lever toward upright attitude.

Claim 6

A signal device as claimed in claim 1; wherein the lower end of the latch lever is provided with an upwardly concave hook formation; and keeper means is provided on the flag to engage the hook formation.

Claim 7

A signal device as claimed in claim 5; wherein the flag is formed with an elongate slot therethrough; and the hook formation extends through the slot to engage the flag at its under side.

Claim 8

A signal device as claimed in claim 6; wherein the flag is provided at the forward end of the slot with a downwardly directed laterally extending lip for secure engagement with the concave portion of the hook formation.

Claim 9

A signal device as claimed in claim 1; wherein the bracket is provided with laterally spaced securing apertures; and the bracket mounting means comprises a downwardly open bail configured to overlie the mail box with its free ends passing through the securing apertures, and fasteners connected to the free ends at the under side of the bracket.

Claim 10

A signal device as claimed in claim 1; wherein the bracket comprises a laterally extending bar having securing apertures in the vicinity of its ends, and laterally spaced downwardly extending legs; and the pivotal mounting means are on the legs for swingably mounting the flag.

Claim 11

A signal device as claimed in claim 9; wherein the legs are located at the outer ends of the bar and extend rearward and downward; and the flag is connectd adjacent to its aft margin to the pivotal mounting means.

Claim 12

A signal device as claimed in claim 10; wherein the legs extend a substantial distance below the pivotal mounting means to serve as stops for the flag in its signaling position.

Claim 13

A signal device as claimed in claim 11; wherein retaining means are provided adjacent to the lower ends of the legs to restrain the flag against swinging.

Claim 14

A signal device as claimed in claim 12; wherein the retaining means are magnetic members; and at least those portions of the flag which contact the retaining means are ferrous metal.

Claim 15

In combination with an elongated container having an open forward end and a door hingedly mounted thereon which opens by gravity when unlocked, a signal device comprising: a bracket provided with means for mounting it beneath and in the vicinity of the forward end of the container and having pivotal mounting means directed along a lateral axis with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container; a generally planar signal flag pivotally connected to the pivotal mounting means of the bracket for swinging between a first, retracted, position with its plane generally horizontal and spaced below the bottom of the container, and a second, extended, signaling position with its plane generally vertical; the pivotal connection of the flag to the bracket being spaced aft of the center of gravity of the flag rearwardly with respect to the open forward end of the container to cause the flag to swing downward and rearward to its signaling position solely by the action of gravity; and a latch lever pivotally mounted to the bracket on an axis extending laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container to extend in a generally upright attitude with its lower end in a position to releasably engage the flag and retain it in retracted position and its upper end separate from said door in a position in the path of opening movement of the container door to be angularly engaged and cammed by same to release the flag to swing down to its signaling position.

Claim 16

In combination with an elongated container having an open forward end and a door hingedly mounted thereon which opens by gravity when unlocked, a signal device comprising: a bracket provided with means for mounting it beneath and in the vicinity of the forward end of the container and having pivotal mounting means directed along a lateral axis with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container; a generally planar signal flag pivotally connected to the pivotal mounting means of the bracket for swinging between a first, retracted, position with its plane generally horizontal and spaced below the bottom of the container, and a second, extended, signaling position with its plane generally vertical; the pivotal connection of the flag to the bracket being spaced aft of the center of gravity of the flag rearwardly with respect to the open forward end of the container to cause the flag to swing downward and rearward to its signaling position solely by the action of gravity; and a latch lever pivotally mounted to the bracket on an axis extending laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container to extend in a generally upright attitude with its lower end in a position to releasably engage the flag and retain it in retracted position and its upper end separate from said door in a position in the path of opening movement of the container door to be angularly engaged and cammed by same to release the flag to swing down to its signaling position.