US4776512A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mail chute pouch
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1987-07-02
•
Granted: 1988-10-11
•
Expires: 2007-07-02
Abstract
Abstract A mail receptacle is disclosed in the form of a pouch which attaches to the periphery of a mail slot on the interior of a door or wall of a residence or building to receive mail therein which is inserted through the slot. Part or all of the pouch material is transparent to provide a visual indication of mail delivery. A zipper opening is provided in the pouch to retrieve delivered mail from the pouch. A flap is provided as extra protection against air drafts.
Inventors
- 👤 Lee P. Moore, Sr.
- 👤 Mary A. Moore
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 07:05
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47G; A47G29/00; A47G29/12; A47G29/122; A47G29/1223
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
204 words
A mail-receiving pouch for use with a mail slot in a panel or wall of a residence or building through which mail is inserted from one side of the panel or wall for delivery to the other side thereof, comprising the combination of: a pouch member formed of a flexible material, the pouch member having integral lip means defining a first opening for receiving an article into the pouch member, the pouch member having a second opening and releasable attachment means for either closing the second opening, or for opening the second opening for removal of an article from the pouch; an elongated rectangular frame member having an elongated rectangular opening therethrough, the frame member being disposed adjacent the lip means on the pouch member such that the lip means are sandwiched between the frame member and the panel about the mail slot; and fastener means for attaching the frame member and the lip means to the panel about the mail slot such that the first pouch opening is aligned with the mail slot for receiving an article into the pouch member; whereby the article may be removed through the second opening in the pouch member without separating the pouch member from the panel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
204 words
A mail-receiving pouch for use with a mail slot in a panel or wall of a residence or building through which mail is inserted from one side of the panel or wall for delivery to the other side thereof, comprising the combination of: a pouch member formed of a flexible material, the pouch member having integral lip means defining a first opening for receiving an article into the pouch member, the pouch member having a second opening and releasable attachment means for either closing the second opening, or for opening the second opening for removal of an article from the pouch; an elongated rectangular frame member having an elongated rectangular opening therethrough, the frame member being disposed adjacent the lip means on the pouch member such that the lip means are sandwiched between the frame member and the panel about the mail slot; and fastener means for attaching the frame member and the lip means to the panel about the mail slot such that the first pouch opening is aligned with the mail slot for receiving an article into the pouch member; whereby the article may be removed through the second opening in the pouch member without separating the pouch member from the panel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said pouch material is a synthetic resin material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein said synthetic resin is polyethylene.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as recited in claim 3 wherein at least a part of said pouch is sufficiently transparent to indicate that articles have been deposited therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
The invention as recited in claim 4 wherein said pouch includes a longitudinal slit in a side thereof through which the contents of said pouch may be removed, and releasable securing means associated with said slit to close said slit and retain the contents of said pouch therein.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention as recited in claim 5 wherein said releasable securing means comprises a zipper closure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention as recited in claim 6 wherein a rectangular flap member is attached to said frame member to depend therefrom and cover the opening end of said zipper.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-10-11 | 1992-04-11 | 1992-10-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-10-11 | 1996-04-11 | 1996-10-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-10-11 | 2000-04-11 | 2000-10-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |