US1690967A - Automatic door for mail boxes - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 6, 1928. 1,690,967

w. L. COBB AUTOMATIC DOOR FOR MAIL BOXES Filed May 13, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR YAT'TOR N'em Nov. 6, 1 928.

- W. L. COBB AUTOMATIC DOOR FOR MAIL BOXES 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 13, 192'? INVENTOR ATTO R N EY Patented Nov. 6, 1928.

UNITEDSTATES WINFRED L. COBB, OF JEFFERSON, ()RZEIGOIQ'.

AUTOMATIC noon non MAIL Boxes.

Application filed May 13, 1927. Serial No 191,159.

This invention relates to receptacles especially designed for holdingmail, an object being to provide a novel form of receptacle closure which will be normally closed, and may be readilyopened for the insertion or removal of mail matter.

Another objectof the invention is the provision of means to facilitate the insertion of mail matter in the box whenthe latter is in j which projects beyond the edge of the recepopen position so as to conserve'the carriers time, the means employed also providing a finger piece or grip for use in opening the receptacle.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention further includes the following novel features and details of construction, to

be hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and pointed out in the appended claims. In the drawings Figure 1 is a fragmentary elevation of the.

invention showing the receptacle closed; Figure 2 is a plan view of the same. Figure 3 is an end view. Figure 4 is an end view with the receptacle open. 7

Figure 5 is a sectional view through the rein like characters of reference denote corresponding parts, the reference character 10 indicates a receptacle which is shown as of cir-' cular cross section, although receptacles of other types may be employed. This receptacle is open at one end for the insertion and removal of mail matter and may be supported by any suitable means. the receptacle being provided with a bracket 11 for attachmct to a suitable standard or support.

The receptacle closure is in the form of a plate or door 12 which has secured to one side of its center a strap 13. This strap extends above the upper edge of the door 12 and is bent upon itself as shown at 14 forengagement overthe upper end of a post 15 The post 15 extends upwardly from the receptacle 10 and the strap 13 is secured thereto by means of a pivot pin 16. The door is thus hingedly secured to the receptacle for lateral swinging movement and is moved to closed position by its own weight. One edge of the door is provided with a flange 1-7 whichis shaped to fit the edge of the receptacle and 6 provides a stop to-limit movement of the door in the direction of closing. The door is provided with an extension 18 tacle when the door is closed and this project- 1 ingportion isprovided with a curved marginal flange 19' which extends at right anglesto the face of the door. tively wide and its curvature conforms to the curvature of the cross section of the receptacle 10. The flange 19 thus provides a finger The flange is relapiece or grip for use in swinging the door to an open position and when in an open position, this flange provides a guide to facilitate the insertion of newspapers and other mail matter into the receptacle. Opening movement of the door is limited by the engagement of the portion 14 of the strap 13 with a shoulder 2() provided'on the post 15. 1

The invention is susceptible of various changes in its form, proportions and minor details of construction and the right is herein reserved to make such changes as properly fall within the scope of the appended claims. 7

Having described the invention what is claimed is .1. In combination with areceptacle having an opening, at one end a disk-like closure for said receptacle, a flange at one marginal edge of the'closure, means to hingedly support the disk-like closure for swinging movement across the opening to open and close the receptacle and to permit the flange to be brought into position to provide a guide at the receptacle opening and a stop to locate the flange in guiding position when the receptacle is open.

2. In combination with a receptacle havforsaid opening, a. flange at one marginal. edge of the closure, means to hingedly support the disk-like closure for lateral swinging movement across the opening to open and close the receptacle andto permit the flange to be brought into position to provide a guide at the receptacle opening andastop to locate mg an opening at one end, a disk-like closure the flange in guiding position when the recep tacle is open.

3. In combination ing an opening at one end, a disk-like closure with a receptacle hav for said opening, a flange extending outward- 1y at right angles from one marginal edge of the closure, means to hingedly support the disk-like closure for swingingmovement across the opening to open and close the receptacle and to permit the flange to he brought into position to provide a guide at the receptacle opening and a stop to locate the flange in guiding position when the receptacle isopen.

4. In combination with a'receptacle' having an opening, a closure for said opening, a post extending fromthe receptacle, a strap extending "from one side of the center of the closure and pivotally secured to the post to provide a gravity operated hinge for said closure, a combined operating and guide flange-for the closure, means to limit closing movement of said closure and means to limit movement of the closure in an opposite direction. 1

5Q In combination with a receptacle having an opening, a closure for said opening, a post extending from the receptacle, a strap extending from one side of the center of the closure and pivotally secured to the post to provide a gravity operated hinge for said closure, a combined operating and guide flange for the closure, means to limit closing movement of saidclosureand means included in the closurehinge to limit pivotal'movement of said closure in an opposite direction.

Intestimonywhereof I afiixmv signature.

WINFRED noose.

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