Chute lockout device and methods
AssigneeUnited States Postal Service
InventorsWilliam Albert Tartal, Joram Shenhar, Joel Locknauth Dewnandan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A lockout device for an opening of a collection box, such as a postal collection box. The lockout device can include a cover sized to block the opening to prevent access to the contents of the collection box through the opening. In one example, the cover can be assembled over the opening and a locking pin can be inserted through apertures in the lateral sides of the opening walls and lateral sides of the cover. The locking pin can be lock in place using a lock and lock guard. In another example, the cover includes an internal extension assembly with clamping mechanisms that can engage with the lateral sides of the opening.
Claims20
A lockout device for an item receptacle, comprising:
- a cover sized and shaped to be installed on an opening of the item receptacle, the cover comprising:
- a first side member having a first aperture formed therethrough;
- a second side member opposite the first side member, the second side member having a second aperture formed therethrough;
- and
- a front face extending from the first side member to the second side member, the front face oriented to block the opening when the cover is installed;
- and
- a locking pin comprising:
- a first end having an orifice configured to receive a shank of a lock;
- and
- a second end;
- wherein the locking pin is insertable into the first and second apertures to secure the cover in place over the opening of the item receptacle.
A lockout device for an item receptacle, the device comprising:
- a cover including a front face configured to block an opening of the item receptacle;
- and
- an extension assembly including:
- a first extension member coupled with a first link;
- a second extension member coupled with a second link;
- a shaft coupled with the cover;
- and
- a nut coupled with the first and second links and coupled on the shaft such that movement of the nut along an axis of the shaft extends and retracts the first and second extension members in opposite directions;
- wherein the first and second extension members are configured to be inserted within the opening of the item receptacle such that the first and second extension members engage opposite inner side plates of the opening to secure the front face in place, thereby blocking the opening.
A lockout device for an item receptacle, the device comprising:
- a cover including a rectangular parallelepiped having an open rear side, the cover configured to block an opening of the item receptacle;
- and
- a locking mechanism configured to be at least partially inserted within the opening to secure the cover in place.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.