1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to rural-type mailbox assemblies and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, it relates to an improved construction for a mailbox that enables increased resistance to destruction.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art includes numerous types of rural delivery mailboxes, some of which have been known and employed since earliest times of mail delivery. A recent U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,161 provides teaching of a breakaway support structure that utilizes a replaceable shear connector. Thus, when the mailbox is damaged by being hit by a vehicle or intentionally mauled, a frangible upright support linkage is adapted to retain the broken mailbox installation for reassembly and upright positioning. Another U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,088 teaches a mailbox that is supported on a spring linked support pole so that any horizontal force striking the mailbox will result in a relatively non-damaging blow as the mailbox is free to give way and reverberate on its spring support, and to return to its supported upright position.
Finally, a U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,111 teaches another type of frangible mailbox support post having a sector that is intentionally devised for breakage with components chain-tethered for subsequent reassembly. The post stanchion employs a sleeve part that includes spiral scores or grooves which allow breakage of the upright post with minimal damage to the mailbox components.