Flag system for use with a mailbox

Abstract

A flag system for use with a mailbox utilizes an elongated body having two opposite ends and which defines a recess which opens out of one end thereof. In addition, a flag member is slidably received by the recess of the body for movement between a retracted position at which the flag member is substantially withdrawn into the recess and an extended position. A channel which is defined in the recess cooperates with the flag member to guide the flag member between the retracted and extended positions.

1 . A flag system for use with a mailbox comprising: 
 an elongated body having two opposite ends and defining a recess which opens out of one end thereof; and    a flag member which is slidably received in the recess of the body for movement between a retracted position at which the flag member is substantially withdrawn into the recess and an extended position.    
     
     
         2 . The system as defined in  claim 1  wherein the elongated body defines a channel which extends along the length of the recess, and the flag member cooperates with the recess so that as the flag member is moved between the retracted and the extended position, the flag member is guided along the channel.  
     
     
         3 . The system as defined in  claim 2  wherein the body includes an abutment surface at one end of the channel, and the flag member includes a stop member which cooperates with the abutment surface so that when the flag member is moved from its retracted position to its extended position, the stop member moves into abutting relationship with the abutment surface so that the movement of the flag member from the retracted position is halted at the extended position.  
     
     
         4 . The system as defined in  claim 1  wherein the body is adapted to be attached to a vertical surface of a mailbox or other stationary object.  
     
     
         5 . The system as defined in  claim 4  wherein the body includes a plurality of openings for receiving the shanks of screws or other fasteners for attaching the body of the system to the vertical surface.  
     
     
         6 . The system as defined in  claim 5  wherein the body has a side surface which is substantially parallel to the path of movement of the flag member between the retracted and extended position.  
     
     
         7 . The system as defined in  claim 6  wherein the side surface is relatively broad in area and provides a surface upon which address-related indicia can be attached.  
     
     
         8 . The system as defined in  claim 7  wherein the height of the side surface is between about three inches and six inches and length of the side surface is between about four inches and six inches.  
     
     
         9 . The system as defined in  claim 1  incorporated within the side of a mailbox.  
     
     
         10 . A flag system for use with a mailbox comprising: 
 an elongated body having two opposite ends and defining a recess which opens out of one end thereof; and    a flag member which is slidably received in the recess of the body for movement between one position at which the flag member is withdrawn into the recess and is thereby substantially hidden from view and another position at which the flag member is extended from the recess and is substantially viewable from one side of the body.    
     
     
         11 . The system as defined in  claim 10  wherein the elongated body defines a channel which extends along the length of the recess, and the flag member cooperates with the recess so that as the flag member is moved between the retracted and the extended position, the flag member is guided along the channel.  
     
     
         12 . The system as defined in  claim 11  wherein the body includes an abutment surface at one end of the channel, and the flag member includes a stop member which cooperates with the abutment surface so that when the flag member is moved from its retracted position to its extended position, the stop member moves into abutting relationship with the abutment surface so that the movement of the flag member from the retracted position is halted at the extended position.  
     
     
         13 . The system as defined in  claim 10  wherein the body is adapted to be attached to a vertical surface of a mailbox or other stationary object.  
     
     
         14 . The system as defined in  claim 13  wherein the body includes a plurality of openings for receiving the shanks of screws or other fasteners for attaching the body of the system to the vertical surface.  
     
     
         15 . The system as defined in  claim 10  wherein the body has a side surface which is substantially parallel to the path of movement of the flag member between the retracted and extended position.  
     
     
         16 . The system as defined in  claim 15  wherein the side surface is relatively broad in area and provides a surface upon which address-related indicia can be attached.  
     
     
         17 . The system as defined in  claim 16  wherein the height of the side surface is between about three inches and six inches and length of the side surface is between about four inches and six inches.  
     
     
         18 . The system as defined in  claim 10  incorporated within the side of a mailbox.