Flexible mailbox post assembly

Abstract

A mailbox post assembly includes a lower post having an upper surface, and an upper post having a lower surface. A flexible member is securably interposed between the upper surface of the lower post and lower surface of the upper post. The flexible member is configured to allow the upper post to flex relative to the lower post. Preferably, the flexible member is part of a flex assembly further including a lower post mounting bracket, an upper post mounting bracket, and a shear washer. The flex assembly is preferably covered with a snow and ice shield.

1 . A mailbox post assembly comprising:
 a lower post having an upper surface;   an upper post having a lower surface; and   a flexible member securably interposed between the upper surface of the lower post and lower surface of the upper post, the flexible member being configured to allow the upper post to flex relative to the lower post.   
     
     
         2 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a base, and wherein the lower post is configured to be mounted to the base. 
     
     
         3 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the base is made generally of concrete. 
     
     
         4 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the lower post and the upper post each are made generally of wood. 
     
     
         5 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the lower post and the upper post each include four sides. 
     
     
         6 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the flexible member is made of an elastic material. 
     
     
         7 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the flexible member is made of a rubberlike material. 
     
     
         8 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the flexible member is made of a resilient material. 
     
     
         9 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the flexible member is securably interposed by means of a fastener, the fastener extending through the upper surface of the lower post, through the flexible member, and through the lower surface of the upper post. 
     
     
         10 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 9 , wherein the fastener is a shear lag bolt. 
     
     
         11 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the flexible member is part of a flex assembly, the flex assembly further including:
 a lower post mounting bracket seated on the upper surface of the lower post;   the flexible member being accommodated on the lower post mounting bracket;   an upper post mounting bracket disposed on the flexible member such that the flexible member is interposed between the lower post mounting bracket and the upper post mounting bracket, the upper post mounting bracket having at least two upwardly extending sidewalls defining holes for securing the sidewalls to the upper post; and   a shear washer mounted on the upper post mounting bracket.   
     
     
         12 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 11 , wherein the flex member is secured ably interposed by means of a fastener, the fastener extending through the upper surface of the lower post, through the lower post mounting bracket, through the flexible member, through the upper post mounting bracket, through the shear washer, and through the lower surface of the upper post. 
     
     
         13 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 12 , wherein the fastener is a shear lag bolt. 
     
     
         14 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the flexible member is about ¾ inch thick, about 3½ inches wide and about 3½ inches long. 
     
     
         15 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 11 , wherein the lower post mounting bracket includes a floor portion and two sidewalls disposed on opposite sides of the floor plate relative to each other, the two sidewalls extending upwardly from the floor portion. 
     
     
         16 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 15 , wherein the lower post mounting bracket is about 3/32 inch thick, the floor portion is about 3½ inches by about 3½ inches, and the two sidewalls extend upwardly about ¼ inch from the floor portion. 
     
     
         17 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 11 , wherein the upper post mounting bracket includes a floor portion and two sidewalls disposed on opposite sides of the floor plate relative to each other, the two sidewalls extending upwardly from the floor portion. 
     
     
         18 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 17 , wherein the upper post mounting bracket is about 3/32 inch thick, the floor portion is about 3½ inches by about 3½ inches, and the two sidewalls extend upwardly about 4¼ inches from the floor portion. 
     
     
         19 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 11 , wherein the shear washer is generally rectangular. 
     
     
         20 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 19 , wherein the shear washer is about 0.187 inch thick, and has side lengths of about 3¼ inches by about 3½ inches. 
     
     
         21 . A mailbox post assembly as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a shield defining a channel for receiving one or more of the upper post and the lower post, the shield being configured for covering the flexible member.