Patent GB-189812931-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to Means for Closing and Securing Bags.
Inventor: BEASLEY WILLIAM FESSENDEN
Filed: 1898-06-09
Granted: 1899-06-09
Abstract: 12,931. Beasley, W. F. June 9. Fastenings.-Relates to means for closing and securing the mouths of mail bags &c. The bag mouth is provided with gussets C, D, Fig. 2, which are folded inwards as shown and again on the line F. The gussets are provided with stiffening-pieces or extensions G, which may meet in the middle line or overlap, and one side of the bag is provided with a post or hasp I, which passes through gaps or apertures in the extensions G and in the other side of the bag and is secured by special seal locking-mechanism. The plates G, and also other strengthening-plates on the front and back of the bag, are provided with studs and recesses, which engage with one another when the mouth is folded, whereby the gussets or parts C, D are prevented from slipping. On the back of the hag may be secured a flap, which is folded over the front and secured by the locking-mechanism. The post I is secured by a spring bolt M, which will yield either for locking or unlocking. The bolt M may be secured by the bolt T of an additional key lock, but it is blocked by the closing of the seal case O. The latter may be hinged at O<4>. It is provided with a shoulder for engaging with the extremities of studs m<1> on the bolt M, which project through the upper part of the case n, and it may have an inwardly-projecting stud which engages with an aperture S' in the bolt M. The seal case O is secured to the lock case n by a pair of spring bolts P, which may be hooked and engage with a hooked part O<3> of the case, to prevent accidental displacement of the bolts by shaking &c. Both the bolts P and the seal case are secured by spring levers R. The levers R carry projections engaging with apertures p<2> in the external edges of the bolts P, and are engaged by projections or catches O<5>, O<7> on the inner face of the seal case. The cover-plate n<1> of the lock has a slot or aperture n<3> to accommodate a suitable instrument or key, the said aperture being provided, if desired, with a flap Q, which is covered by the seal, the latter being fixed on pins O<2> on the inner side of an aperture in the seal case. When the key is inserted, it takes into the gap or aperture p between the two bolts P, and when moved depresses the bolts P and moves the spring levers R, thereby liberating the seal case. The latter may also be secured by means of a hasp t<2> and a padlock. The seal U, Fig. 10, may consist of a simple label, but it is preferably cut from a sheet on which printed matter, scroll-work, or other marks are stamped or impressed. Old maps and printed sheets discoloured by age are very suitable for this purpose. The remainder of the sheet from which the seal is cut forms a counterfoil, the marks on which correspond with the marks on the seal. The counterfoil may be cut into two parts V, V<1>, one of which may be retained by the sender and the other transmitted to the consignee, so that both will have means for identifying the seal. The side opposite to that on which are the identifying-marks may contain the address &c., or a separate label may be pasted on to the seal, and the label may be protected by a plate of mica.