Improvements in Machines and Tools for the Purpose of Securing or Knocking Up the Ends or Joining the Parts Together of Sheet Metal Travelling Trunks, Coal Vases, and other Receptacles.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 14th Apr., 1894
Complete Specification Lelt, 14th Feb., 1895-Accepted, 13th Apr., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machines and Tools for the Purpose of Securing
or Knocking Up the Ends or Joining the Parts Together
of Sheet Metal Travelling Trunks, Coal Vases, and other
Receptacles.
DANIEL SMITH Castle Iron Works Raglan Street Wolverhampton Staffordshire
Mechanical Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
The object of this invention is the construction of a suitable machine or press
and tools hereinafter described to be used for the purpose of securing in a inore
expeditious manner than hitherto the ends of sheet metal travelling trunks and
such articles as mentioned in the title into or on to their respective body part;
the ends being previously cut to shape and edged and the bodies also being
previously cut, moulded and bent to shape and its end edges folded or straight
edged. The machine and tools hereinafter described being used for the purpose
of closing down the combined edges say of the trunk body part and trunk end
in the manufacture of sheet metal travelling trunks and such articles as mentioned
in the title or performing the operation known in the trade as "knocking up,"
the latter at present being a tedious hand labour opération. The machine and
tools herein described doing the same operation more expeditiously and securely.
I will now describe the machine and tools as applied to the knocking up of a
sheet metal travelling trunk. The machine consists chiefly of a press having one
or more horns or arins projecting from its body preferably towards the operator.
On such horn or horns is a suitable bed of iron or other more suitable material,
such bed being the same shape as the trunk end and its length and width
corresponding with the length and width of the trunk end when edged. On this
bed is laid the trunk end with its edged side upward. The body part is now
taken and put so as to embrace the trunk end, the edges around the end also
engage into the folded edges of the body. I use a frame, its inner shape corre-
sponding with the outer edge of the trunk end, the lower side of such frame
being capable of fitting on to the now combined trunk end and body but being
prevented from passing on to the body by surfaces inclining upwards and inwards.
Over this there is a suitable slide sufficiently large in its base to cover the
largest trunk end. This slide is caused by suitable mechanism to descend on
to this frame and force it down on to the combined trunk end and body, as
it does so the inclined faces within the frame close or partly bend over the
As the
combined edges in an inward direction to an angle say of about 45°.
press slide rises (or immediately after) the frame is removed and the slide is
caused to descend a second time and compresses the combined or partly locked
edges close down parallel with and upon the trunk end thereby completing the
lock or knock up. The trunk end and combined body is now removed from the
block and the other end yet to be secured is placed thereon and the budy
attached as previously described and then the operation is repeated. This fixes
on the two ends. As the frame previously referred to has a thickness it will
be necessary to make provision either in the crank, cam eccentric or other means
used to operate the slide so as to increase the stroke or further descent of the

page_text: slide in its second stroke in order to secure the desired compression of the partly
interlocked edges; or an eccentric or equivalent means could be used to expand
the depth of the slide equal to the thickness or space taken up by the previously
mentioned frame; or the projecting arms carrying the bed could be raised. In
this latter case I may prefer to divide the frame say longitudinally and preferably
its back extremities hinging on suitable centres, the opening of the frame to
remove it off or away from the trunk end could by suitable connections be made
to raise the bed or lower the downward travel of the slide by an amount equal to
the thickness or space taken up by the frame as may be desired. For any moulds
or projections on the trunk body or end I should cut suitable recesses within the
frame and top die or slide. If the bending over of the three combined edges i.e. the
double edge of the body and the single edge of the end should cause the sides to
expand or bulge and so form an unduly round cornered knock up I may use
another frame to embrace the trunk body near the end and compress it closely to
or around the block, bed or tools within the trunk upon which the operation of
compressing is performed or I may construct the first mentioned frame in such a
manner that it will closely fit on to the body near its end and so compress the
metal of the trunk body close to the sides of the interior block and thereby
prevent the expansion of the sides as the inclined faces within the same frame
partly bend over the combined edges of the trunk body and end as previously
described. The arms extending from the body of the press may make adjustable
as to width by right and left handed screws or other means, also (for reducing
the friction) such arms are capable of moving ou rollers so as to project more or
less from the press body, this for the purpose of easily drawing them out from
under the press slide for obtaining greater freedom and clearness of vision when
fitting the truck body on to the end to be secured thereon. I have previously
mentioned rollers for the arms to move on, to relieve the front rollers and avoid
their yielding to excessive pressure. I prefer to support the bearings of these on
india rubber or other suitable springs so that as the pressure required in closing
down the trunk end or doing the work would by virtue of the springs just mentioned
cause the rollers to descend and allow the arms to rest on a suitable projection
formed on the front of the press to support them. The die block, tool or tools that
support the trunk end I may prefer to make capable of contraction and expansion,
this for the purpose of allowing the trunk to be readily withdrawn off the block,
tool or tools after the end or ends are secured to the body. Such adjustment
being also available to compensate for any variation that may occur in size of the
trunk ends. By suitable but similar tools to those previously referred to, the lid
ends can be secured into their respective lids. The press and tools herein
described can also be applied to do like work to such or similar articles as those
mentioned in the title.
Dated April 13th 1801
DANIEL SMITH.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machines and Tools for the Purpose of Securing
or Knocking Up the Ends or Joining the Parts Together
of Sheet Metal Travelling Trunks, Coal Vases, and other
Receptacles.
DANIEL SMITH Castle Iron Works Raglan Street Wolverhampton Staffordshire
Mechanical Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
The object of this invention is the construction of a suitable machine or press

page_text: and tools, nereinafter to be described, to be used for the purpose of securing in a
more expeditions manner than hitherto, the ends of sheet metal travelling trunks
and such articles as mentioned in the title, into or on to their respective body part.
The ends being previously cut to shape and edged, and the bodies also being
previously cut, moulded and bent to shape, and its end edges folded or straight
edged. The machine and tools hereinafter described being used for the purpose of
closing down the combined edges, say of the trunk body part and trunk end in the
manufacture of sheet metal travelling trunks and such articles as mentioned in
the title or performing the operation known in the trade as "knocking up." The
latter at present being a tedious hand labour operation. The machine and tools
herein described doing the same operation more expeditiously and securely.
I will now describe the machine and tools as applied to the knocking up of a
sheet metal travelling trunk. The machine consists chiefly of a press, having one
or more horns or arms projecting from its body, preferably towards the operator.
On such horn or horns is a suitable bed of iron or other more suitable material, such
bed being the same shape as the trunk end, and its length and width corresponding
with the length and width of the trunk end when edged. On this bed is laid
the trunk end with its edged side upward. The body part approximately beni, is
now taken and put so as to embrace the trunk end, the edges around the end also
engage into the folded edges of the body. 1 use a frame, its inner shape
corresponding with the outer edge of the trunk end, the lower side of such frame
being capable of fitting to the now combined trunk end and body but being
prevented from passing on to the body by surfaces inclining upwards and inwards.
Over this there is a suitable slide, sufficiently large in its base to cover the largest
trunk end. This slide is caused by suitable mechanism to descend on to the frame
and force it down on to the combined trunk end and body parts, as it does so the
inclined faces within the frame close or partly bend over the combined edges in an
inward direction to an angle say, of about 45 degrees. As the press slide rises or
immediately after the frame is removed and the slide is caused to descend a second
time and compresses the combined or partly locked edges close down parallel with
and upon the trunk end thereby completing the lock or knock up. The trunk end
and combined body is now removed from the block and the other end yet to be
secured is placed thereon, and the body attached as previously described, and then
the operation is repeated. This fixes on or secures the two ends within the body
part As the frame previously referred to has a thickness, it will be necessary to
make provision either in the crank, cam, eccentric or other means used to operate
the slide, so as to increase the further descent of the slide in its second stroke, in
order to secure the desired compression of the partly interlocked edges;
eccentric or equivalent means could be used to expand the depth of the slide or top
compression tool, equal to the thickness or space taken up by the previously
mentioned frame; or the, projecting arms carrying the bed could be raised. In this
latter case I may prefer to divide the frame, say longitudinally, and preferably its
back extremities hinging on suitable centres; the opening of the frame to remove
it off or away from the trunk end, could, by suitable connections be used to raise
the bed or lower the downward travel of the slide, by an amount equal to the
thickness or space taken up by the frame as may be desired. For any moulds or
projections on the trunk body or end I should cut suitable recesses within the frame
and top die and slide. If the bending over of the three combined edges, i.e. the.
double edge of the body and the single edge of the end should cause the body sides
to expand or bulge and so form an unduly round cornered knock up I may use
another frame to embrace the trunk body near the end and compress it closely to or
around the block, bed or tools within the trunk upon which the operation of
compressing is performed, or I may construct the first mentioned frame in such a
manner that it will closely fit on to the body near its end, and so compress the
metal of the trunk body close to the sides of the interior block and thereby
prevent the expansion of the body sides, as the inclined faces within the same frame
partly bend over the combined edges of the trunk body & end as previously
an

page_text: described. The arms extending from the body of the press I prefer to make
adjustable as to width by right and left handed screws or other means, also (for
reducing the friction) such arms capable of moving on rollers, so as to project
more or less from the press body, this for the purpose of easily drawing them out
from under the press slide, for obtaining greater freedom and clearness of vision
when fitting the trunk body on to the end to be secured thereon. I have previously
mentioned rollers for the arms to move on. To relieve the front rollers and avoid
them yielding to excessive pressure, I prefer to support the bearings of these on
india rubber or other suitable springs, so that as the pressure required in closing
down the trunk end, or doing the work would, by virtue of the springs just
mentioned cause the rollers to descend and allow the arms to rest on a suitable
projection formed on the front of the press to support them. The die block, tool
or tools that support the trunk end I may prefer to make capable of contraction
and expansion, this for the purpose of allowing the trunk to be readily withdrawn
off the block, tool or tools after the end or ends are secured to the body. Such
adjustment being also available to compensate for any variation that may occur in
size of the trunk ends. By suitable but similar tools to those previously referred
to, the lid ends can be secured into their respective lids. The press and tools
herein described can also be applied to do like work to such or similar articles as
those mentioned in the title.
I will now proceed to describe the machine, tools and operations to be performed,
having reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1. Sheet 1. is a side elevation of the press & tools.
Fig. 2 is a front elevation of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 Sheet 2 is a sectional plan of Figs. 1 & 2 through the line a, a.
Fig. 4 is a sectional plan of Figs. 1 & 2 through the line b, b.
The other figures of the drawings will be referred to when necessary.
The
same letters of reference occurring on two or more views indicate corresponding
parts throughout the drawings.
In Fig. 1. A is the main casting or body part of the press in which is formed
the guides for the slide B. to slide in. Vertical motion being imparted to the slide B.
through the connecting rod R. from the shaft and eccentric shaft H. caused to
rotate by the fly-wheel w. when engaged thereto by the stop-motion catch k. which
is carried within the disc D. which is keyed on the shaft H. Within the boss of
the fly-wheel W. is an annular space, having three or more notches into which the
catch . engages when liberated off the support p. this being operated through the
lever l. and the rod r. connected to the treadle t. and worked by foot pressure at
the pedal a. (I shall have occasion to refer to this stop-motion again when describing
the operation of securing the end part within the body part.) The connecting
rod R. has a screwed sleeve preferably with a right and left handed thread and lock
nuts s. s. for adjusting the slide vertically to suit the variability that may exist in
the thickness of different tools and the amount of compression to be imparted to
the work being done. The slide B. has a large base about 24" x 18" so as to
receive tools sufficient to cover the largest trunk end, to this part is attached
the top compression tool d. The body part of the press is made hollow having
suitable recesses for receiving the rollers c¹ c³ & c³ indicated by broken circles,
their spindles & bearings being visible in Fig. 1. also the necessary spaces for
vertical adjustment. Under the roller c I insert a spring e. preferably india
rubber, (its object will be presently explained). On the rollers c¹ & care two
rectangular bars E preferably steel, these are connected together by the double
screw 8 (right & left handed) each end thereof screwing into the bars E. also
rotating within the glands f these being recessed into the sides of the bars E. On
the centres of the screws fis keyed the worm wheel w. this being rotated by the
tangent screw v. carried by the hanging bearing . The tangent screw v. is keyed
on to the central spindle z. this extends back to another screw the same as the
first one described, see Figs. 3 & 4. so that screws & rotate in unison, thereby
causing the bars E. E. to approach each other in order that their distance apart

page_text: may be reduced sufficient to go into the small-size trunk, (say 9") it is desirable to
make.
As the bars E. E. approach each other, the glands, f, still keep their
position, butting as it were against the inner sides of the inain casting or rollers 21
(see Fig. 2.) their object being to prevent lateral motion of the bars E. E. and
keep them straight and central with the centre of the slide B. as they are pushed
in and out between the rollers c', c², . On the front of the bars E. E. is a die F.
on its under side there are ribs or projections . that mesh into corresponding spaces
formed within the upper edge of the bars E. E. these are for the purpose of fixing
the die F. correctly and preventing its moving. The size and shape of the die F.
corresponds with the en of the trunk. This die F. has to sustain all the pressure
required to close down the seams, and is supported by the bars E. E. these take their
main bearing on the projection X. on the front, preferably cast in one piece with
the body of the machine. The bars E. E. are held up from touching the
projection X. by the springs e. (made of india rubber or other suitable material)
lifting under each end of the axle of the rollers c'. This arrangement allows the
bars E. E. (when not under pressure of the slide B.) to travel freely over the
rollers c', and against the back roller this being effected by pulling or pushing
at the handle y by the person working the press. In case direct pulling or pushing
should be too heavy for the operator I should attach a tooth rack on the lower
sides of the central staple bearings . . extending from one to the other. The
teeth of such rack gearing into a tooth wheel (not shown) formed in the centre of
the roller c¹. In the centre of the roller I should form another tooth wheel or
cut a groove for the teeth of the rear part of the rack to pass into. On the
projecting spindle of the nearest roller c¹ I should fix a hand wheel of suitable
diameter, which by rotation would advance or withdraw the bars E. E. These in
the position as shown by Fig. 1. are right for the work being done, the pressure
of the slide B. on the die F. compressing the spring e. forcing the bars E. E. on to
the projection X.
Before further describing the press I will with reference to the accompanying
drawings describe the operation to be performed in securing the end within a trunk
and the tools to be used therefor. •
Adjacent to Fig. 10 (Sheet 3) . represents a sectional portion of a sheet metal
trunk end (say 24. B.W.G.) edged. m. is a sectional portion of the trunk side.
m. is placed over n. and they appear in position as indicated by Fig. 10. The first
operation the machine and tools have to perform is to bend over the combined edges
to an angle say of 45 degrees or thereabouts as shown by Fig. 11. The second
operation effected by the same tools (hereinafter to be described) but by a second
stroke of the slide B. is to compress down closely the combined edges m. & n. as
shown by Fig. 12. Having a clear idea of these operations just referred to in
section, a reference to Fig. 13. being a plan of a trunk end, the double line
indicating the closed down seam as shown in section by Fig. 12. I will now describe
the operation of the tools in conjunction with the press for working them. The
die F. resting on and secured to the bars E. E. is drawn forward by the operator
from under the die d. The starting frame G. being previously swung aside from
under the slide B. and die d. as indicated by the position of G in Fig. 4.
starting frame G is secured by bolts or other suitable means to a flanged projection
on the boss 2. being by means of a key secured on to the vertical spindle 3. that is
free to rotate in the fixed bearings 4. & 5. preferably secured as shown to the main
casting A. The collar 6. secured by set pin, prevents the descent of the spindle 3.
The spring 7. supports the flanged collar 2. and its frame G. The special object
of the spring 7. will be explained further on. The back of the retaining frame y.
is keyed on a spindle 8 Fig. 3 that rotates within the bearing 9. this being the back
part of the die F. On the extremity of the spindle 8. is secured a lever 10. having
a weight, its object being to balance the retaining frame y. thereby making it easier
to raise into a vertical position and prevent its falling down. Having now arrived
at this point we place a truuk end part T. previously edged on the die F. on to the
vertical edge of the end part I hook or engage the fold of the body part T¹ (see
The

page_text: Fig. 5.). The retaining frame y. is now partly closed down, at the same time care
is taken to see that the edge of the end part T is properly within the fold of the
hody part T, a mallet being used to give the necessary taps or blows to ensure this,
when in order the retaining frame is forced right home, this retains the end and
body parts together. The die F. and frame y. is now pushed home underneath the
slide B. and its die d. stops 22 (Fig. 1) being provided to correctly determine its
stopping position. The frame G. or G of Fig. 4. is now pulled round by the
operator by handle 37 in the direction of the curved arrow 2 until it comes over
and corresponds with the position of the trunk end (as shown by Fig. 6.), this being
determined and the extent of motion limited by dowel pegs 38, ribs or stops 25 and
the slotted link 11. (best shown by Fig. 3.). Pressure applied to the treadle a. by
the operator causes the slide B. and the die d. to descend or make a stroke thereby
forcing the frame G., which by virtue of its interior incline faces partly closes the
combined edges of the end and body part, as indicated by Fig. 7. By a comparison
of Figs. 6 and 7. it will be observed that in Fig. 6. the frame G. is some distance
from the retaining frame y. The object of the spring 7. (Fig. 1) will be now
apparent, as it serves to support the frame G. keeping it high enough to clear the
trunk end & stop 25; but as the die d, descends and forces the frame G. close down
on to the frame y. the spring 7. yields to the pressure without undue straining of
the parts. After its descent the slide B. rises again and as the shaft H rotates, the
catch p. (Fig. 1.) engages with the tumbler k. and withdraws it from its notch,
formed within the wheel bess W. automatically, leaving the slide B. at the top of
its stroke. The frame G. is now removed back again into the position of G¹ Fig. 4.
This backward movement is also limited by the slotted link 11. Since the frame G
has thickness, say about half-an-inch, and is now from between the dies d. & F. for
the slide B. to complete the operation of closing down the partly bent combined
edges, it is necessary for it to descend half-an-inch lower, this is effected as
follows: Keyed on to the vertical spindle 3. is another lever 12. slotted as shown in
plan by Fig. 4. In its slot is a roller on a stud forming part of the lever 13. this
lever moves or fulcrums on a pin within the jaw bracket 14 secured on the front of
•
the press.
°
The slide end of the lever 13. has on it another roller that enters within the
vertical slot of the packing piece 15. this extends inwards and passes through the
front of the slide B. underneath the lower end of the connecting rod R. shown in
elevation by broken lines in Fig. 2. Now it will be readily seen that as the
frame G. is removed from between the dies d & F. into the position of G¹ Fig. 4.
the vertical spindle 3. is caused to partly rotate taking with it the lever 12. thereby
drawing out the lever 13. forcing the packing piece 15. underneath the lower end
of the rod R. causing the slide B. to descend on its second stroke as much lower as
the packing piece 15 is thick, this being about equal to the thickness of the
frame G. compensating for its removal. It is now obvious that the movement of the
frame G. is in unison with the packing piece 15. that is when the frame G. is under
the die d. the piece 15. is not under the rod R. and vice versa. It is now clear how
the second stroke of the slide B. after the removal of the frame G. (Fig. 8.) will
close down the partly bent combined edges of the trunk and body end as shown by
Fig. 9. This being done the die F. and bars E. E. are now withdrawn from under
the die d. The frame y. is raised up again into its vertical position and the one
ended trunk removed. The second end part is now placed on the die F. and
the body part inverted, refixed in the frame y. and the operation repeated, thereby
securing in the second end or part. It is important in this machine that the slide B.
should not be allowed to descend at any time, regardless of the position of the
frame G. that is, it is imperatively necessary the slide B. can only descend when
the frame G. is either in its correct position under the die d. or when removed to
its outer limit as indicated by G' Fig. 4. This is to prevent breakages and is
attained as follows:-On the treadle a. is jointed a vertical rod 16. this passes
through a hole drilled through the slotted bracket 11. that is also connected to the
lever 2 (see Fig. 3) on the frame G. A short key or projection 18 is made on the

page_text: upper end of the rod 16. making it larger than the width of the slot in the link 11
(seen best in Fig. 4). At each extremity of this slot there is cut a gap or notch 19
so that the vertical rod 16 with its connected treadle a. can only be made to descend
when the notch 19 within the link 11 coincides with the key 18, and these notches 19
are accurately cut to correspond with the correct working and non working
positions of the starting frame G & G thereby making it impossible for the press
to be started by the treadle a. without the frame G being either in its working
position or removed out of danger, thereby reducing the possibility of an accident
to a minimum.
Fig. 2 Sheet 1. shows the bracket 17, section of the rod 16 and key 18, also
slot lever 11, drawn to a larger scale so as to show this detail more plainly.
The bars E E are prevented from drawing out by the back stops 2 which catch
against the back roller while the inward motion is checked and determined by the
adjustable stops or poppets 22. These bars E E and the die F may be caused to
move in and out by means of extending the spindle of the roller c outwards and
putting a hand wheel or cross lever on same, the simple rotation of these causing
the roller c to revolve, the friction between the roller c' and the bars E Ebeing
sufficient to effect the movement of the latter. This arrangement would necessitate
the operator moving from the front to the cross lever at the side of the machine,
which may be obviated by substituting a chain wheel for the hand wheel or cross
lever, this and a chain embracing another chain wheel fixed on a suitable stand on
the right hand side of the operator would enable him very conveniently to cause the
die Faud bars E E to advance or recede as may be necessary.
The stop-motion used in the fly-wheel W is well understood. The bracket 24
serves as a brake, being adjustable by the set pin 24 operating on the swell formed
on the disc D, causing the press to stop at a definite point at the top of the stroke.
The press herein shown is worked by a crank; but a cam may be substitute,
preferably operating on a roller fixed in the upper part of the slide B. In this
case a balance weight, springs or their equivalent would have to be used to retain
the slide at the top of its stroke. In the crank arrangement as herein shown, the
addition of a weight to balance the slide would be an advantage.
The starting frame G for giving the initial bend to the combined edges admits
of several modifications as shown by Figs. 22, 23, & 24, the 2 former being sections
through the line c. c. Fig. 24. The retaining frame G may have ledges ( around
its upper surface, and against these, strips G with bevil edges may be used to force
over or give the initial bend to the combined edges. The outer edges of strips (H
could be hinged to the ledges or starting frame G so as to readily turn them out of
the way previous to the compression stroke being made. In order to secure a
square cornered knock up we find that the bevil or incline edges within the starting
frame should be at a less angle or nearer the vertical for the straight part of the
work, than for the curved or corner parts. The reason for this is that in curved
work bent inwards, the convergence of the metal creates an internal resistance
during the compression of the combined edges and this reacts and tends to keep the
outer corner square. In the straight part of the knock up the striking of the com-
pression died on the combined edges when just inclining inwards say to an angle of
from 20 to 30 degrees, tends to bulge or force the outer corner close up against the
retaining frame y, this forms a resistance; the compression die continuing to descend
closes down the combined edges with a good square or sharp outer corner, such as
would not be secured if the combined edges were bent over to say an angle of
45 degrees as previously described. Compressing down the curved corners is the
hardest part of the work and it is for this reason that the centre of the slide B (sce
Fig. 1.) corresponds approximately with the corner area. The retaining frame
also construct as shown by Fig. 14 that is divided in two parts y', y' hinged to
swing in the horizontal plane, between suitable jaws formed on either side of the
die F. Fig. 15 Sheet 3. shows the retaining parts y' y closed on a trunk end, the
lever 30 being closed over or caused to embrace the roller stud 31, thereby pulling
the parts y y together and closely gripping the trunk body part on to the die FL.
[

page_text: The lever and stud 30 and 31 is shown on the upper side of the parts y'; but in
practice they are preferably put to work in a slot, formed in the thickness of the
parts y', this makes the connection central and is out of the way of the starting
frame G, which can either be placed on the work being done or swing round as
previously described.
In place of the starting frame G I may substitute a top die recessed to a depth
of one-eighth, corresponding in form & dimensions with those of the article to be
made. The internal corners of the recessed die to be curved, the effect of these
internal curves would be the same as that of the inclines within the starting
frame G, only the combined edges would get from the curves their initial start and
the bottom of the recess would close down the combined edges by the same stroke
of the slide B; but in this case the knock up would not be so sharp cornered as
with the use of the frame G.
It can
In trunks the top edge is usually wired on the inside, this reduces the size of the
top of the trunk making it too small to be drawn off the dies F. or F'.
however be removed by lifting the trunk up and springing its sides open sufficient
to draw it off the dies F. or F1; but in cases where the stiffness of the trunk sides
is too great for readily springing open, to moderate force I prefer to construct the
die F, shown by Figs. 14 & 17. In this case I prefer to make the die F¹ thicker
and fit on a loose piece 34 sliding in a dovetail as shown in plan by Fig. 14. As
the trunk is drawn off the die F₁ the internally wired edge draws the loose piece 34
one only fully showu in the direction of the arrow 35, their dovetails impelling
them to keep to the inclines of the die F, thereby making it narrow to an extent
sufficient for the reduced wired edges to pass over.
As the principles embodied in these tools are likely to be applied to a large
variety of work, covering a great number of shapes and sizes it doubtless will be
desirable to use these tools in ordinary presses not having provision in the slide to
automatically compensate for the removal of the starting frame G. 1 will now
describe a modification of these tools that can be used in any press having a horn
or base suitable for the reception of the lower die, whereon to do the work of
knocking up the seam or seams. This modification of tools as applied to a small
trunk body end is shown in the accompanying drawings by Figs. 18 19, 20, & 21.
Figs. 18, 19 & 20 being sectional views, through the line a, b, in plan Fig. 21.
F being the lower die. is the frame similar to those previously shown only with
the addition of ledges O. Inside the ledges O is inserted a steel starting frame G
with its inner inclines 4 on the lower side. The first stroke of the press slide bends
over the combined edges as shown by Fig. 19. The starting frame G is now raised
out of the retaining frame y and turned over. The press slide is allowed to make
another stroke, this presses the combined edges down flat, completing the knock up,
as shown by sectional view Fig. 20. Fig. 21 is a plan of Fig. 20.
This modifi-
cation of tools will apply to all kinds of square rectangular, circular or any shape
of article having its one half equal to and symmetrical with the other half. Where
the reversal of the starting frame was impracticable of equal thickness two frames
could be used, one for starting and the other for pressing. To facilitate the
removal of the starting frame & I put springs in the lower or retaining frame y,
that yield to compression as the starting frame descends and raises it upwards
nearly out of the retaining frame y, as the press slide rises clear of the work-by
two small handles h. h. the combined starting and compressing frame G, the
operator could readily lift it out, reverse and replace it as shown by Figs. 20 & 21.
In this modification the retaining frame y hinges upwards; but the divided one
shown by Figs. 14 & 15 is applicable to the ledge arrangement.
In very small
work the retaining frame or ring may be lifted on and off, that is, without hinges.
When the inclined faces of the starting frame strike on the combined edges
there is a tendency for the inner edge of the trunk end to shorten, which in effect
raises or popples the trunk end, in order to resist this I put springs of high
resistance within the top die d, these project downwards and compress the trunk
end or other piece on to the lower die F and thereby tend to resist the raising

page_text: popples or buckles; but when the inclines in the starting frame y are in hardened
steel and having smooth surfaces this introduction of springs in the upper die d
may be dispensed with. All these tools would be best made in steel and hardened
where practicable. A.steel casting would suffice for the retaining frames; hardened
steel faces for the inclines; chilled cast iron would answer for the lower and
compression dies; or ordinary cast iron with hardened steel lot in at the places
subject to wear.
Having described this machine and tools as applied to a sheet metal travelling
trunk body, its application to the lid part will be obvious and its application to such
articles as mentioned in the title will be understood, the tools being modified in
form to suit each particular case; but the principle of giving the initial bend to
the combined edges and then compressing them will be the same. The scale of the
accompanying drawings is approximately one-eighth full size, except in the case of
Fig. 2 Sheet 1. which is about half size.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is :-
:―
1. The construction of a press and tools as herein described and shown, having
reference to the accompanying drawings, also the modifications herein described for
the purpose of supporting, bending over and compressing the combined edges of
ends and body parts of sheet metal travelling trunks, coal vases & other
receptacles.
2. The bars E. E. made capable of sliding from under the slide B, for the
purpose of more conveniently adjusting the parts to be secured together, such bars
passing over or between rollers to reduce their friction, as herein described and
shown as applied to such articles as named in the title.
3. The introduction of suitable springs under the roller C for the purpose of
raising the bars E. E. off the projection X such roller to be capable of yielding by
virtue of the pressure imparted by the slide B in order that the ultimate strain of
compression may be sustained by the main casting or projection X as herein
described & shown.
4. Making the bars E. E. adjustable in width so as to secure a wide base for a
large size of die F necessitated by the largest size trunks; but capable of coming
sufficiently closer together to receive the smallest size trunk, using such means as
herein described and shown. Also the glands on the extremities of the screws f
for the purpose of preventing lateral motion of the bars E. E. as herein described
and shown.
5. The packing piece 15 introduced between the eccentric & slide B or more
particularly underneath the base of the connecting rod R for the purpose of causing
the slide B to descend lower in its second or compressing stroke, also the means
used to operate such packing piece in unison with the movements of the starting
frame G as herein described and shown.
6. The means herein described and shown for the purpose of preventing the
descent of the treadle a excepting at such times only when the starting frame G is
in either of its two extreme positions as indicated by Fig. 4.
7. The retaining frame y for the purpose of holding the end of the trunk or
other body part close to the outer sides of the die F, thereby preventing the sides
of the trunk or other body part adjacent to the bent edges from bulging out, as the
combined edges receive their initial bend and final compression. Also the hinge
motion and connection of the retaining frame y to the back of the die F as herein
described and shown by Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 16 for the purpose of holding the
retaining frame close up to the work done on the die F and for the ready and
convenient removal of the frame y out of the way to admit of the placing and
removal of the work done.
8. The retaining frame y¹ Figs. 14 & 15 when divided and hinged on either side
to the die F', also the hooked lever and roller stud, or their equivalent to secure

page_text: the two parts of such frame together as shown by Fig. 15 as herein described and
shown for the purpose stated.
9. The retaining frame y constructed plain, that is without division or hinge
attachment but of such a size as would be capable of tightly embracing the trunk
body around the die F, such frame to be lifted on or off the work without con-
nection, with press mechanism as herein described and shown.
10. The initial starting frame G having its inner and lower edges inclined
inwards for the purpose of giving the initial bend to the combined edges of the
trunk body & end parts, or other article being knocked up or secured together,
also for the same purpose the use of loose strips or frames with beviled edges, placed
within ledges O formed on or within the retaining frame y as herein described and
shown for the purposes mentioned.
11. The use of the stop 25 on the retaining frame y, Figs. 1, 2, 3, & 4, or its
equivalent in the way of ledges or dowel pegs to prevent the starting frame G
from receding or sliding from the die F by reason of the work to be done being
unequal, as herein described and shown.
12. The combination of the die F with the retaining frame y, and the starting
frame G constructed as herein described and shown for the purpose set forth.
13. The combination of the die F, retaining frame y, starting frame G and the
top die d.
The means of reducing the width of the die F as herein described and
shown or its equivalent having reference to Figs. 14 & 17 for the purpose of
facilitating the removal of an internally wired trunk.
14. The reversable or combined starting, compressing and flattening frame or
plate G in Figs. 18, 19, 20, & 21 as herein described and shown for the purposes
stated.
15. The ledges O on the frame y or their equivalent in the way of dowels, guides,
or intersections for the purpose of supporting and guiding the frame G, when used
for giving the initial bend to the combined edge of the trunk T etc. as shown by
Figs. 18 & 19, also for similarly retaining and guiding the frame G when used for
flattening down or knocking up the combined edges as shown by Figs. 20 & 21, as
herein described and shown.
16. The combination of the die F, the frames y & G, constructed substantially
as herein described and shown for the purposes set forth, as applied to such articles
as named in the title, having reference to Figs. 18, 19, 20, & 21, also when the
frame y is constructed so as to hinge in the manner of the frame y' as shown by
Figs. 14 & 15.
Dated Wahmury 12th 1805
DANIEL SMITH.
Applicant.