IMPROVEMENTS IN DEVICES FOR STOPPERING BOTTLES, AND FOR SIMILAR PURPOSES
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN DEVICES FOR STOPPERING BOTTLES, AND FOR SIMILAR
PURPOSES." A communication from abroad by Pierre Jacques Carmien, of
Issy, near Paris, France, Mechanic'
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the.
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th August 1881.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN DEVICES FOR STOPPERING
BOTTLES, AND FOR SIMILAR PURPOSES." [A communication from abroad by
Pierre Jacques Carmien, of Issy, near Paris, France, Mechanic.]
This Invention relates to improved stoppering or closing devices for bottles, jars,
pots, or other vessels or receptacles of various kinds to preserve the contents of
the same, the said devices being so constructed and arranged that the unstoppering
or uncovering of the said bottles or other receptacles is thereby also effected with
great facility.
My said Invention may be employed in place of any of the devices heretofore in
use for similar purposes. Its use as a cover or stopper is practically unlimited, as
the wear upon the devices is very slight, and they may be readily removed from
one bottle and applied to another; they are moreover of considerable strength.
The act of stoppering or closing bottles or other articles by means of my
Invention requires no effort or force, and is effected without any shock or noise,
whatever may be the kind of vessel to be closed, and however inexperienced the
person may be who uses the said Invention. By changing the form and dimensions
the devices or apparatus made according to my Invention may be employed for
various purposes, some of which I will enumerate as examples..
The apparatus or device made in one form may be employed for all ordinary
kinds of wine and similar bottles, and any person can use it. without disturbing -
•

page_text: the liquid. It may also be employed advantageously for the various operations
to which wine, such as champagne or other sparkling wine, is subjected in the
cellar, so that these operations may be effected without removal.
My Invention may also be advantageously used in connection with vessels whose
mouths or openings are of very large diameter, such, for instance, as jars, pota,
or receptacles for jelly, preserves, dried fruits, milk, ink, varnish, perfumery, and
the like, also tin boxes or cases for sardines, lobsters, preserved meat, vegetables,
sweetmeats, and many other articles.
In the accompanying Drawings I have represented, as examples of the appli-
cation of my Invention, various arrangements in connection with vessels of different
kinds and dimensions.
Figure 1 is a vertical central section of an apparatus constructed according to
my Invention, and applied for closing a milk jar or holder, the latter being shewn
as hermetically closed thereby.
Figure 2 is a plan of the same.
.
Figure 3 is a view similar to that illustrated by Figure 1, but with the apparatus
unfastened and ready to be raised for opening the vessel or holder.
Figure 4 is an elevation partly in section of the apparatus for stoppering or
corking bottles.
Figure 5 is an underside view of the same.
Figure 6 illustrates the application of my Invention to a sardine tin, and
Figure 7 is a plan of Figure 6.
Figure 8 represents one of the corners of the tin shewn in section to illustrate-
the manner in which the closing is effected.
Figure 9 represents in vertical section a preserve pot or jar with my Invention
applied thereto, and
Figure 10 is a plan of the same.
Like letters indicate the same parts throughout the Drawings.
The apparatus or device made according to my Invention for closing or covering
vessels with comparatively large openings, such, for instance, as milk jars or
holders, has a metallic plate a made in any suitable shape, but with a circular
flange or part p designed to be applied to the edges of the jar or vessel, and
furnished with a washer of india-rubber or other suitable material for ensuring a
complete hermetical closing of the joint. The said plate or cover a is hinged to
the vessel. Upon the cover there is a screw f arranged to turn freely in a piece q
which forms the nut, and to which are soldered, rivetted, or otherwise fastened
any suitable number of spring plates or blades 6 having hooks or hooked portions
at their end, and being inserted within projections . upon the cover a. By raising
the piece q by means of the screw f these hooks or hooked portions become engaged
under the edges of the jar or vessel; the screw f being still further operated, a
powerful pressure is exerted upon the cover, and thus the desired hermetical closing
is secured.
These
For stoppering or corking bottles my apparatus is constructed upon the
principle illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. This apparatus comprises a piece a
which is cast or otherwise formed, and is provided with arms 6 which surround
the neck of the bottle, and each of which terminates in a hook c.
hooks are clasped on the outside to the ring d upon the neck of the bottle.
The inside of this ring d is provided with as many catches or notches as
there are arms (and consequently hooks) to the chief part a. Each catch in
the ring d is connected with the one next to it by a curved piece forming
an inclined plane designed to wedge or hold the hooks, so that on turning the
ring & the pressure upon the arms ỗ is produced at the same time as the hooks o
are firmly clasped upon the neck of the bottle. The end of each of the catches is
provided with a small projection t serving to keep the hooks upon the ring. The
arms b are sufficiently elastic to be disengaged from the said ring by being sub-
jected to a slight pressure when the apparatus is to be withdrawn from the bottle.
The material for stoppering, whether cork, india-rubber, or other substance designed

page_text: to afford hermetical closing, is placed in the capsule upon which the screw f
bears, and the upper portion of the piece a forms the nut for the said screw. The
latter is secured to the capsule e by a light rivet, and the knob of the screw may
be replaced by a key, a screw driver, or any other device suitable for turning the
said screw. Moreover, the ring d may be replaced by a metallic plate or piece, or
by a chain fixed by one end to the end of one arm, and the other end being hooked
to a clasp provided for the purpose.
A simple ring may be used instead of the notched ring d if it is applied to the
apparatus from the top when the said apparatus has been placed upon the
bottle.
For closing or covering sardine tins or cases (see Figures 6 to 8) the cover is a
simple metallic plate a which is sufficiently rigid and upon which as above
described a screw fis arranged to press. The arms or springs 6 hook over small
projections of the tin at each of its corners. A joint of india-rubber or other
suitable material is provided as in devices herein before described.
A small metallic covering y is arranged in all the apparatus made according to
my Invention to cover the part where the arms b are united to the piece forming.
the nut. This covering is however shewn only in Figures 1, 3, and 6, and it may
be ornamented in any desirable manner and may have upon it any inscription,
mark, or the like.
As another illustration of the application of my Invention I have in Figures.
9 and 10 shewn the same in connection with a preserve jar of relatively large size.
In this case the arms b are jointed at i and have a hooked portion at their end, so
that the simple pressure of the screw f upon the cover h, which may be made of
any suitable metal or other material, is sufficient to fix the hooks under the edges
of the vessel for the reason that the greater the pressure applied the more firmly
the hooks hold under the edges. The ring d may therefore in this case be com-
pletely dispensed with, the play of the joints i being quite sufficient.
There may be any desirable number of arms b, and they may be of any suitable
length according to the dimensions of the neck or edge to be clasped.
The cover h (Figure 10) is a simple plate perforated if desired and resting upon
a plate k of the same form and made of india-rubber, cork, paper, or other material.
which renders the closing bermetical.
The whole of the apparatus or any of its parts may be ornamented to suit the
various uses to which the same may be applied, and the apparatus may bear upon
it the name of the contents of the bottle, jar, or other vessel with which it is in
connection.
:

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
25th February 1882.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings; London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN DEVICES FOR STOPPERING
BOTTLES, AND FOR SIMILAR PURPOSES." A communication from abroad by
Pierre Jacques Carınien, of Issy, near Paris, France, Mechanic.
This Invention relates to improved stoppering or closing devices for bottles, jars,
pots, or other vessels or receptacles of various kinds to preserve the contents of the
same, the said devices being so constructed and arranged that the unstoppering or
uncovering of the said bottles or other receptacles is thereby also effected with great
facility.
My said Invention may be employed in place of any of the devices heretofore
in use for similar purposes. Its use as a cover or stopper is practically unlimited,
as the wear upon the devices is very slight and they may be readily removed from 1
one bottle and applied to another; they are moreover of considerable strength.
The act of stoppering or closing bottles or other articles by means of my Invention
requires no effort or force, and is effected without any shock or noise, whatever may
be the kind of vessel to be, closed and however inexperienced the person may be
who used the said Invention. By changing the form and dimensions the devices
or apparatus made according to my Invention may be employed for various
purposes, some of which I will enumerate as examples.
The apparatus or device made in one form may be employed for all ordinary
kinds of wine and similar bottles, and any person can use it without disturbing the
liquid. It may also be employed advantageously for the various operations to which
wine. such as champagne or other sparkling wine, is subjected in the cellar, so that
these operations may be effected without removal.
My Invention may also be advantageously used in connection with vessels whose
mouths or openings are of very large diameter, such, for instance, as jars, pots, or
receptacles for jelly, preserves, dried fruits, milk, ink, varnish, perfumery, and the 3
like, also tin boxes or cases for sardines, lobsters, preserved meat, vegetables,
sweetmeats, and many other articles.
In the accompanying Drawing I bave represented as examples of the application
of my Invention various arrangements in connection with vessels of different kinds
and dimensions.
Figure 1 is a vertical central section of an apparatus constructed according to
my Invention and applied for closing a milk jar or holder, the latter being shewn
as hermetically closed thereby.
Figure 2 is a plan of the same.
Figure 3 is a view similar to that illustrated by Figure 1, but with the apparatus 4
unfastened and ready to be raised for opening the vessel or holder.
Figure 4 is an elevation partly in section of the apparatus for stoppering or
corking bottles.
Figure 5 is an underside view of the same.
Figure 6 illustrates the application of my Invention to a sardine tin, and
Figure 7 is a plan of Figure 6.
Figure 8 represents one of the corners of the tin shewn in section to illustrate
the manner in which the closing is effected.
Figure 9 represents in vertical section a preserve pot or jar with my Invention
applied thereto, and
Figure 10 is a plan of the same,
Like letters indicate the same parts throughout the Drawing.
E

page_text: The apparatus or device made according to my Invention for closing or covering
vessels with comparatively large openings, such, for instance, as milk jars or holders,
is shwen in Figures 1, 2, and 3; it has a metallic plate a of any suitable shape, but
with a circular flange or part designed to be applied to the mouth or opening of
the jar or vessel, and furnished with a washer of india-rubber or other suitable
material for ensuring a complete hermetical closing of the joint. The plate or
cover a is hinged to the jar or vessel, and upon the said cover a screw fis arranged
to turn freely in a piece q which forms the nut, and to which are soldered, rivetted,
or otherwise fastened any suitable number of spring plates or blades 6 having
hooks or hooked portions at their ends, and passing through projections r upon the
cover a by which they are kept in position. By raising the piece 9 by means of
the screw, these hooks or hooked portions become engaged under the edge or
rims of the jar or vessel; the screw ƒ being still further operated in the same
direction, a powerful pressure is exerted upon the cover, and thus the desired
hermetical closing is secured.
For stoppering or closing bottles, my apparatus is constructed upon the principle
illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. This apparatus comprises a piece a, which is cast
or otherwise formed, and is provided with arms b which surround, the neck of the
bottle, and each of which terminates in a hook c.. These hooks are clasped on the
outside by the ring & upon the neck of the bottle.
d
The inside of this ring d is
provided with as many catches or notches as there are arms (and consequently
books) to the chief part a. Each notch in the ring d is connected with the one
next to it by a curved piece forming an inclined plane designed to wedge or hold
the hooks, so that on turning the ring & pressure upon the arm b is produced, and
at the same time the hooks c are firmly clasped upon the neck of the bottle. The
end of each of the catches or notches is provided with a small projection t, serving
to keep the hooks upon the ring. The arms b are sufficiently elastic to be
disengaged from the said ring by being subjected to slight pressure when the
apparatus is to be removed from the bottle. The material, whether cork, india-
rubber, or other substance designed to afford hermetical closing, is placed in the
capsule e upon which the screw f bears, and the upper portion of the piece a forms
the nut for the said screw. The latter is secured to the capsule e by a light rivet,
and the knob of the screw may be replaced by a key, a screw-driver, or any
other device suitable for turning the said screw. Moreover the ring D may be
replaced by a metallic plate or piece, or by a chain fixed by one end to the end of
one arm, and the other end being hooked to a clasp provided for the purpose.
A simple ring may be used instead of the notched ring d if it is applied to
the apparatus from the top when the said apparatus has been placed upon the
bottle.
For closing or covering sardine tins or cases (see Figures 6 to 8) the cover is a
simple metallic plate a which is sufficiently rigid, and upon which, as above
described, a screw fis arranged to press. The arms or spring b hook over small
projections u of the tins at each of its corners. A joint of india-rubber or other
suitable material is provided, as in devices herein before described.
A small metallic covering y is arranged in all the apparatus made according to
my Invention to cover the part where the arms b are united to the piece forming
the nut. This covering is however shewn only in Figures 1, 3, and 6, and it may
be ornamented in any desirable manner, and may have upon it any inscription,
mark, or the like.
As another illustration of the application of my Invention, I have in Figures 9
and 10 shewn the same in connection with a preserve jar of relatively large size.
In this case the arms b are jointed at their inner ends i and have a hooked portion
at their outer ends, so that the simple pressure of the screw f upon the cover h
(which may be made of any suitable metal or other material) is sufficient to fix
the hooks under the edge or rim of the vessel, because the greater the pressure
applied the more firmly the hooks hold under the edge or rim. The ring d may

page_text: therefore in this case be completely dispensed with, the play of the joints i being
quite sufficient.
There may be any desirable number of arms b, and they may be of any suitable
length, according to the dimensions of the neck or edge to be clasped.
The cover h (Figure 10) is a simple plate, perforated if desired, and resting upon
a plate of the same form, and made of india-rubber, cork, paper, or other
material which renders the closing hermetical.
The whole of the apparatus or any of its parts may be ornamented to suit the
various uses to which the same may be applied, and the apparatus may bear upon
it the name of the contents of the bottle, jar, or other vessel with which it is in 1
connection.
Having thus fully described the said Invention, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,-
First. In an apparatus or device for stoppering or closing bottles, jars, or other 1
vessels, the combination with the cover or lid of the set-screw or thumb-screw, the
supporting-piece or nut and the hooked springs, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
Second. The combination of the cover a having a circular flange p (provided
with a washer of india-rubber or other suitable material) with the set-screw or
thumb-screw fand the arms or hooked springs b to effect the hermetical closing,
substantially as specified.
Third. The arms or springs 6 guided by or passing through the projections r
provided upon the cover a, and arranged substantially as set forth for the purpose
specified.
Fourth. The combination of the piece or nut a carrying the arms b and the
stoppering capsule e with the excentrically notched ring d, substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
Fifth. The stoppering capsule e rivetted to the set-screw or thumb-screw ƒ and
arranged substantially as set forth for the purpose specified.
Sixth. In a stoppering or closing device for sardine boxes, the plate or cover a
and springs or hooks b in combination with the projections at the angles of the
box, and with the set-screw or thumb-screw f, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
Seventh. In a closing device for jars and like vessels having a large orifice 3
or mouth, the books b jointed on the piece or nut i in combination with the
set-screw or thumb-screw bearing upon the cover h, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty fifth day of February, in the year of our Lord 4
One thousand sight hundred and eighty two