Improvements in Boxes or Cases for Holding Matches, Cigars, Cigarettes, and like Articles.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 16th Aug., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 16th May, 1896-Accepted, 27th June, 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Boxes or Cases for Holding Matches, Cigars,
Cigarettes, and like Articles.
HENRY FRANCIS JOEL of 74 Windsor Road, Forest Gate, Essex, Electrical
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention consists in an improved construction and arrangement of boxes or
cases for holding matches, cigars, cigarettes, and like articles whereby they are
automatically safeguarded so as to open one way, and thus prevent the matches etc.
being dropped out, and also have in combination one or more receptacles to form
an ash tray for ashes, used match ends etc., also safeguarded to prevent the refuse
being spilled in ordinary use. I call such combination match boxes and cases,
"The smokers tidy match box," and they are useful in domestic life, to smokers
and others.
I take a match box of the usual type in which the inside case is free to slide
in or out of the cover and at one end of the cover, at the top of the box I make
a small flange or overhanging lip. The object being that when the box with
matches is turned upside down a match, (or some matches) falls into such a position
that one end is butting in the corner or stop formed by the overhanging flange,
and the other is butted against the end of the case so that it thus forms a stop
to effectually prevent the case being pushed open in this position, when the case
is opened the right way up the matches do not catch in the flange. The other
end of the case I partly close leaving room for the finger to push the inside case
out to the front, so that the case can only be pushed out at one end, and opened
one way up, and when opened in the dark the matches are not dropped out.
In place of the overhanging flange I may use a stop such as a piece of match-
wood fixed to the inside of the outer case at one end.
For the purpose of forming an ash tray or receptacle for ash or used matches etc.,
I place a partition in the inside case or lengthen the case for that purpose. This
partition is fixed at about one third the length of the inside case and the case is
so proportioned that used matches, even full length, will go into the ash receptacle
so formed. To strengthen the partition and to keep the matches one way I fix a
thin stiffening web at right angles to the partition, on the matches side tapering
down from the partition to the front of the inside case so as not to interfere with
taking the matches out.
For the purpose of controlling the distance the combination case can be moved,
I fix a stop which may be a narrow strip of match-wood inside the outer case one
third from the end where the matches would be and furthest from the ash receptacle
and I fix similar narrow strips which also form stiffening end pieces on the both
ends of the inside case. When the inside case is pushed one way the end strips
meet the inside stop strip and the ash receptacle can only come out the required
one third and when the case is pushed the other way the match receptacle can
only be pushed out the necessary length of two thirds. If I make the case of
metal such as sheet iron or steel I arrange the stops by pressing grooves in the
outer case, and projections on the inner case, and I also arrange a simple pipe
cleaner at the side of the case to fit into sockets or a pocket. The space left
for the ash also makes a good wind guard when lighting matches in the open air

page_text: as it can only come out the distance and the matches are secure under the cover.
I arrange an end stop on the outside case in addition to the above so that the
box can only be opened the right way up. I also arrange an end stop at the ash
receptacle end and make it necessary to release this stop before the ash receptacle
can be pushed out, this I do to prevent the box becoming open, say in the pocket.
I arrange this stop so that the squeezing the top and bottom, or sides of the outer
box or case, which is specially rounded at the corners to facilitate doing so, causes
the outer case to bulge out, and raise the stops, and the inside case can then be
pushed out. I also arrange a flap, with a simple spring such as an elastic cord,
to cover the ash receptacle, or the match receptacle, or both, so that when closed
either or both are locked, but by pushing the top of the flap at an opening left
on the top at the ends of the outside case I can press the flap down and so clear it
from the stop and draw the case out as before. When either of the spring flaps
are clear they will be pulled up by the spring and leave the receptacle open.
I also arrange a spring flap as a stop which allows the matches end of the case
to be pushed out, but requires the flap to be raised before the ash receptacle end
can be pushed out, and then as it is pushed out first covers the ash receptacle and
then tilts right back and leaves the ash receptacle open. I also arrange a simple
stop with a hinged arm, when the inside case is inside, this hinged arm falls over
the end and stops the case being pushed out at the ash receptacle end but by raising
the stop it frees the end, this stop also acts to regulate the travel of the inside
case and stops it when out one third.
To make a spring closing and stop for the combination case, I partition the
inside case as explained and fix one end of a simple spring, such as elastic, to the
partition, and the other end to the centre of the outer case, but so that the elastic
spring comes inside. This allows the ash receptacle end to be pushed out under
an increasing tension until it is stopped at its proper limit, the match end however
can be freely pushed out for one third without tension, and the two thirds with
tension, but the elastic cord effectually stops the ash tray going out at the matches
end. This case is also useful for cigars and cigarettes. I may add a projecting
guard fixed over the tail ends of the matches to prevent them falling out, or
being jerked out when the case is opened. This case is preferably made of
cardboard.
As an alternative I make the outer case with the one end completely stopped
and I make the divided off space for the ashes etc. just inside this end.
For this
purpose I make the inside case say two thirds the length of the outer case as
before, but on the top of the inside end I fix a projecting hood which reaches to
the closed back of the outer case. On the top at the closed end of the outside
case I make an opening which when the inside case is inside is covered by the
projecting hood which forms a sliding shutter, but when the inside case is pulled
out to expose the matches, the projecting hood goes with it and thus uncovers the
opening and allows the ashes etc., to be placed in the receptacle provided so that
matches can be taken out and ashes etc., put in at the same time, the closing the
inside case leaves the ash receptacle at the end completely closed up, but reduced
to its first size. I use the stops previously described in combination with this case
for preventing the match case being opened the wrong way up, and the other stops
for purposes enumerated.
I propose to combine the spring action, stops, one or more receptacles, and pipe
cleaner, or one or more of them, with any of the preceding described boxes, cases
as may be convenient.
Dated this 16th day of August 1895.

page_text: Improvements in Boxes or Cases for Holding Matches, Oigars,
Cigarettes, and like Articles.
HENRY FRANCIS JOEL of 74 Windsor Road, Forest Gate, Essex, Electrical
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:-
My invention consists in an improved construction and arrangement of boxes, or
cases for holding matches, cigars, cigarettes and like articles, whereby they are
automatically safe-guarded so as to open one way and thus prevent the matches etc.
being dropped out, and also have in combination one or more receptacles to form
an ash tray for ashes, used match ends etc., also safe-guarded to prevent the refuse
being spilled in ordinary use. I call such combination match boxes and cases,-
"The smoker's tidy match box," and they are useful in domestic life, to smokers
and others.
In the drawing accompanying this description I have shewn various ways of
carrying out my invention, and in the figures like letters are applied to like parts
of all the boxes.
In Fig. 1, a top view, Fig. 2 & Fig. 3 sections.-I take a match box of the
usual type in which the inside case or tray T, is free to slide in or, out of the
cover C, and at one end of the cover C, at the top of the box, I make a small
flange F, or over-banging lip S. The object being that when the box with matches
is turned upside down, as shewn in section Fig. 3, a match (or some matches) falls
into such a position that one end is butting in the corner or stop formed by the
overhanging flange.F, and the other is butted against the end of the case or tray T,
and the match (or matches) thus forms a stop to effectually prevent the tray T,
being pushed open in this position. When the tray T, is pushed open the right
way up, the matches do not catch in the flange F. One end of the outside case or
cover C, I partly close, leaving room for the finger to push the inside tray T, out
to the front, so that the tray T, can only be pushed out at one end, and opened
one way up; and when it is attempted to open the box the wrong way up, say in
the dark, the flange F, prevents this being done, and the matches are not dropped
out as they otherwise might be.
In place of the overhanging flange F, I may use a stop S, shewn in Figs. 4, 5
& 6, such as a piece of matchwood fixed to the inside of the outer case C, at
one end.
For the purpose of forming an ash tray, or receptacle for ashes, or used
matches etc. I make a combined match box and ash tray such as shewn in Fig. 4, a
plan, & Figs. 5, & 6, sections, and I place a partition at P, in the inside tray T, or
lengthen the case for that purpose. This partition P, is fixed at about one third of
the length of the inside tray T, and the outer case and tray are so proportioned,
that used matches, even full length, will go into the ash receptacle A, so formed.
To strengthen the partition P, and to keep the matches one way, I fix a thin
stiffening web at right angles to the partition on the matches side tapering
down from the partition to the front at the inside case so as not to interfere with
taking the matches out.
For the purpose of controlling the distance the combination case can be moved,
I fix a stop M, Figs. 4, 5 & 6, which may be a narrow strip of matchwood inside
the outer case or cover C, one third from the end, and I cut out the top of
When the inside
the tray T, at L, Figs. 5, & 6, to form a ledge on top.
case is pushed one way the ledge or stop L, meets the inside stop strip M,
and the ash receptacle A, can only come out the required one third, as shewn
in Fig. 6. The end stop S, Figs. 5, & 6, serves to close the gap which would

page_text: otherwise be left open. When the case is turned upside down, the stop M, also
forms a butt to the matches and prevents the ash tray being pushed out and
the ashes spilled, and a stop may be also fixed at the other end of this case
in the same way and to answer the same purpose as shewn at Fig. 1, 2 & 3.
If I make the case of metal such as sheet iron, or steel as shewn in Fig. 7,
I make the stops by pressing flat grooves in the sides of inner case as shewn
at I, and flanges F, on the ends of the outer case, or vice-versa. In this box
the match tray T, can only be opened the necessary distance for taking out
matches, and the ash receptacle A, also only the required distance. The flanges F,
can be pressed in the case C, after the inside tray is in position, and the
metal case C, may be cut, or slit at the extreme ends to enable this to be done.
The flange F, also forms a stop to prevent the matches being spilled. The broad
.groove I, enables the inside case to be pushed in or out evenly, the flanges F, also
make a guide at the ends. The match case shewn in Figs. 1, 2 & 3 may also be
made of metal with flanges as at F, Fig. 7, in place of those shewn in the
Figs. 1, 2, & 3.
In Figs. 8, & 9, I shew an arrangement with flaps or hinged covers with a
simple spring such as an elastic cord E, to cover the ash receptacle, or the match
receptacle, or both as shewn so that when the tray T, and ash receptacle A, are
inside the case C, and the box is closed, the elastic spring E, pulls the two flaps up
inside under the top of the case C, and they are both locked by means of the stop
ends S, S, but by pushing the top of the flap at the half circular opening left on
the top at the ends of the outside case as shewn in Fig. 8, I can press the flap
down and so clear it from the stop S, and draw the case out as before. When
either of the spring flaps are clear they will be pulled up by the spring E, as
shewn in dotted lines Fig. 9, and leave the receptacle open.
I also arrange a
spring flap with the elastic fixed at one end to the outer case and the other to the
flap which allows the matches end of the case to be pushed out, but requires the
flap to be pushed down and cleared from a stop before the ash receptacle end can
be pushed out, and then as it is pushed out first covers the ash receptacle and then
tilts right back and leaves the ash receptacle open.
I also arrange a simple stop with a hinged arm, when the inside case is inside
this hinged arm falls over the end and stops the case being pushed out at the ash
receptacle end but by raising the stop it frees the end, this stop also acts to
regulate the travel of the inside case and stops it when out one third.
To make a spring closing and stop for the combination case, in Figs. 10, & 11,
I partition the inside case at P, as explained and fix one end of a simple .spring
such as an elastic cord E, to the partition, and the other end to the centre of the
outer case C, but so that the elastic spring E, comes inside. This allows the ash
receptacle end to be pushed out under an increasing tension until it is stopped at
its proper limit as shewn at Fig. 11, and when released would be drawn back again
under the case by the spring, the match end however can be freely pushed out for
one third without tension, and the two thirds with tension but the elastic cord
effectually stops the ash tray going out at the matches end. This case is also
useful for cigars and cigarettes. I may add a projecting guard fixed over the
tail ends of the matches to prevent them falling out or being jerked out when the
case is opened. This case is preferably made of cardboard.
In Figs. 12, & 13,-As an alternative I make the outer case C, with the one end
completely stopped and I make the divided off space for the ashes etc., just inside
this end. For this purpose I make the inside case say two thirds the length of the
outer case as before, but on the top of the inside end I fix a projecting hood H,
which reaches to the closed back of the outer case. On the top at the closed end
of the outside case I make an opening O, which when the inside case is inside is
covered by the projecting hood H, which forms a sliding shutter or panel, but
when the inside case is pulled out by the tag G, to expose the matches, the
projecting hood H, goes with it and thus uncovers the opening O, and allows the
ashes etc. to be placed in the receptacle A, provided, so that matches can be taken

page_text: out and ashes etc. put in at the same time, the closing the inside case leaves the ash
receptacle A, at the end completely closed up, but reducel to its first size. I use
the stops previously described in combination with this case for preventing the
match case being opened the wrong way up. I may use the stops S or flanges F
in any of the other cases & boxes Figs. 10, 11, 12 & 13 for the same purpose and
in the same manner as shewn in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and other figures at both or either
end as may be convenient.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim :-
1st. The construction of match boxes with a flange, or stop, on one, or both
ends of the outer case, to form a butt to the matches, and prevent the inside case,
or tray being pushed open when the box is held upside down, substantially as
shewn and described in reference to Figs. 1, 2 & 3.
2. The combination with an ordinary shaped match box of a receptacle for
ashes, burnt matches etc., constructed with a projecting ledge L, and stop M, so
that it can only be pushed open the required distance and the right way up,
substantially as shewn & described in reference to Figs. 4 & 5.
3. The construction of a combination metal match-box and receptacle for
ushes etc., with the inside case having grooves, and the outer case flanges, to
regulate the opening either way and form stops.to prevent the case being opened
when held upside down, substantially as shewn & described in reference to Fig. 7.
4. The construction of a combination match box and receptacle for ashes etc.,
with the locking stops S, S, and the flaps operated by the elastic spring E,
substantially as shewn and described in reference to Figs. 8, & 9.
5. The construction of a combination match box and receptacle for ashes etc.,
with an elastic spring so fixed that the ash receptacle when pushed out stretches
the spring and will return again when released, whilst the match tray when
pushed out will remain partly open, substantially as shewn & described in reference
to Fig. 10, and 11.
6. The construction of a combination match box with a receptacle for ashes etc.,
formed at one end with a sliding shutter H, attached to the inside case, substantially
as shewn and described in reference to Figs. 12 & 13.
7. The construction of a combination match box with a receptacle for ashes etc.,
with a hinged stop, or arm for regulating the opening, and closing and locking the
ash receptacle, substantially as described.
Dated this 15th day of May 1896.
HENRY FRANCIS JOEL.