Improved Means for Moistening the Gummed Edges of Letter Cards.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd June, 1892
Complete Specification Left, 22nd Mar., 1893-1ccepted, 2nd June, 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Means for Moistening the Gummed Edges of Letter Cards.
I, CHARLES DARRAH of Miller Street, Manchester, Manufacturer do hereby
declare the nature of my said invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to means for moistening the gummed edges of what are
known as "letter cards" and has for its object to obviate the unpleasantness of
moistening such edges by the tongue as heretofore.
In carrying out my invention employ a frame having three sides at right angles
to each other corresponding to the three gummed edges of the "letter-card" and
attached to the under face of this frame is a strip of felt flannel or other suitable
absorbent material. The frame is provided with a suitable handle and is kept in a
trough with the felt or other absorbent material in contact with a moistened pad.
When it is required to moisten the edges of the "letter-card" the frame is taken
from the trough and pressed upon the edges thus imparting moisture which is
contained in the felt or other absorbent material to the gummed surface.
"
A modification of my invention consists of an earthenware slab with a recess
formed in its surface corresponding to the three edges of the frame or "letter-card
and in which recess a strip of felt or other suitable material is inlaid always kept
saturated with water. The letter-card" is placed upon the slab with the
gummed edges arranged over the recess which are pressed on to the moistened felt
by the finger.
Dated this 20th day of June 1892.
JOHN G. WILSON,
Agent.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Means for Moistening the Gummed Edges of Letter Cards,
I, CHARLES DARRAH of Miller Street, Manchester, Manufacturer, do hereby
declare the nature of my said 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 relates to means for moistening the gummed edges of what are
known as "letter-cards" and has for its object to obviate the unpleasantness of
moistening such edges by the tongue as heretofore.
In carrying out my invention I employ a frame having three sides at right angles
to each other corresponding to the three gummed edges of the "letter-card" and
attached to the under face of this frame is a strip of felt, flannel or other absorbent
material. This frame is provided with a suitable handle and is kept in a trough
with a felt or other absorbent material in contact with a moistened pad.
On the accompanying drawing
Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of my improved moistener and pad, and
Fig. 2 shews the improved moistener alone; Fig. 3 is a transverse section of same.
In accordance with my invention A, A1, A2, are the three sides of the frame at
right angles to each other and corresponding to the three gummed edges of a
"letter-card."
Attached to the under face of this frame is a strip of felt, flannel or other
absorbent material B, which is kept in contact with a moistened pad C in the
trough D. The frame is provided with a handle E to facilitate manipulation and
if desirable the frame may have a fourth side parallel to the side A¹ to afford
greater rigidity.

page_text: The trough D is shewn provided with a lid or cover F to keep the same free from
dust and to prevent undue evaporation when not in use.
When it is required to moisten the edges of the "letter-card" the frame is taken
from the trough and pressed upon the edges thus imparting moisture which is
contained in the felt or other absorbent material to the gummed surface.
Fig. 4 illustrates a modification of my invention which consists of an earthenware
or other similar slab G with a recess H formed in its surface corresponding to the
three edges of the frame or "letter-card" and in which recess a strip of felt or
other suitable material I is inlaid always kept saturated with water.
The "letter-card" is placed on the slab with the gummed edges arranged over
the recess which are pressed onto the moistened felt by the finger.
Having thus 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 is :-
"
1st. A moistening device for moistening the gummed edges of "letter-cards
consisting of a frame having three sides corresponding to the gummed edges of a
"letter-card" with felt or other absorbent material on its under surface by pre-
ference kept moistened by a pad enclosed in a trough substantially as set forth and
illustrated.
2nd. The modified form of moistening device consisting of a slab provided with
a recess filled with absorbent material kept moistened and corresponding to the
gummed edges of a "letter-card" substantially as set forth and illustrated."
Dated this 21st day of March 1893.
JOHN G. WILSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.