NEW OR IMPROVED SPRING CLASP PROTECTOR FOR TROUSER BOTTOMS."
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Abram Charles Herts at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th September 1876. A communi-
cation from abroad by James H Anderson, of New York City, in the
County of New York, and State of New York, United States of America.
ABRAM CHARLES HERTS, of Bloomsbury, in the County of Middlesex.
NEW OR IMPROVED SPRING CLASP PROTECTOR FOR TROUSER BOTTOMS."
•
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For this purpose I have invented a new or improved spring clasp protector,
which I construct in the following manner -Such spring clasp protector is formed
in two halves working on hinges as hereafter described.
I form one half of a strip or plate of sheet metal of convenient dimensions, say,
about 4 inches long, and three quarters of an inch broad, and having on either side
at its lower end an inward projecting lug or ear, in the centre of each of which ears is
formed a small hole. About midway on the inside of such metal plate I rivit or
otherwise fasten a small and slightly curved spring extending downwards between
the two lugs or ears already described.
I form the other half of the clasp in two pieces or strips of sheet metal of
corresponding size, such two pieces when fastened together being of equal length
with the first half. The lower of such two pieces has a notch or groove in either
side, and is bent at its lower end so as to form a flange, such flange having in its
centre a small metal projection or tongue, which tongue when it is desired to close
the clasp strikes against and presses back the small curved spring, so as to permit
the clasp to shut. On each side of such flange, and at its angle a projecting pin is
formed; such pins when inserted in the holes formed in the ears or lugs, as already
mentioned, and clamped down form a pivot hinge whereon the clasp works casily.
On each side of the bottom of the upper of such. two metal pieces is a small
projection, which projections when bent over form clips which slide easily up and
down in the notches or grooves formed in the sides of the lower piece. This
arrangement permits the clasp to expand to a convenient length when the back of
the bottom of the trouser is turned up, and to slide back again when it is turned
down. But this arrangement may, if preferred, be dispensed with altogether, and
the second half of the clasp be made in one piece. Holes or slots are formed at the
outer extremities, either of both, or it may be of one only of such plates to permit

page_text: of the clasp being sewn to the bottom of the trouser between the canvas and cloth,
so as to be invisible when worn.
When trousers are turned up all round at the bottom the wet and damp causes
them to crease, so that it is necessary to press them in order to remove the fold, but
by the use of my improved spring clasp protector this inconvenience is totally
obviated, as on folding up the lower half of the clasp the projection or tongue
formed on the flange thereof, as before described, striking against the spring presses
it back, thus holding such lower half in position at the same time that it raises the
bottom of the trouser, and effectually preserves it from coming in contact with the
wet and dirt.
Another advantage of my Invention is that the awkward and ungainly appearance
presented by the trouser when turned up all round is avoided, as by the use of my
improved spring clasp protector only the back. portion of the trouser where the
wet and mud mostly gather is turned up, while the front remains. in its proper
position.