An Improved Method of and Means for Securing Milk Cans and like Vessels to Doors.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd May, 1891-Accepted, 13th June, 1891
COMIDDLE DI MULTICATION.
An Improved Method of and Means for Securing Milk Cans and like
Vessels to Doors.
We, JOHN WILLIAM EYRE of 211 Tufnell Park Road, London, Gentleman, and
CHARLES GRAHAM of 389 Kennington Road, London, Civil 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 our invention is to prevent milk cans, and like vessels, and
also the contents of same from being stolen, when left at the doors of houses. For
this purpose, we construct an oblong metal case, preferably tapering, one end of
which may be left open, the opposite end being enlarged to form a chamber of any
suitable size to contain a toothed or ratchet wheel. Part of this chamber is cut
away in the form of a curved slot, in which one or more of the teeth of the wheel
project. In any part of the case, a lever is pivotted, one end of which is shaped
for, and engages in the wheel, to which it is pressed by a spring of any suitable
description. The opposite end of this lever is bent upwards, and formed preferably
into a loop or hook, through which the longer arm of a cranked lever works. This
cranked lever is pivotted at is lower extremity to the base or sides of the case, the
longer arm is acted upon by a spring fixed to any convenient part of the case, and
the shorter arm, presses against the door post, when the apparatus is fixed in
position. The base of the case is extended any required distance at either end, and
drilled to receive screws or rivets for affixing where required.
The apparatus is affixed to the outside of the door, with its open end close against
the door post or jamb, on which the door is hung. When the door is closed the
cracked lever is lowered, and the longer lever is forced into contact with the toothed
wheel allowing it to move in one direction only.
While in this position, a milk can or other vessel may be hung in the curved slot,
the wheel turning to allow the handle of the can to reach the bottom of the slot
when the wheel locks, and the projecting tooth or teeth, prevent the can from being
removed. On opening the door the cranked lever is forced upwards by the pressure
of the spring, the shorter arm projecting out of the case, the second lever is drawn
up at the same time, and disengaged from the wheel, when the can or vessel may be
at once removed. The action is thus entirely automatic, the apparatus being locked
while the door is closed, and released on its being opened. For the better
illustration of this our invention, we have hereunto annexed a sheet of drawings.
Fig. 1 is a side view of the apparatus shown with all its parts in position, as
when the door is closed, and Fig. 2 the same, when the door is opened, in both of
which, the case is shown in section, and the reference letters refer to corresponding
parts.
A, is the case, the base plate of which, projects at B, B for the purpose of affixing
the apparatus where required, C, is the chamber containing the toothed wheel D,
pivotted at E, in which the end of the lever F engages, when raised by the spring G,
H is the cranked lever, extending through the looped end of the lever F at I, this
cranked lever is kept in position, by the door post, while the door is closed but on
opening the door, the lever is forced out of position by the spring K, and raising
the lever F at the same time, it releases the wheel D.
Fig. 3 is a view of the open end of the case, showing the cranked lever H,
pivotted at L, and the looped end of the lever F at I.
Fig. 4, represents a plan of the chamber C, the case being in section, showing
the form of the toothed wheel, the end of the lever F, and the curved slot M, in
which the can or other vessel is hung, and prevented from being removed by the
projecting tooth N, of the wheel D, while locked by the lever F.

page_text: Fig. 5 represents the apparatus in use, affixed to the door O, with its open end
close against the door post P in which position, the can R is securely held, until
the door is opened. The whole or any part of the apparatus may be made either
plain or ornamental to any degree.
Having now particularly described and ascertained, the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare, that what
we claim is :-
The construction and use of the entire apparatus for the purpose herein set forth,
described, and illustrated.
Dated this 2nd day of May 1891.
JOHN WILLIAM EYRE.
CHARLES GRAHAM.