Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 7th May, 1888
Complete Specification Left, 16th Jan., 1889
Complete Specification Accepted, 23rd Feb., 1889
I, HERMANN LEHMANN, residing at Offenbach-on-the-Main, Germany, Manufacturor,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows :-
My invention consists in improvements in clasps for purses and such like
articles in which the well known and common clasp can easily be turned into a
combination or locking clasp.
Reference being had to the accompanying drawings in which similar letters denote
similar parts throughout the different figures.
Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section of the clasp when shut.
Fig. 2 shows a cross section of figure 1.
Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section of the clasp when open.
Fig. 4 shows a cross section of figure 3.
Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal section of the clasp when shut and locked by the
plate B.
Fig. 6 shows a cross section of figure 5.
Fig. 7 shows my improved clasp fitted to a purse.
Fig. 8 shows a section through figure 7.
In the case a is a sliding plate A, which is guided in the guide l and by the slots;
in the case a, at the top of the plate A is a hole d through which the knob k of the flap
enters.
This opening is, when the clasp is closed as shown in figs. 1 and 2 partly covered
by the sliding plate A which catches in a groove for the purpose in the knob k.
On the plate A is an eccentric plate B, provided with the projections e and f; besides
this eccentric plate B is a curved piece 6 fastened on the plate A, against which the
projection e and can rest. The eccentric piece B is influenced by the spiral spring C
which is fastened to the cross piece l and as the plate B is fastened to the plate A, so
is the plate A also influenced by the same spring C. The centre piece u of the
plate B is carried outside the case a and ends in a thumb piece K.
The clasp is covered on the back side by the plate D and fastened to the purse or
other article by the two plates LL being simply passed through the same and then
bent over.

page_text: The working of the clasp is as follows:
In the position shown in figs. 1 and 2 in which the projection e stands at the top and
against the end of the curved piece b, the plate A can be depressed by pressing the thumb
piece K down, and when depressed the opening d in the case a is left free, and the
knob can be drawn out and the purse opened as shown in figs. 3 and 4.
In the position shown in figs. 5 and 6 in which the eccentric plate B. has been
turned round 180°, by turning the thumb piece K, and the projection e of the plate B
stands at the bottom, and the projection frests against the curved piece 6 and as the
projectione abuts against the case a so it is impossible to depress the plate A.
When
the eccentric plate B is in this position it is impossible to remove the knob K from
out of the clasp, and the clasp is secured from opening when in this position. Only
by turning the thumb piece K in the opposite direction again is the clasp free
to be opened.
The clasp thus described differs in no wise in its outer form from the common flap
clasp and operates in the simplest manner as a combination or locking clasp ; in the
position figs. 3 and 4 is the plate A free to be opened, while in the other position
figs. 5 and 6 it is locked fast."
The peculiarity about the above described clasp is the working of the spring C
which holds the eccentric plate B in its locked and free positions, and at the same time
acts on the plate A bringing it always into its shut or holding position.
The above described clasp can be used in cases in which two different parts are to
be held together but especially in purses cigar-cases, pocket-books and such like
articles.

page_text: plate B stands at the bottom, and the projection ƒ rests against the curved piece b
and as the projection e abuts against the case a so it is impossible to depress the
plate A. When the eccentric plate B is in this position it is impossible to remove
the knob K from out of the clasp, and the clasp is secured from opening when in
this position. Only by turning the thumb piece K in the opposite direction again
is the clasp free to be opened.
The clasp thus described differs in no manner in its outer form from the common
flap clasps, and operates in the simplest manner as a combination or locking clasp,
as in the position figs. 3 and 4, the plate A is free to be opened, while in the other
position figs. 5 and 6 it is locked fast.
The peculiarity about the above described clasp is the working of the spring C
which holds the eccentric plate B in its locked and free positions and at the same
time acts on the plate A bringing it always into its shut or holding position.
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 is :
1) The combination of parts forming the apparatus or appliance, substantially as
and for the purpose set forth and indicated herein before and in and by the accom-
panying drawing.
2) In clasps for purses and such like articles the plate A which is locked by
the eccentric B, and the spring C for holding the eccentric in its open and locked
position, substantially and for the purpose as described.
DD-1: L
1
T
1000
By A. KUHNT & R. DEISSLER,
38, Alexander Strasse, Berlin C., Germany,
Agents for Applicant.