Improvements in Folding Baskets, Boxes, and Trunks.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd July, 1892
Complete Specification Left, 4th Apr., 1893-Accepted, 1st July, 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Folding Baskets, Boxes, and Trunks.
We, EDOUARD GUITARD, of 16. Rue Grange Bateliere, and PAUL MAURON, of
20, Rue de la Clef, Paris, in the Republic of France, Manufacturers, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
In the accompanying drawings which are in illustration of the invention,
Figure 1 is a general view of a trunk the front of which is opened showing the
inside of the trunk,
Figure 2 shews the cover of the trunk slightly lifted up,
Figure 3 shews a transverse section of the trunk during the operation of
folding it,
Figure 4 is a general view of a trunk entirely opened out for use,
Figure 5 is a view of the bottom of the trunk on which the lateral sides
are brought down. The dotted lines shew the movements of these sides during
that operation.
Figure 6 is a view of the trunk entirely closed to its smaller size.
Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32,
33, and 34, are analogous general and detailed views of various models of baskets
opened out and folded up.
Figures 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 35, are views and details of attachments used for
holding together the various sides of trunks, boxes, baskets, &c., and giving them
the necessary rigidity.
Before describing the special construction of operating devices embodying the
invention, we will refer to the principles by which we have been guided in working
it out.
It is well known that an immense trade is carried on from large cities to the
interior of countries or from towns to towns, villages to villages, or towns to villages,
for the carriage of various goods packed up in boxes, trunks, baskets &c.
While
filled up with goods the proportion of the volume or weight of the outside to the
volume or weight of the inside is reduced to a minimum. But when empty not
only the total dead weight of the baskets or trunks has to be carried to the places
whence they came without any useful result but also the volume of the receptacle
is so large that according to the gauge of the railway lines they are intended
to run on, only a very small number of these empty baskets or trunks can be loaded.
on cars.
Therefore if it were possible to reduce the volume of the said baskets or trunks
while they are empty the smaller the size to which they can be reduced the larger
will be the number of them that can be loaded on cars and the proportion of the
dead weight to the useful weight will be greatly reduced.
For instance if one basket with rigid sides had a volume of 4, but a volume
of only when reduced, the volume of 4 reduced baskets could be loaded in
place of one rigid one only. With this object in view, we have invented a
device to obtain the smallest possible volume after the baskets, boxes or trunks
have been emptied.

page_text: the trunk. This front face and its parallel. back face are folded up in two parts
through lines P. Q. One half panel G being folded on H lies on the bottom face
of the trunk. The bottom may be surrounded on all its sides by a kind of frame
or edge the height of which is calculated so as to hold all the other faces or
some of them only:
1st. The front and back faces which fold up in two or more parts,
2nd. The lateral faces F¹ F" which may also fold up in two or more parts
or not,
3rd. The cover, the surface of which may be on the same level as the top of the
frame.
B is the cover, having or not a frame or edge A like the frame I.
C are longitudinal sides, articulated or not, by hinges or any other equivalent
device.
DE are special separations which can be used or not and may be made of boards,
net, linen, cloth, wire, &c. attached to sides F¹ F".
the sides or ends articulated by hinges or other equivalent device, and
which can be brought down either folded up, or not upon the bottom I.
GH the two parts of the front.
Figure 3 shews the movements of the sides and cover of the trunk during the
operation of folding. The dotted lines shew the longitudinal faces brought down
upon the bottom.
Figure 4 is the trunk entirely opened out or expanded for use.
In Figure 5 the dotted lines shew the movements of the panels F F while
being brought down upon the bottom.
Fionre 6 shows the trunk ontirolu olaced to its smallest valuma
Besides the arrangement described for folding up trunks and which can also be
applied to the folding up of baskets we have specially devised modified arrange-
iments for baskets & c. as follows:-
:-
Model In Figure 7-the six sides of the baskets are shewn entirely
developed. The sides C' C" are brought down at the right and left upon the
bottom D.
B is a kind of edge or border of a convenient size and perpendicular to D, which
allows according to its thickness the longitudinal panel A to be brought down upon
the panels C¹ Calready folded on the bottom D.
The longitudinal panel E is then brought down on the bottom face of the bottom D
and finally the cover F is folded on panel E.
Figure 8 is a diagram of the basket reduced to its smallest volume.
Figure 9 is an end view and Figure 10 and 10 front and back views of the
basket entirely opened out.
Figure 10 specially shews the longitudinal panel E immediately articulated to
the bottom D on which the cover F is brought down.
To set the basket up again first develop it completely, set up the panel A then
the sides C¹C" perpendicularly on the bottom D, then the side E is placed
vertically and finally the cover F is brought upon the four vertical sides.
Model II-In Figure 11, the six sides of the basket are shewn entirely
developed.
The panels B B are folded down right and left upon bottom A.
The panel C is folded on the bottom A then D on C and last the cover E on D.
Figure 12 is a diagram of the basket reduced to its smallest volume.
Figure 13 is a side view and Figure 14 a front or back view of the basket.
To open the basket out, first develop it entirely, then bring up the panels B' B
and A perpendicularly to the bottom C. The longitudinal panel D takes naturally
its proper place and the cover is finally placed upon the four vertical sides.
Model III.-Figure 15, shews the six sides of the baskets entirely developed.

page_text: as to allow the panels A' C to slip diagonally on B and A".
During this operation the body of the basket, that is to say, the panels A¹ BCA"
leave their rectangular form and take that of a lozenge the angles of which become
more and more acute until the panels A and C and B and A" come close one
against each other.
The panel D is the bottom and the panel E the cover of the basket.
When the panels A and C are close to the panels B and A" the bottom D
is brought against the longitudinal side C and the cover E against the panel B.
Figure 16 is a diagram of the basket reduced to its smallest size.
Figure 17 is a side view and Figure 18 a front and back view of the basket
opened out.
Model IV. Figures 24 and 25, shew the basket entirely open with its eight faces
developed.
The six central panels though connected together so as to form one body are
nevertheless articulated at each of their angles and in the middle of the lateral
sides 1, 2, 3, 4.
As shewn in the drawing the basket is folded up by pressing at once the middle
of both lateral sides 1, 2, 3, 4.
While the angles become more and more acute the panels B and C approach
gradually. The panel D which is the bottom is then folded against the face C and
the panel A or cover against the face B.
Figure 26 is a diagram of the basket reduced to its smallest size.
Figure 28 is a side view and Figure 27 a front or back view of the basket
entirely opened out.
The basket is rapidly opened out by moving the faces B and C from one
another, then fixing the bottom D underneath and the cover A upon the vertical
frame.
Model V. In Figure 29 the six sides of the basket are shewn entirely
developed.
The characteristic of this model consists of a frame surrounding on all sides
the bottom A on which it is firmly attached or rendered moveable if required. The
height of the frame is calculated so as to hold all the other panels or some of them
only. The panel C is brought down on the bottom A. The panel B upon the
panel C or also on the bottom A. (according to the height of the basket). Then
D is placed above the panel B and E on the panel D.
Finally the cover F is placed above the whole.
Figure 31 is a lateral and Figure 32 a longitudinal section shewing the relative
positions of the lateral or longitudinal panels and the bottom A with its frame.
Figure 30 is a diagram of the basket reduced to its smallest size.
Figure 33 is a side view and Figure 34 a front or back view of the basket
built up.
To build or open the basket up, the panel E with the cover F attached to it and
the panel Dare set vertically, then the panel B is brought up and fixed on both
sides to the panels D and E. By suitable attachments, the same operation is then
performed with the panel A and finally the cover F is placed upon the whole
vertical frame.
In all the models herein before described for trunks boxes, baskets, &c., the
articulations may be made in any suitable manner, such as ties made of strings,
cords, thread, osier, rush, or leather, wires of steel, iron, copper or of any
other suitable metal, through holes made in convenient places lined or not with
a suitable protector made of a metal or of any other system, or by ordinary
hinges.
They can be fitted laterally or outside with convenient attachments such as
cords, wires, leather straps, &c. to bind together when unfolded the different parts
of the basket placed one upon the others.
Among many other means to obtain the connection of the panels such as

page_text: common hinges, ordinary ties, leather straps, rings, wire &c., we have found in
practice a very simple, and cheap attachment which may be used to add to the
rigidity of the panels in the manner shewn in Figures 19, 20, 21, 22, 23.
The button 23 which can revolve freely is passed through openings Figure 19
or 20 and being turned perpendicularly effects by its friction on the plate a of the
hinge (Figure 20) a perfect attachment or adhesion.
One or more of these buttons Figure 23 may be used singly, or several of them
(one at the top, one at the bottom and one or more between these two).
Plates Figures 21 and 22 are used to fix plates Figures 20 and 19 respectively
against the panels of the basket to which they are attached with wire, thread, or
cord or are bolted together with bolts or rivets passing through the panels.
The rigidity of the panels in baskets or trunks of large sizes may be obtained by
various means, for instance a combination of vertical and horizontal flat metallic
bars; or metallic bars placed diagonally from one angle to the opposite diagonal
angle of the panels; or single squares as shewn Figure 35 drawn in dotted lines;
or by any other convenient disposition.
These consolidating bars may have the attachments shewn in Figures 19 to 23,
or any other suitable attachment or not.
Dated this 1st day of July 1802
EDWARDS & Co.,
35, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicants.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Folding Baskets, Boxes, and Trunks.
W C, EDOUARD GUITARD, of 16, Rue Grange Bateliere, and PAUL MAURON,
of 20, Rue de la Clef, Paris, in the Republic of France, Manufacturers, 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, that is to say:-
In the drawings which are in illustration of this invention, and which were filed
with our Provisional Specification
Figure 1 is the general view of a trunk the front of which is opened showing the
inside of the trunk,
Figure 2 shews the cover of the trunk slightly lifted up,
Figure 3 shews a transverse section of the trunk during the operation of
folding it,
Figure 4 is a general view of a trunk entirely opened out for use;
Figure 5 is a view of the bottom of the trunk on which the lateral sides are
brought down. The dotted lines shew the movements of these sides during that
operation.
Figure 6 is a view of the trunk entirely closed to its smaller size.
Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,
32, 33 and 34, are analogous general and detailed views of various models of
baskets opened out and folded up.
Figures 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 35 are views and details of attachments used for
holding together the various sides of trunks, boxes, baskets, &c. and giving them
the necessary rigidity.
Figures 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40 which accompany this Complete Specification
shows a slightly modified form of construction.
Before describing the special construction of operating devices embodying the
invention, we will refer to the principles by which we have been guided in working
it out.
It is well known that an immense trade is carried on from large cities to the
interior of countries or from towns to towns, villages to villages, or towns to
villages, for the carriage of various goods packed up in boxes, trunks, baskets &c.

page_text: DC 13444
on cars.
Therefore if it were possible to reduce the volume of the said baskets or trunks
while they are empty, the smaller the size to which they can be reduced the larger
will be the number of them that can be loaded on cars and the proportion of the
dead weight to the useful weight will be greatly reduced.
For instance if one basket with rigid sides had a volume of 4, and a volume of
only when reduced, the volume of 4 reduced baskets could be loaded in place of
one rigid one only. With this object in view, we have invented a device to
obtain the smallest possible volume after the baskets, boxes or trunks have been
emptied.
TRUNKS.
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, shew the disposition used for obtaining the smallest
possible volume of trunks, boxes, &c. the said objects having inside separations
or not.
Figure shews the front panel folded down and open, so as to shew the inside
of the trunk. This front face and its parallel back face are folded up in two parts
through lines P. Q. One half panel Ġ being folded on II lies on the bottom face
of the trunk. The bottom may be surrounded on all its sides by a kind of frame or
edge I the height of which is calculated so as to hold all the other faces or some
of them only:
1st. The front and back faces which fold up in two or more parts,
2nd. The lateral faces FF" which may also fold up in two or more parts or not,
3rd. The cover, the surface of which may be on the same level as the top of the
frame.
B is the cover, having or not a frame or edge A like the frame I.
C are longitudinal sides, articulated or not, by hinges or any other equivalent
device.
DE are special separations which can be used or not and may be made of boards,
net, linen, cloth, wire, &c. attached to sides F¹ F".
FF" the sides or ends articulated by hinges or other equivalent device, and
which can be brought down either folded up, or not upon the bottom I.
G. H. the two parts of the front.
-
Figure 3 shew's the movements of the sides and cover of the trunk during the
operation of folding. The dotted lines shew the longitudinal faces brought down
upon the bottom.
Figure 4 is the trunk entirely opened out or expanded for use.
In Figure 5 the dotted lines shew the movements of the panels F¹ F" while
being brought down upon the bottom.
Figure 6 shews the trunk entirely closed to its smallest volume.
Besides the arrangement described for folding up trunks and which can also be
applied to the folding up of baskets we have especially devised modified arrange-
ments for baskets &c. as follows:-
Model I.--In Figure 7-the six sides of the baskets are shewn entirely
developed. The sides C' C" are brouglit. down at the right and left upon the
bottom D.
B is a kind of edge or border of a convenient size and perpendicular to D which
allows according to its thickness the longitudinal panel A to be brought down upon
the panels C C already folded on the bottom D.

page_text: The longitudinal panel E is then brought down on the bottom face of the
bottom D and finally the cover F is folded on panel E.
Figure 8 is a diagram of the basket reduced to its smallest volume.
Figure is an end view and Figures 10 and 104 front and back views of the
basket entirely opened out.
Figure 10 specially shews the longitudinal panel immediately articulated to the
bottom on which the cover F is brought down.
To set the basket up again first develop it completely, set up the panel A then
the sides CC perpendicularly on the bottom D, then the side E is placed
vertically and finally the cover F is brought upon the four vertical sides.
Model II. In Figure 11, the six sides of the basket are shewn entirely developed.
The panels B B are folded down right and left upon the bottom Á.
The panel C is folded on the bottom A then D on C and last the cover E on D.
Figure 12 is a diagram of the basket reduced to its smallest volume.
Figure 13 is a side view and Figure 14 a front or back view of the basket.
To open the basket out, first develop it entirely, then bring up the panels B¹ B
and A perpendicularly to the bottom C. The longitudinal panel D takes naturally
its proper place and the cover is finally placed upon the four vertical sides.
Model III. Figure 15, shews the six sides of the baskets entirely developed.
The panels A B C A" though attached together are nevertheless so articulated
as to allow the panels A' C to slip diagonally on B and A".
During this operation the body of the basket, that is to say, the panels A' B
CA" leave their rectangular form and take that of a lozenge the angles of which
become more and more acute until the panels A and C and B and A" come
close one against each other.
The panel D is the bottom and the panel E the cover of the basket.
When the panels A and C are close to the panels B and A the bottom D is
brought against the longitudinal side C and the cover E against the panel B.
Figure 16 is a diagram of the basket reduced to its smallest size.
Figure 17 is a side view and Figure 18 a front and back view of the basket
opened out.
Model IV. Figures 24 and 25, shew the basket entirely open with its eight.
faces developed.
The six central panels though connected together so as to form one body are
nevertheless articulated at each of their angles and in the middle of the lateral
sides 1, 2, 3, 4.
As shewn in the drawing the basket is folded up by pressing at once the middle
of both lateral sides 1, 2, 3, 4.
While the angles become more and more acute the panels B and C approach
gradually. The panel D which is the bottom is then folded against the face C and
the panel A. or cover against the face B.
Figure 26 is a diagram of the basket reduced to its smallest size.
Figure 28 is a side view and Figure 27 a front or back view of the basket
entirely opened out.
The basket is rapidly opened out by moving the faces B and C from one another,
then fixing the bottom D underneath and the cover A. upon the vertical frame.
Model V. In Figure 29 the six sides of the basket are shewn entirely developed.
The characteristic of this model consists of a frame surrounding on all sides the
bottom A on which it is firmly attached or rendered moveable if required. The
height of the frame is calculated so as to hold all the other panels or some of them
only. The panel C is brought down on the bottom A. The panel B upon the
panel C or also on the bottom A (according to the height of the basket). Then
D is placed above the panel B and E on the panel D.
Finally the cover F is placed above the whole.
Figure 31 is a lateral and Figure 32 a longitudinal section shewing the relative
positions of the lateral or longitudinal panels and the bottom A with its frame.
Figure 30 is a diagram of the basket reduced to its smallest size,

page_text: FIT IS A SE View and Figure 34 a ITONG ICW UT TRICK VICW UL
built
up.
ՆԱ
To build or open the basket up, the panel E with the cover F attached to it and
the panel D are set vertically then the panel B is brought up and fixed on both
sides to the panels D and E. By suitable attachments, the same operation is then
performed with the panel A and finally the cover F is placed upon the whole
vertical frame.
In all the models herein before described for trunks, boxes, baskets, &c., the
articulations may be made in any suitable manner, such as tics made of strings,
cords, thread, osier, rush, or leather, wires of steel, iron, copper, or of any other
suitable metal, through holes made in convenient places lined or not with a suitable
protector made of a metal or of any other system, or by ordinary hinges.
They can be fitted laterally or outside with convenient attachments such as
cords, wires, leather straps, &c. to bind together when unfolded the different parts
of the basket placed one upon the others.
Among many other means to obtain the connection of the panels such as common
hinges, ordinary ties, leather straps, rings, wire, &c., we have found in practice a
very simple, and cheap attachment which may be used to add to the rigidity of
the panels in the manner shewn in Figures 19, 20, 21, 22, 23.
The button Figure 23 which can revolve freely is passed through openings
(Figures 19 and 20) and being then turned at right angles effects by its pressure on
the plate a a perfectly safe attachment or adhesion.
One or more of these buttons Figure 23 may be used singly, or several of them
(one at the top, one at the bottom and one or more between these two).
Plates Figures 21 and 22 are used to fix plates Figures 20 and 19 respectively
against the panels of the basket to which they are attached with wire, thread, or
cord or are bolted together with bolts or rivets passing through the panels.
The rigidity of the panels in baskets or trunks of large sizes may be obtained by
various means, for instance a combination of vertical and horizontal flat metallic
bars or metallic bars placed diagonally from one angle to the opposite diagonal
angle of the panels; or single squares as shewn in Figure 35 drawn in dotted
lines; or by any other convenient disposition.
These consolidating bars may have the form of attachments shewn in Figures 19
to 23, or any other suitable attachment or not.
Figures 36, 37, 38, 39 & 40, in which, when the length of the basket does not
allow the side panels A' A" (Figure 36) to be both folded at once on the bottom B
so as to cover it without overlapping each other, we use a roller, edge, or border
made of a suitable material, the size of which allows the panel A" to be brought
on panel A' (Fig. 39) when the latter has been previously folded on bottom D.
Figure 36 represents the basket entirely developed and trimmed with straps and
buckles which assure its rigidity and solidity.
When the basket is opened and the straps 3 and 4 of panel A' are conducted
through sliding loops 31 and 4' formed in the material of the panel C and are
introduced afterwards through the sliding loops 3 and 4 of the same panel.
These straps are then fastened to buckles P. S. the straps 1 and 2 of panel A" are
similarly arranged and passing through 21 and 1' and across the sliding loops 211
and are finally fastened to buckles O and R respectively.
The straps 7 and 8 of panel A' are guided through the sliding loops 8' and 71
of panel D, then through the openings 81 and 7 and are finally fastened to
buckles U and X.
Similarly the straps 5 and 6 of panel A" are guided through the sliding loops 6¹
and 5 and then introduced into openings 611 and 5" and are finally fastened to
buckles T. V. respectively.
Figure 37 shews the strap fastening the cover of the basket. This strap has
two eyelets Y and Z cut in it, through which a cord, a string or a wire covering
transversely the loop through which the strap slides is passed, the ends of which
being tied are sealed on the knot by lead or wax.

page_text: Figure 38 is a lateral view of the strap. The wire cord or string is conducted
through eyelet Y and eyelet Z then tied and sealed.
Figure 39 is a diagram of the basket reduced to its smallest size.
Figure 40 is a front view of a basket to which the application of the novel
system of securing the inside of the basket has been added.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is
The combinations of panels articulated together at their angles or at one or more
places according to the size of the said panels, these combinations being for trunks,
boxes, baskets, and the like.
1st. So that the longitudinal and lateral faces may be folded one upon the other
and then brought down on the bottom, having or not a frame or edge of a suitable
size, the cover being brought finally upon the whole, substantially as described
(Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive).
2nd. The lateral faces brought one on the bottom from the right to the left, the
second on the bottom or on the preceding panel from the left to the right; one
longitudinal face articulated on an edge or border of a convenient size, on these
two lateral panels, while the other longitudinal face is brought under the bottom
face of the bottom and the cover finally upon this last longitudinal face, substan-
tially as set forth (Figures 7 to 10 inclusive).
3rd. The lateral faces brought right and left on the bottom and the longitudinal
ones folded one upon the other so that the cover will occupy the lowest position,
substantially as described (Figures 11 to 14 inclusive).
4th. The lateral and longitudinal panels attached together by any suitable
means so that they are able to move one on the other diagonally, the bottom being
brought upon one set of longitudinal and lateral panels and the cover on the other
side upon the other set of longitudinal and lateral panels, substantially as specified
(Figures 15 to 18 inclusive).
5th. The lateral and longitudinal panels attached together by any suitable means
the former being articulated vertically at the middle of their surface, these panels
being first folded one on one side, and the other on the other side, both longitudinal
faces coming in contact on each side of such lateral panels and the bottom being
brought on one longitudinal panel on one side and the cover on the other longitudinal
face on the other side, substantially as set forth (Figures 24 to 28 inclusive).
6th. The lateral panels, one being brought on the bottom provided with a
surrounding frame or edge of convenient size the other on this first lateral panel,
one longitudinal panel being brought on this last lateral one, the second longitudinal
panel upon the first longitudinal one and finally the cover upon the whole, substan-
tially as set forth (Figures 29 to 33 inclusive).
7th. The novel method of making folding baskets of any size by the use of an
edge, border or roller of a convenient size placed at the junction of one lateral
panel with the bottom, allowing the said panel to be brought upon the other
parallel panel when the latter is already folded on the bottom, the said basket
being opened out and kept rigid by the use of straps, and buckles conveniently
arranged and independent of each other, the outer straps and buckles being so
disposed as to allow these to pass through convenient eyelets a string, cord or
wire the two ends of which are tied and sealed, substantially as set forth and
illustrated.
1
EDWARDS & Co.,
35, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicants.