Improvements relating, to Seal Fastenings for Use. with Portmanteaus, Boxes, Bags, and the like.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Sept., 1895-Accepted, 2nd Nov., 1895
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating, to Seal Fastenings for Use. with
Portmanteaus, Boxes, Bags, and the like.
I, HERBERT BUCKLEY of Harrop Green, Diggle, near Oldham, Book-keeper,
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:-
This invention relates to a device to be employed in connection with
portmanteaus, boxes mail and other bags, and the like, by means of which an
indication, will be given should the articles have been in any way. tampered
with, the device at the same time serving as a direction plate.
In carrying out my invention, I employ a rectangular or other shaped plate,
which may be formed from two thicknesses of metal, having a central slot. The
upper surface of this plate is cut away so as to form a hollow depression of any
suitable shape on one or both sides of the slot. A convenient form for this
depression is that of a double diamond, but any other form may be employed.
In connection with this plate I employ a small metal tongue, the lower portion
of which is similar in form and size to the depression. The remainder of this
tongue consists of a strip adapted to pass through the slot so that when the tongue
is secured, the lower end will rest in the depression being flush with the surface of
the plate. When in this position the direction label is fixed on top. The
tongue may be secured to the lid of the portmanteau, box or like article, and the
direction plate to the body of the box.
The tongue is suspended from the end of a chain, strap or the like, and on any
attempt being made to open the box, the tongue will tear the direction label, thus
giving indication that the article has been tampered with.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, reference is had to
the accompanying sheet of drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a front view of the
complete device, Fig. 2 is a similar view with the tongue removed, and Figs. 3
and 4 are respectively front and side elevations of the tongue detached from the
plate.
A is the plate which may be made of any suitable metal, such as brass, tin, or
the like, having the vertical slot a. The depression a' shown in the drawings is
of double diamond form, and receives the lower portion of the tongue B, which is
formed accordingly. As shown in Fig. 4 the upper portion of the neck of the
tongue is bent down slightly so as to pass behind the plate. The lower portion of
the tongue is flush with the upper surface of the plate. To secure the tongue in
position it is turned edgeways, and the lower part thrust through the slot, which
thus allows it to be turned over in the position shown.
As applied to mail bags, a small chain of just sufficient length to go tightly
round the neck of the bag would be employed, having the tongue secured at one
end, and the direction plate at the other. When the bag is full, the tongue is
brought round to meet the plate, and is secured as above described, the office
stamp being placed upon the label. The device will thus serve as a substitute for
the ordinary seal.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is.-
(1.) An improved direction plate and detector, consisting of a slotted plate with

page_text: a depression at the front, and a tongue adapted to pass through the slot and fit
into the depression, the whole being covered by the direction label, substantially as
described and for the purposes specified...
(2.) An improved direction plate and detector, consisting of a plate with a slot
at the centre, and a depression at the side of the slot, and a tongue adapted to pass
through the slot and fit in the depression, being then covered by the direction
label, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
(3.) The improved combined direction plate and detector, constructed and
operating substantially as described and shown in the accompanying drawings, and
for the purposes specified.
Dated this 20th day of September 1895.
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicant.