Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Nov., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 25th Jan., 1897-Accepted, 27th Mar., 1897
I JOSEPH WILLIAM WADKIN of 59 Durham Road Plumstead in the County
of Kent, Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
The object of my invention is to introduce an automatic or self acting catch or
fastening for cupboard doors house doors, cabinets, show cases and similar purposes,
instead of buttons, latches, and locks so that nothing but the knob or handle is.
visible at the front.
It consists of a flat spring of steel or other suitable metal or of round wire bent
or stamped in such a form as to snap onto or into a bracket or sunk plate. The
spring is fixed to or enclosed in a plate or bux attached either to the side, top or
bottom, or underside of shelf or most convenient position (out of sight) according
to circumstances. The notched bracket or plate is attached to the inside of the
door or moving part to correspond with the spring so that when the door or moving
part is closed, forced or slammed to, the spring snaps into the notch or projection
as the case may be, and holds it until sufficient force is exerted on the handle to
pull the door open.
The strength of the spring is made to suit requirements and is proportioned to
the weight of the door and other circumstances.
In addition to the application of this catch to cuphoards and cabinetwork where
neatness is of the highest importance it is also suitable for house doors and cupboards
owing to its simplicity, convenience and cheapness.
I sometimes combine my catch with a lock so that the bolt will secure the
catch.
Dated this 7th day of November 1906
W. HUDSON,
Agent for the Applicant.
I JOSEPH WILLIAM WADKIN of 59 Durham Road Plumstead in the County
of Kent, 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 :-
My invention relates to fastenings for cupboard doors, house doors, cabinets,
show cases, and other purposes and consists of an automatic, or self acting spring
catch, which dispenses with buttons, bolts, and latches. The knob or handle in this
case is fixed and does not turn therefore only requires a pull to open, and a push
to close the door, or flap as the case may be.

page_text: The spring I make of hammered brass, steel, or other suitable material, bent or
stamped to the required shape, so as to snap over or into a bracket bolt or plate
fixed to the swinging part. The spring being fixed to the inside of the cupboard
or jamb of house door.
The spring can be fixed to either the top bottom sides or shelf of a cupboard to
suit convenience and circumstances.
When closing the door or flap the bracket or plate or bolt snaps over or past the
end of the spring and in opening the door or flap by pulling the handle and over-
coming the pressure of the spring the door is released. The strength of the spring
is proportioned to the weight of the door and other conditions.
In the case of the house door (see Fig. 7 and 8) the spring catch is fixed in a
box let into the jamb of the frame and the bolt then is fixed in the door or attached
to a plate screwed to the door. My catch may be secured either by a sliding bolt
or clip or by a lock in various ways.
In the accompanying drawing like letters denote like parts.
Fig. 1 shews a single door catch fixed to the underside of the shelf.
Fig. 2 is another view of the same.
Fig. 3 shews a single door catch fixed to the side.
Fig. 4 shews catches for double doors.
Fig. 5 shews a single door catch combined with a lock.
Fig. 6 shews double door catches combined with a lock.
Fig. 7 shews a catch box combined with a snap for securing house doors.
Fig. 8 shews the same as fitted to a house door.
A is the spring B is the bracket or plate C is the plate for holding catch or
catches D is the door E is the cupboard or jamb F is the shelf G is the
lock H is the bolt of the lock I is the knob or handle.
Fig. 7 and 8. The action is similar to the other examples. A' is the spring.
B is the latch taking the place of the bracket and is screwed into or fixed to the
door, and raises the spring as it snaps passed then falling in behind. C is the box
holding spring with or without the bolt or catch H' as shewn the bolt has a notch
so that when pushed down over the latch B' it secures the door D'. E' is the door
jamb. I' is the fixed handle on the door.
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 1
claim is
1. The spring catch applied in various forms substantially as described and set
forth.
2. The spring catch combined with a lock or bolt slide for securing same
substantially as described and set forth.
W. HUDSON,
Agent for Applicant.