CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN BELT FASTENINGS, AND WHICH SAID IMPROVE-- MENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE AS A CONNECTOR FOR BRACE FRONTS, GARTERS, AND. OTHER ARTICLES OF DRESS
Year: 1860

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Calley Lingham and Joseph Nicklin, trading
under the Style or Firm of Charles Rowley and Company, Button and
Clasp Manufacturers and General Stampers and Piercers, of Newhall
Street, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, for the Invention of
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN BELT FASTENINGS, AND WHICH SAID IMPROVE--
MENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE AS A CONNECTOR FOR BRACE FRONTS, GARTERS, AND.
OTHER ARTICLES OF DRESS."
Sealed the 31st May 1861, and dated the 5th December 1860.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Calley Lingham:
and Joseph Nicklin at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with
their Petition, on the 5th December 1860.
We, GEORGE CALLEY LINGHAM and JOSEPH NICKLIN, trading under the
Style or Firm of Charles Rowley and Company, Button and Clasp Manu-
facturers and General Stampers and Piercers, of Newhall Street, Birmingham,.
in the County of Warwick, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention.
for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN BELT FASTENINGS, AND WHICH BAID IMPROVEMENTS
ARE ALSO APPLICABLE AS A CONNECTOR FOR BRACE FRONTS, GARTERS, AND OTHER
ARTICLES OF DRESS," to be as follows (that is to say) :-
Our Invention, say, as applied to clasps, whether used för connecting waist-
bands or belts, garters, or other fastenings, consists in fixing a moveable bar

page_text: on the one part, which passing through a slot in the other, and reversing the
bar, forms a simple and efficient connector or clasp. And in connection with
this mode of constructing clasps we apply a hook which moves on an axis
or pin, but when the bar before referred to (that locks or holds the parts
together) is placed in a vertical position, or at right angles with the slot, the
end of the bar presses on the top part of the hook, and fixes it so that when
the clasp is united; the hook is in position, so as to hold down the band at the
termination of the stomacher of the dress, but when required for boys, or
children's wear. the hook may not be required.";
This mode of connecting clasps is also applicable in connection with a slide
or buckle for the fronts of braces.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said George Calley Lingham and Joseph Nicklin in the Great
Seal Patent Office.on the 5th June 1861.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, GEORGE
CALLEY LINGHAM, and JOSEPH NICKLIN, trading: under the Style or Firm of
Charles Rowley and Company, Button and Clasp Manufacturers and General
Stampers and Piercers, of Newhall Street, Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fifth day of December, in the year of our Lord One,
thousand eight hundred and sixty, in the twenty-fourth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us,
the said George Calley Lingham and Joseph Nicklin, Her special licence
that we, the said George Calley Lingham and Joseph Nicklin, our executors,.
administrators, and assigns, or such others as we, the 'said George Calley
Lingham and Joseph Nicklin; our executors; administrators; and, assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at
all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully.
might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and. Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention
for CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN BELT FASTENINGS AND WHICH SAID. IMPROVEMENTS
ARE ALSO APPLICABLE AS A CONNECTOR FOR BRACE FRONTS, GARTERS, AND OTHER
ARTICLES OF DRESS," upon the condition. (amongst others) that we, the said
George Calley Lingham and Joseph Nicklin, by an instrument in writing under
our bands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature.

page_text: :
of the said Invention, and in what manner. the same was to be per
formed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said George Calley "Lingham, do hereby
declare the nature of our said 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) -
Our improvements in belt and other clasps, and its application to brace
buckles or connectors and other articles of dress, consist in applying a move!
able bar on the one part which passes through a corresponding slot or opening
in the other, and by reversing the bar forms a simple and an efficient
connector, admitting of much diversification of design, according to the
use for which such clasps or connectors may be required. And in connection
with this mode of construction, when such clasp is required for ladies' belt
clasps, we purpose in some cases applying a hook which moves on an axis or
pin that when the bar before referred to, for locking or holding the parts
together, is placed in a vertical or suitable position (at any angle transversely
with the slot through which it is passed), the lower end of the said bar will be
brought in contact with the outside top end of the said lever hook, so as to
fix it in position, that when the clasp is united the hook is also secured, and
thereby rendered suitable for holding down the clasp and band in connection
with it, in a curved or angular position, to the termination of the stomacher of
the dress of the wearer, but when required for boys' or children's wear, the
said hook may be dispensed with.
:
But as our Invention will be best understood by referring to the Drawings
hereunto annexed, I will proceed to describe the same, reference being made
to the various figures and letters marked thereon.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
.:
J
:
Fig. 1 represents the two parts of a clasp locked or united together, that
may by varying its size be used either for connecting belts, garters, or other
purposes, and altered in design or outline as required.
The vertical bar A' works on a centre pin or axis secured to a back plate,
and which plate is connected with the loop B, while the loop C is connected
with the general front or body of the clasp marked D, D, through the middle
of which a parallel or horizontal slot or opening is cut, through which a raised
bed marked E, E, protrudes somewhat corresponding with the bar A, and
which raised part is formed on the plate to which the bar. A is attached, and

page_text: as the slot or opening corresponds in size and form with the vertical bar A,
the bar A has only to be turned a quarter turn in either direction, when it.
will stand over the slot or bed marked D, as represented at Fig. 2, and which
position permits the parts forming the clasp to be separated, and which
separated parts are represented detached at. Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 5 is an
edge view of Figure 4; the raised part shown in the flat at Figure 1,
marked E, E, is here represented with the same letter, with the bar A standing
in the same direction, the raised part E, being the counterpart of the slot
marked F, in Figure 3, prevents any lateral shaking action; when the parts of
the clasp are united; and before passing to the description of the next Figure,
I will observe that in some cases the bar A may be made of hardened steel
with a slightly raised circular or other shaped projection at one or both ends,
as here represented marked s, s, and that part of the back plate filling up the
opening marked E, E, in Figure 1 may also be treated in a similar way also
as here shown. The object of this contrivance is that as the bar A is turned
around into a vertical position, its elastic nature will permit it to rise over the
projections r, r, until it arrives in its desired position, when it will snap down
by the elastic force of the spring, and the projections r, r, will fill up the cavity
formed beneath the projections marked s, s, and hold the bar in position when
out of use; and the projections t, t, on the face of the clasp will have the same
effect, when the bar is in a vertical direction or position for holding the parts
together. Fig. 6 represents a clasp similarly constructed, but of a different
design; a leaf partly eaten away by a caterpillar represents the front or main
portion of the clasp which part is also represented separate at Fig. 7; on the
side of the leaf a wire loop is applied by soldering or otherwise as at G for
attaching the material of the band partly shown at H, Fig 6, and the stem of
the leaf may terminate with a hook bent inward for holding down the band
and clasp or otherwise, as preferred. The caterpillar may be raised from sheet
metal, cast or otherwise formed with a pin in the middle of its lower side for
securing it to the back plate, and which pin also forms an axis to permit the
caterpillar to be turned in any direction; the back plate and caterpillar are
represented detached at Fig. 8, and on which plate a loop is formed as at I, I, for
receiving the ribbon or other material of the band, also marked H, in Figure 6,
by passing the leaf, Figure 7, over the plate, Figure 8, the caterpillar will come
through the opening marked a, and permit its being turned in the position
shewn in Figure 6, a small fly being represented on the leaf to form a projection
and stop to indicate that the connection of the parts is complete. Figs. 9 and
10 are simply end views of Figures 7 and 8; Figs. 11 and 12 represent the two
parts of a belt clasp designed as suitable for boys, the means of uniting being

page_text: identically the same as described and exhibited at Figures 1 and 6. On the
front of the back plate J, J, a target and rifle are represented, stamped or
raised from one piece, or the rifle may be otherwise formed and soldered or
secured to the target, the target being united to the back plate by a centre
pin or axis, so that the target may revolve. On the front of the clasp or part
marked K, K, a corresponding slot or opening with the target and gun. last
described is formed, and by moving the target and gun around, so that the gun
is in a vertical position, it will permit of the same passing through the said
opening or slot marked b, b, when the target and gun may be turned around
in the direction shown in Figure 12, and the fastening will be complete, the
cartridge box mark c forming a stop to' indicate when the fastening is
complete. The part of the plate Figure 12, marked d, d, is slightly raised to
fill up the void of its counterpart in Figure 11, and to prevent the parts shaking
or moving when united. It is not essential that the slot in the one part or the
locking principle in the other should work perfectly central, as will be seen
by referring to Figure 13, which represents the parts of a clasp as secured
together. The cannon forms a vertical bar, and works on an axis at its top end,
marked e, and in the front plate a corresponding hole is pierced out that
allows the cannon to be moved into the radial direction of the slot or opening,
when the part L, with the back plate and bar or canuon, may be removed from
the front marked M, M, and to which the loop N is attached, but before this
can be done the hook in connection with the chain must be removed from the
eye attached to the carriages of the cannon, and by moving the cannon to the
right over the part marked f, the parts may be separated. The cannon working
on an axis at the top has a natural tendency to hang pendant, and which is
further assisted by the weight of the chain, but to prevent any undue outward
strain on the bar or cannon, a part of the metal forming the front ornament,
marked 9, is bent up over the end of the bar or gun carriage for the better
securing it in its fixed position, and the raised portion of the metal representing
cannon balls forms a stop to prevent the cannon being pulled too far to the
left and from under the metal clip or support g; the part marked f, f, forms
part of the under plate, as represented in the detached view, Fig. 14, marked
with the same letter, and is slightly raised from the other portion or part
marked h, h, h, in order that it may fill up the counterpart removed from the
front plate, and forms a level and uniform groundwork with the design. Fig.
15 is a vertical section of Figure 14 taken through the dotted line j, j, showing
the cannon working on the axis e, e, also the eye K for receiving the hook of the
chain, as also the book or clip g, that assists in holding the bar or gun carriage
in position, and although I use the term cannon and cannon balls, I do not

page_text: describe it in the character of a design, but simply as means of giving effect
to our Invention, by a slot or opening being formed in one part, and a bar of
any device or design corresponding with the outline of the said slot, that in
locking or uniting the parts together the bar has to be passed through the
opening and sufficiently moved to the right or left, when the parts forming
the clasp or connection will be secured. Nor are we compelled to apply the
slot or opening to the front part of our improved clasp or connectors, as a bar
may be placed on the inside of the front plate of the clasp and secured to and
actuated by a centre ornament placed on the front, and a corresponding slot
to the bar before described being formed in the under plate, the two parts
may.
be placed together, and the bar turned by means of the centre ornament
at right angles with the slot, and thereby securing the parts together, which
means of construction is exhibited in a complete front view at Fig. 16, and
detached views at Figs. 17 and 18; to the inner end of the axis of the centre
ornament. p, an oblong bar is secured by rivetting or otherwise, and which
bar when in a vertical position; in the act of fastening, passes through the
slot'm, and by turning the centre ornament in the direction of the arrow, the
fastening will be complete, and in this position the bar is shown partly in dotted
lines at Figure 18, the face of the back plate being indented at n, n, to form
stops, that the bar may not be overturned either in the operation of fastening
or unfastening. Fig, 19 simply represents a side view of the ornament p
with its shank or axis and the vertical bar attached to it, with a washer
marked u, to compensate for the thickness of the metal of the back plate, and
which washer is shown at Figure 18, with the axis in section concentric with
it. Fig. 20 represents a front view of the parts of a clasp in connection; the
vertical bar vis attached to the metal portion marked w, and which part is
connected to the loop Q, and is shown in a distinct separate view at Fig. 21;
the part R, R, is connected with the loop S, and is exhibited in a detached view
at Fig. 22, the mode of fastening or uniting these parts being identical with the
preceding Figures, the bar v passing through the slot or opening x, x, and
turned in a vertical direction effects this object. T is a hook working on an axis
in the direction of the dotted line y, y; this hook is operated on by a small thin
spring placed at the lower end of the back of the part R, and exerts its force so as
to compress the front top end of the hook, as seen at Figures 20 and 22, down
on the front of the clasp in such a way that when the bar vis in position, as at
Figure 20, a small projecting pin on the inside of the top end of the book shall
drop into the corresponding cavity in the bar, and prevent the bar voluntarily
moving from its position. Fig. 23 is a vertical. section of Figure 22; taken
through the dotted line 2,z, and in this view the spring that acts on the hook

page_text: is exhibited marked a', but which spring may be dispensed with for the purpose
here exhibited, by making the centre bar of thin tempered steel, as herein-before
described in relation to Figure 1. Fig. 24 represents the application of the
foregoing mode of connection to brace buckles, and exhibits a front view
of a buckle marked U, and loop marked V, suitable for such purposes, the loop
V being represented detached at Fig. 25; the bar 61, 61, works on the centre
pin c, and by applying this bar to the vertical slot d, d, in the above Figure,
and turning the bar at right angles to its position as there shown, the fastening
will be complete.
Having thus described the nature of our Invention, and the manner in which
the same may be carried into effect, I wish it understood that we do not
purpose confining ourselves to the shape, form, or design, or general details
herein described and exhibited, provided the essential quality of our Invention
be preserved, as the characteristics of our Invention admits of much diversi-
fication without departing from its essential quality; but what we claim and
wish protected by these our in part recited Letters Patent is, the means of
connecting belt and other clasps, and other articles of dress, by or with the
means herein described and exhibited, or their equivalents.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Calley Lingham, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Fourth day of June, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-one.
Witness,
JAMES S. COCKINGS, C. E.,
Patent Agent,
Birmingham.
GEORGE CALLEY LINGHAM. (L.S.)