Improvements in and relating to Collapsible Boxes.
Year: 1895

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Collapsible Boxes.
I, DAVID YOUNGER ANNAN, of 114 Murraygate, Dundee, in the County of
Forfar, Scotland, Paper Box Manufacturer, 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 boxes, the object being to construct these in such a
manner that they may be made to collapse at will, in order that the space taken
up by them when stored or made up in packages for export may be a minimum.
And in order that my said invention and the manner of performing or carrying
the same into effect or practice may be properly understood, I have hereunto
appended two explanatory sheets of drawings in which the same reference
numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts in all the figures where shown.
Figures 1. to 4. (Sheet 1.) are views, in isometric projection, of a box in its
various stages of erection, and of collapse.
Figure 5. (Sheet 1.) is a longitudinal section at A. A. (Figure 1.) showing how
the box may be opened.
Figures 6. to 9. (Sheet 2.) show various modifications in the method of fastening
or attaching the elastic bands.
Figure 10. (Sheet 2.) shows a box with the ends hinged diagonally.
Figures 11. and 12. (Sheet 2.) show how the box may be made less liable to
distortion should undue pressure be brought to bear upon it.
Figures 13. and 14. (Sheet 2.) show other two modifications in the mode of
constructing the boxes.
Figures 15. to 18. (Sheet 2.) show modifications in the shape of the boxes and
Figures 19. to 21. modes of attaching the elastic bands to same.
In carrying out my invention according to one modification, as illustrated by
Figures 1. to 5., I make the body of the box of rectangular section, the four
longitudinal edges 30. being hinged, that is to say so constructed as to allow the
sides to oscillate when required. The two ends 31. are also hinged at 32. in a
similar manner.
These ends are coupled together by elastic bands or cords 33.
which tend to keep them against the sides as shewn in Figure 1, such figure
illustrating a box fully erected. Figure 2. shows both ends partly open preparatory
to the next stage of collapse as shewn in Figure 3: Figure 4. showing it com-
pletely collapsed. Figure 5. shows in longitudinal sectional elevation a box with
one end open in order that some article may be placed within. Figures 6. to 9.
illustrate other modes of applying the elastic bauds to boxes similar to that
previously referred to. Figure 10. shows a collapsible box with the ends hinged to
diagonal edges. In the types of boxes previously described their stability is not
excessive and where necessary angles or flanges 34, as shewn in Figures 11. or 12,
may be employed, their purpose being to bear against the sides or the top, when
the box is erected, thus preventing its distortion. These angles should be hinged
at the edges 35, in order that they may be laid flat when the box is collapsed.
Figures 13. and 14. illustrate methods of and a stage in the construction of these
boxes, the three sides being formed from one sheet of leather board, and the
bottom and ends from another, the two parts then being glued or wire stitched
together. The special feature of this mode of construction consists in "scoring"
or "grooving' the boards, in order to make a flexible joint; there being no
ecessity of specially hinging the one side to the other. Figures 15. to 18.
"

page_text: illustrate boxes of other forms. It is to be noted that the box, Figure 17, because
it has two opposite sides of unequal length. will not collapse, but that Figure 18.
will, as it has six equal sides. Figures 19, 20, and 21. show methods of attaching
the elastic cords to the ends. It is obvious that for this purpose other methods
may be used such as, say to employ hooks similar to that used for fastening
cloth, which after attaching to the band, may be "hooked" over the edges of
the ends.
I wish it to be particularly understood, that I do not limit myself to the
precise details of construction herein before described and illustrated on the
annexed drawings, but that I hold myself free to make such changes and
alterations as conform with the disposition and scope of my invention.
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 mode of constructing boxes so that they may be collapsible, sub-
stantially as described.
(2.) The improved combination of parts hereinbefore described and shown in the
annexed drawings, with special reference to Figures 1. to 10, and Figures 15. 16.
and 18.
(3.) The combination and arrangement of parts for preventing the distortion
of the boxes, substantially as described and illustrated by Figures 11. 12. 13. and 14.
(4.) The mode of constructing boxes as described and illustrated by Figure 13.
(5.) The mode of constructing boxes as described and illustrated by Figure 14.
(6.) The modes of attaching elastic bands to the ends of boxes of the tyres
described, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Dated this 19th dow of Dobroer, 1805
GEO. C. DOUGLAS & Co.,
41, Reform Street, Dundee, Agents for Applicant.