IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF GLASS BOTTLES, JARS, AND OTHER RECEPTACLES, AND IN THE MEANS OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN, AND FOR STOPPING BOTTLES FOR AERATED OR OTHER LIQUIDS
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edgar Breffit, of the City of London, and John Edwards,
of Castleford, in the County of York, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MANUFACTURE OF GLASS BOTTLES, JARS, AND OTHER RECEPTACLES, AND IN
THE MEANS OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN, AND FOR STOPPING BOTTLES
FOR AERATED OR OTHER LIQUIDS.”
Sealed the 4th June 1878, and dated the 8th December 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edgar Breffit and John
Edwards at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th December
1877.
Edgar Breffit, of the City of London, and JOHN EDWARDS, of Castleford, in
the County of York. " IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF GLASS BOTTLES,
JARS, AND OTHER RECEPTACLES, AND IN THE MEANS OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED
THEREIN, AND FOR STOPPING BOTTLES FOR Å ERATED OR OTHER LIQUIDS."
This Invention relates to the further carrying into practice of several methods of
stoppering bottles, described in the Specification of Letters Patent granted to one
of us, the said John Edwards, No. 4114, and bearing date the 13th day of December,
1873, and also to the subject matter described in the Specification of Letters
Patent, No. 1616, bearing date the 1st day of May, 1875, and has for objects,-
Firstly. A new or improved tool to be used in the manufacture of glass bottles,
jars, and other receptacles manufactured from glass, for the purpose of forming or
moulding in the "metal," during the process of forming the neck, of downward slots
or other figures in combination with horizontal or annular grooves on the inside of
the necks of bottles, and to the means of engaging the cap or stopper therein.
Secondly. In seuring, fixing, or embedding in the neck of glass bottles, or jars, and
other receptacles, metallic rings or female screws, of any suitable material, to act
with a male screw for forming a stopper or attachment therefor.

page_text: The improved tool is in part like the tongs used in forming the necks of ordinary
bottles, but in addition thereto is provided a compound cential plug, one peculiarity
of which is a loose ring or collar free to revolve upon the body of the plug below
the "swiller," and which ring or collar is mado with three or any number of studs,
points, or projections extending outwards from the said ring and beyound the
normal diameter of the plug, so that when the plug is inserted into the bottle in
forming the neck and top ring, a pre-determined number of perpendicular grooves
or slots, parallel with the axis of the bottle, will be moulded by this loose ring in
connection an-1 communicating with the horizontal groove formed, as heroin-after
described.
A pair of spring bits or dogs, capable of being expanded or thrown out from
the even face or sides of the plug of the tongs, simply by the action of closing of the
hand of the operator upon said tool or tongs while forming the outside portion of the
top ring or neck, is employed, and there are provided for this purpose of expanding
said dogs, inclines, or wedges secured upon opposite sides of the tool, and with their
points adjacent to each other so as to act directly upon each other, and upon said
bits or dogs to force same out in opposite direction, and by said inclines or wedges
being made so as to fully complete their action; at the commencement of said
operation of forming the neck the dogs will be thrown out and held apart at an
unvarying distance, and an annular groove of rectangular or other pre-determined
shape will be perfectly formed inside the neck, and without being dependent on the
degree of grasp upon or complete closing of the tool, or the amount of "metal" or
glass put on to form the neck.
The loose ring on the tool for forming the perpendicular grooves or slots will
remain stationary, whilst the other or ring slot is formed by the revolving of the
bottle upon the plug, as in the usual manner.
To allow of these spring bits or dogs being easily and securely fitted the plug is
made in three parts, the main or body part being split in the direction of its axis.
When closed, and the loose ring is slipped over into position, the expanding bits
are then inserted, and the whole securely enclosed by a socket or sleeve and pin;
or, for some purposes, the loose ring and expanding bits may be passed on and
through the plug simultaneously, and covered by the socket or sleeve, the handle
end being secured together by a small bolt and nut.
In moulding or forming the different kinds of necks required it is only necessary
to change the form of the loose ring, or the shape and dimensions of the expanding
bits or dogs, or both, according to the construction of stoppers desired to be
applied.
The loose moulding ring on the plug may also be made of serrated, fluted, or
ornamental form to mould the bottle neck to this or that shape, and into these
flutes or channels, and when the bottles are to be used after their manufacture any
plastic material may be secured and used in conjunction with glass, porcelain,
wood, or other external stopper.
The construction of the central plug in three or more parts allows of the various
forms of ring, bits, or dogs to be fitted with great advantage, the hoop socket or
sleeve effectually preserving the whole in proper working position, and permits the
wearing parts to be readily changed or removed.
According to the second part of this Invention, and for securing, fixing, or
embedding in the "metal" of the necking of the bottle, jar, or other similar article,
such, for instance, as the reservoirs of paraffin and other oil lamps, a metallic ring
for facilitating the attachment of stoppering devices, there is placed loosely, that is,
so as to revolve upon the plug of the tool or tongs, the metallic ring of the form
and description, such as a female screw intended to be secured in the neck, and the
neck is worked or formed by revolving in the usual manner, whereupon the
"metal" of the bottle, jar, or reservoir will swell over and be formed around and
upon the metallic ring, which latter will become embedded and firmly fixed in the
neck of the article, and when the manufacture is completed the plug of the tongs is
withdrawn.

page_text: The metal ring, if a plain one, may then be tapped with a screw thread, or have
soldered, attached, or fixed thereto any required device in the nature of a stopper or
seating therefor, as may be desired.
For the purpose of bottling beer, wines, and kindred liquids, as described in the
Specification of Letters Patent, No. 1616, of the year 1875, before referred to, a
stopper formed of a ring of white or incorrodable metal secured or fixed in the neck
of bottles, as herein described, and having secured to the upper part or portion
thereof a flange or recess for holding or securing a light india-rubber washer, or a
ring of cork and an india-rubber washer as a seating for an internal ball or other
stopper of glass, ceramic, or other kindred or equivalent hard non-corrodable matter
will present all the requirements necessary and demanded for bottling beers, wines,
and kindred liquids in this way; such requirements being principally a stopper that
does not present any appreciable edge or surface of india-rubber to the liquid, one
that costs less and saves trouble in corking and bottling, and that does away with
the necessity of skilled labour in wiring, and one that is impossible of contaminating
the liquids bottled, because the ring of metal being embedded in the glass leaves
only a thin edge of metal exposed when said ring is so shaped or formed as to
produce this result.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Edgar Breffit and John Edwards in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 8th June 1878.
EDGAR BREFFIT, of the City of London, and JOHN EDWARDS, of Castleford, in
the County of York. " IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF GLASS BOTTLES,
JARS, AND OTHER RECEPTACLES, AND IN THE MEANS OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED
THEREIN, AND FOR STOPPING BOTTLES FOR AERATED OR OTHER LIQUIDS."
This Invention relates to the further carrying into practice of several methods of
stoppering bottles described in the Specification of Letters Patent granted to one of
us, the said John Edwards, No. 4114, and bearing date the 13th day of December
1873, and also to the subject matter described in the Specification of Letters
Patent, No. 1616, bearing date the 1st day of May 1875, and has for objects,-
Firstly. A new or improved tool to be used in the manufacture of glass bottles,
jars, and other receptacles manufactured from glass for the purpose of forming or
moulding in the "metal" during the process of forming the neck of downward
slots or other figures, in combination with horizontal or annular grooves on the
inside of the necks, and to the means of engaging the stopper or cap therein.
And, Secondly. In securing, fixing, or embedding in the neck of glass bottles,

page_text: jars, and other receptacles, metallic rings or female screws of any suitable material
to act with a male screw for forming a stopper or attachment therefor
The improved tool is in part like the tongs used in formning the necks of ordinary
bottles, but in addition thereto is provided a compound central plug, one
peculiarity of which is a loose ring or collar free to revolve upon the body of the
plug below the "swiller," and which ring or collar is made with three or any
number of studs, points, or projections extending outward from the said ring, and
beyond the normal diameter of the plug, so that when the plug is inserted into the
bottle in forming the neck and top ring, a predetermined number of perpendicular
grooves or slots parallel with the axis of the bottle will be moulded by this loose
ring in connection and communicating with the horizontal groove formed, as herein-
after described.
A pair of spring bits or dogs capable of being expanded or thrown out from the
even face or sides of the plug of the tongs simply by the action of closing of the
hand of the operator upon said tool or tongs while forming the outside portion of
the top ring or neck is employed, and there are provided for this purpose of ex-
panding said dogs, inclines or wedges secured upon opposite sides of the tool, and
with their points adjacent to each other, so as to act directly upon each other
and upon said bits or dogs to force same out in opposite directions, and by said
inclines or wedges being made so as to fully complete their action at the commence-
inent of said operation of forming the neck the dogs will be thrown out, and held
apart at an unvarying distance, and an annular groove of rectangular or other
predetermined shape will be perfectly formed inside the neck, and without being
dependent on the degree of grasp upon or complete closing of the tool, or the
amount of "metal" or glass put on to form the neck.
The loose ring on the tool for forming the perpendicular grooves or slots will
remain stationary whilst the horizontal groove is formed by the revolving of the
bottle upon the plug as in the usual manner.
To allow of these spring bits or dogs being easily and securely fitted, the plug is
made in three parts, the main or body part being split in the direction of its axis.
When closed, and the loose ring is slipped over into position, the expanding bits are
then inserted, and the whole securely enclosed by a socketor sleeve and fastened by a
pin; or for some purposes the loose ring and expanding bits may be passed on and
through the plug simultaneously, and covered by the socket or sleeve, the handle
being secured together by a small bolt and nut.
In inoulding or forming the different kinds of necks required it is only
necessary to change the form of the loose ring, or the shape and dimensions of the
expanding bits or dogs, or both, according to the construction of stoppers desired to
be applied.
The loose inoulding ring on the plug may also be made of serrated, fluted, or
ornamental form to mould the bottle neck to this or that shape, and into these flutes
or channels, and when the bottles are to be used after their manufacture, any
plastic material may be secured and used in conjunction with glass, porcelain, wood,
or other external stopper.
The construction of the central plug in three or more parts allows of the various
forms of rings, bits, or dogs to be fitted with great advantage, the hoop, socket, or
sleeve effectually preserving the whole in proper working position, and permits the
wearing parts to be readily changed or removed.
According to the second part of this Invention, and for securing, fixing, or
embedding in the "metal" of the necking of the bottle, jar, or other similar article,
such for instance as the reservoirs of paraffin and other oil lamps, a metallic ring
for facilitating the attachment of stoppering devices, there is placed loosely, that is,
so as to revolve upon the plug of the tool or tongs, the metallic ring of the form or
description intended to be secured in the neck, such as a female screw, and the neck
is then worked or formed by revolving in the usual manner, whereupon the "metal"
of the bottle, jar, or reservoir will swell over, and be formed around and upon the

page_text: wwwwwwwww of uses, wo, at
metallic ring, which latter will become embedded and firmly fixed in the neck of the
article, and when the manufacture is completed the plug of the tongs is with-
drawn. The metal ring, if a plain one, may then be tapped with a screw thread,
or have soldered, attached, or fixed thereto any required device in the nature of a
stopper or seating therefor, as may be desired.
For the purpose of bottling beer, wines, and kindred liquids, as described in the
Specification of Letters Patent, No. 1616, of the year 1865, before referred to, a stopper
formed of a ring of white or incorrodable metal secured or fixed in the neck of
bottles, as herein-before described, and having secured thereto a flange or recess for
holding or securing a light india-rubber washer as a seating for an internal ball or
other stopper of glass, ceramic, or other kindred or equivalent hard non-corrodable
matter, will present all the requirements necessary and demanded for bottling beers,
wines, and other kindred liquids in this way, such requirements being principally
a stopper that does not present any appreciable edge or surface of india-rubber to
the liquid, one that costs less, and saves trouble in corking and bottling, and that
does away with the necessity of skilled labour in wiring, and one that is impossible
of contaminating the liquids bottled, because the ring of metal being embedded in
the glass will leave only a thin edge of met il exposed when said ring is so shaped
or formed as to produce this result.
In order that the said Invention may be well understood, there is annexed hereto
a Sheet of Drawings illustrative thereof, wherein,—
Fig 1 is a side view of the tool, showing central plug 1, loose revolving ring 3,
spring bits or dogs 2, wedges or incline pieces 4 for expanding and withdrawing
bits 2, sleeve 5 encircling the parts of plug 1 and bolt, and nut 6 for securing the
dogs to the tool stem.
Fig. 2 is a side view of Fig. 1, the parts of plug 1, 3, and 5 being shown in
section, as are also wedges or inclines 4 acting on spring bits 2 in the greatest
extended position.
Fig. 3 represents body of plug 1, seen at right angles to that shown in Fig. 2,
and disconnected.
Fig. 4 represents bottle neck with downward and circular grooves as produced by
action of ring 3 and bits 2.
Fig. 5 is a plan of Fig. 4, seen from below.
Fig. 6, a plan of loose forming rim 3.
Fig. 7, a plan of sleeve or socket 5 for passing over and securing together parts
of body of plug 1, said parts being shown in Figs. 1 and 2, pinned together by
pin la
Fig. 8 shows modifications of bottle necks made by the improved tool.
Fig. 9 is a sectional view illustrating the second part of the Invention; 7 is
metal ring, a female screw embedded in or formed into the neck, as before
described; 8, a flanged ring with male screw corresponding to screw 7; 9, an india-
rubber ring or washer serving as seating for internal ball or other stopper. Syphon
fittings may be readily attached in this way, and great facility is afforded for
washing and cleansing
Having now described the nature and particulars of our said Invention in such
manner that any one conversant with the manufacture may readily put the same
into practice, we claim,―
Firstly. The improvements in the manufacture of glass bottles, jars, and other
receptacles with perpendicular and annular grooves, as and for the purpose herein
set forth.
Secondly. The improved tool for forming the necks of glass bottles, jars, and
other receptacles combined and operating, substantially as herein described,
and illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and 3 of the Drawings.
Thirdly. The manufacture of glass bottles, jars, and other receptacles with an
internal embedded metal neck ring as means for facilitating the attachment of
stoppers and other fittings, as herein described.
And, Fourthly. The stoppering or seating for internal stoppers for bottling

page_text: aërated liquid or liquids under gaseous or air pressure, substantially as berein
described, and illustrated in Fig. 9 of the Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Edgar Breffit, for myself and on behalf
of the said John Edwards, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Sixth
day of June, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
Seventy-eight
In the presence of
WALTER A. BARLOW,
Patent Agent & Engineer,
6, St. Paul's,
London, E.C.
E. BREFFIT. (LS.)