Improvements in or relating to Folding or Collapsable Lanterns.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 30th May, 1895-Accepted, 13th July, 1895
Improvements in or relating to Folding or Collapsable Lanterns.
A com:nunication from ROBERT HAUPT, of Dresden, in the Kingdom of Saxony,
German Empire.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of 323 High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex,
Chartered Patent Agent, 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 folding or collapsable lanterns specially suitable for
illuminations.
Illumination-lanterns are not, having regard to their specific character, like other
lanterns which are continually in use, for they are only occasionally required. On
the other hand, on such occasions, they are used in great numbers. Now, inasmuch
as the usual ornamental lanterns formed of ornamental glass are very liable to
fracture, it stands to reason, that any particular construction of illumination-
lantern that facilitates its packing and preservation must naturally be a matter of
considerable importance. Such a device according to this invention is presented in
the accompanying drawings, wherein
Fig. represents an elevation of the improved lantern in readiness for
lighting up;
Fig. 2 is a vertical section through opposite angles of the lantern, shown in
Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 is a plan of the lantern when collapsed, and
Fig. 4 is a transverse section of the collapsed lantern.
When in condition for use, the lantern consists of two truncated pyramidal parts
joined together at their bases; the number of the sides of the truncated pyramids is
immaterial, but the form of the double truncated pyramid, is of material
importance, in so far as will appear later on-as the same has an influence on the
close and compact fitting of the parts when set up, so as to furnish protection
against wind.
The basis of the form shown in the drawings is a four-sided or quadrangular
truncated pyramid.
The sides or walls of the lanterns are formed of frames A in the shape of a
trapezium, in the rebates of which the parti-coloured or other glass sheets or plates
(not shown in the drawings) are fixed. On the smaller side of the two parallel
sides of the trapezium eyes for hinges are formed by turning down the sheet metal
or are otherwise provided alternately with similar eyes, formed on the top plate or
cover B, and on the bottom or lighting plate C. Through-pins complete the hinge-
like connections between the various sides.
On the longer parallel sides of the trapezium, on the other hand, lateral eyes a¹
are bent inwards (Figs. 2 and 4) which, with the aid of through-pins each indicated
in section by a black dot form a hinge-like connection between each pair of frames A
belonging together. By this joint, room is afforded between the frames for the two
glass sheets or plates superimposed one on the other, in the collapsed position of
the parts (see Fig. 4).
The cover or top B and bottom C have a form in plan determined by the number
of sides of the truncated pyramid. The top cover B is provided with an escape-
outlet for the combustion-products, and with a bow or carrying handle b, while the

page_text: bottom C is fitted with a socket c for the light. This latter, when not made to be
taken out, when the lantern is folded up, projects through the escape-outlet in B.
As will be seen from Figs. 3 and 4, without further explanation, the collapsable
lantern, when collapsed occupies only a very small space, and the glass sheets lying
flat one above the other, require a great deal less care and attention in packing and
taking care of the lamp, being far less exposed, than in such lanterns as have to be
taken care of in a condition of readiness for instant use.
In the improved collapsable lantern, moreover, the double-pyramid form gives
rise to an endeavour when the lantern is set up, and suspended, (owing to the weight
of the frames and sheets of glass) of the bottom of the lantern to move away from
the top so that the slanting joints of the neighbouring trapezoidal frames are closed
tightly together.
This circumstance gives to the collapsable or folding illumination-lantern as
great a degree of security against wind as belongs to the firmly built, uncollapsable
or non-folding lantern.
A special joint between the adjacent side-frames is not required, so long as the
lantern is employed in the hanging position as intended.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, as communicated to me by my foreign correspondent, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is ;-
1. A. lantern which when not in use can be folded together quite flat characterised
by the trapezoidal frames (A) carrying the glass sheets or panes and having
parallel sides one over the other and connected above with the cover or top-
piece (B) and beneath with the bottom (C) and joined together with hinge-shaped
or articulated joints so that the lantern being folded up presents a flat star-shaped
appearance but in condition for use presents the appearance of a body formed by
the union base to base of two truncated pyramids while by the proper weight of the
parts thus articulated together the intended form is secured when the lantern is
suspended and the slanting joints between the neighbouring or adjacent frames are
kept firm and close substantially as described.
2. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting the complete lanterns
substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 30th day of May 1895.
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.