Im- PROVEMENTS IN SHEET METAL BOXES, PANS, TRAYS, AND SIMILAR ARTICLES, AND IN APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME
Year: 1875

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Thacker, of New Street Square, in the
City of London, Ink Manufacturer, for the Invention of “Im-
PROVEMENTS IN SHEET METAL BOXES, PANS, TRAYS, AND SIMILAR ARTICLES,
AND IN APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME."-A communication
from abroad by Henry Martyn, of Boston, Massachusetts, United
States of America.

page_text: similar article made in such manner that it has at the corners no joints
-which-require-soldering...
In constructing a box or other article according to this Invention the
same is made of a single piece of sheet metal, which along its sides is
folded, so that the sides of the box are continuous with each other, and
the metal at each corner between the sides is folded either inside or
outside of the box, instead of being cut or divided to allow the sides to
be turned or bent into the required position. I make a fold or folds at
each corner of the box, the said folds being equal and pressed against
the sides of the box.
It is obvious from the above description that there are no open seams
or joints at the corners of the box, and thus no soldering is required.
Moreover the folds stiffen the box, and as the said folds are disposed
against the sides of the box at each corner the box or other article
is stiffened to an equal degree on all sides. The corners of the blank
are cut off, the portions cut off being surplus metal, which would project
above the edge of the box if not removed.
It is obvious that this Invention is applicable to sheet metal boxes
and similar articles having any number of sides, and that the box lids
may be made similarly to the boxes hercin-above described.
The said Invention relates, secondly, to dies for the manufacture of
the aforesaid seamless sheet metal boxes and box lids, cases, pans, trays,
or similar articles.
This part of the said Invention consists more especially in a novel
construction of the female die, whereby as the sheet metal blank is
forced through it by the male die or plunger the sheet metal at the
corners will fold equally on all sides thereof and leave the box when
completed free to be forced out and delivered from the die.
The female die is adapted to receive the male die or plunger, and the
dimensions of the working faces of the two dies are such as to leave a
space between them equal to the thickness of the sheet metal. Each
corner of the working faces of the female die opens to a space or opening
behind the working faces at such corners. These spaces or openings
behind the working faces of the female die are bounded by walls, which
incline toward the delivering end of the die, and thereat open to the
working faces of the female die. The two walls of the openings leading

page_text: from the working faces of the female die to the openings behind at the
receiving end of the die are flaring and incline toward each other,
coming into lines parallel with each other, which terminate at the
delivering end of the working faces of the die. The receiving end of
the female die is provided with guides or gauges to ensure the proper
location of the sheet metal blank before bringing the male die
thereon.
The working faces of the female die are by preference made of steel
and secured in position by a dovetail connection between them and the
holder or block, which dovetail connection is fastened by a set screw.
This construction allows the working faces to be removed and new ones
inserted at pleasure should it be found necessary. For the manufacture
of pans or trays with " flared or sloping sides the female dies are con-
structed with springs behind their working faces, and in some instances
are made in sections.
"
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Henry Thacker in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 26th February 1876. .
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HENRY
THACKER, of New Street Square, in the City of London, Ink Manu-
facturer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-seventh day of August, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five, in the
thirty-ninth year of Her reign, did for Herself, Her heirs and suc-
cessors, give and grant unto me, the said Henry Thacker, Her special
licence that I, the said Henry Thacker, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said Henry Thacker, my 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 "IMPROVEMENTS
IN SHEET METAL BOXES, PANS, TRAYS, AND SIMILAR ARTICLES, AND IN APPARATUS

page_text: 32
FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME,' a communication to me: from abroad.
by Henry Martyn, of Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America,
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Henry Thacker;
my executors or administrators, by an instrument in, writing under
my, or their, or one of their hands and scals, should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same was to be performed, 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 Henry Thacker, do hereby declare 1
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement, reference being had to the accompanying
Drawings forming a part of this Specification:-
This Invention relates first to a sheet metal box, case, pan, tray, or 1
similar article made in such manner that it has at the corners no joints
which require soldering.
In constructing a box or other article according to this Invention the
same is made of a single piece of sheet metal, which along its sides is
folded so that the sides of the box are continuous with each other, 2
and the metal between the sides is folded either inside or outside of the
box instead of being cut or divided to allow the sides to be turned or
bent into the required position.
In the accompanying Drawings, Figure 1 is a face view of the blank
from which to make a box according to this Invention; Figure 2 is a 2
side view of a box embodying my Invention; Figure 3 is a plan of the
box shown in Figure 2; and Figures 4 and 5 are detail,views herein-after
described.
A represents the box which is formed out of the blank B; C, C, two
folds at each corner of the box A, each fold being equal and disposed, 3
the one a against one side of the box A, and the other c against the
other side of the box A, these two sides b and d making the corner ƒ of
the box.
In Figure 1, the dotted lines I, I, I, I, represent the lines along
which to turn up the blank to make the four sides of the box, and the 3
dotted lines l, h, h³, h², h², the lines along which to fold the blank so

page_text: as to make the two folds C, C, at each corner of the box, and of these
lines h, h, h¹, h², h², the two h², h2, are turned either inwardly or outwardly
as the case may be, bringing the line at the corner of the box as at 7,
Figure 3.
It is obvious from the above description that there are no open seams
or joints at the corners of the box, and thus no soldering is required.
The folds C, C, stiffen the box, and as the folds C, C, are disposed
against each side of the box, at each corner the box is stiffened to an
equal degree on all sides. The corners m, m, of the blank are cut off.
This may be done after folding, the portion cut off being surplus which
would project above the edge of the box if not removed.
It is obvious that this Invention is applicable to boxes and similar
articles having any number of sides, and that the box lids may be made
similarly to the boxes A herein-before described.
Figure 4 is a plan of the cover of a box with the corner folded on the
inside of the box, and Figure 5 is a plan of the cover of a box with the
fold pressed in, so that the sides and ends are flush and smooth on the
outside.
The said Invention relates secondly to dies for the manufacture of the
aforesaid seamless sheet metal boxes and box lids, cases, pans, trays, or
similar articles.
This part of the said Invention consists more especially in a novel.
construction of the female die, whereby as the sheet metal blank is
forced through it by the male die or plunger, the sheet metal at the
corners will fold equally on all sides thereof, and leave the box when
completed free to be forced out and delivered from the die.
Figure 6 is a plan of a female die, and shows the male die in horizontal
section; Figure 7 is a section on the line a, a, Figure 6; Figure 8 is a
plan of the box; and Figure 9, is a side or end view of the same.
A represents the female dic, and B, the male die or plunger. The.
female die is adapted to receive the male die or plunger, and the
dimensions of the working faces, C and D, respectively of the two dies
are such as to leave a space between them equal to the thickness of the
sheet metal. Each corner E of the working faces C of the female die A
opens as at a to a space or opening F behind the working faces at such
corners; these spaces or openings F back of the working faces of the "

page_text: female die are bounded by walls b and c, which incline toward the
delivering end G of the die, and thereat open to the working faces C of
the female die. The two walls d and f of the openings a leading from
the working faces of the female die to the openings F; back thereof at
the receiving end H of the die are flaring and incline towards eacli other,
coming into lines parallel with each other, as at 1, Figure 7, which
parallel lines terminate at the delivering end G of the working faces
of the die. The receiving end H of the female die is provided with
guides or gauges I, so as to insure the proper location of the sheet metal
blank before bringing the male die thereon.
The operation is as follows:-The sheet metal blank is laid on the
receiving end of the female die within and between the guides or gauges
thereof, and then the plunger or male die is brought against the sheet
metal blank and forced through the female die, carrying with it the
sheet metal blank, which as it passes through is turned up in lines
parallel to the working faces of the two dies, thus making the sides and
ends of the box, and its corners are disposed equally each side of and
carried through the openings F behind the working faces of the female
dic, wherein by the inclination of its two walls d, f, the said corners are
folded against the sides and ends of the box at each corner, so that when
the box escapes at the delivering end of the female die by the continued
forcing of the male die through it the portion of the sheet metal blank
at each corner thereof is disposed in equal parts each side of the corners
to the box sides and ends.
By removing the working faces D of the male die at and upon each
corner thereof, as shown at i, Figure 6, it allows the fold of the sheet
at each corner in the operation of the parts to be made even with the
outer surfaces of the sides and ends of the box against which they lie
when folded, as described.
The working faces C of the female die are by preference made of
steel and secured in position by a dovetail connection K between them
and the holder or block, which dovetail connection is fastened by a set
screw L. This allows the working faces to be removed and' new ones
inserted at pleasure should it be found necessary.
"
For the manufacture of pans or trays with "flared or sloping sides
the female dies are constructed with springs behind their working faces,
and in some instances are made in section.

page_text: This part of my Invention is illustrated in Figures 10, 11, 12, 13, in
which Figure 10 is a plan partly in section of this part of my Invention.
Figure 11 is a plan of a supporting plate and frame for the same.
Figure 12 is a horizontal section of the ledges and supporting. plate.
5 Figure 13 shews a detached portion of this part of my Invention.
a is the bottom or discharging mouth of the pan die; b, b, are the
sectional blades fastened by screws to the die; c, c, represent the sections
of the die proper; d, d, d, d, are loose pieces which are held against the
sections of the die proper by spring f, which also keep the said sections
0 from displacement; e, e, are the outer walls or ledges into which the
springs are set. These walls or ledges are cast on a supporting plate g,
Figure 11; both the ledges and plate are shown in horizontal section in
Figure 12. h, h, are the boxes or holes in the ledges for the springs;
i is the discharging hole which is to be larger than the largest pan
5 required.
In making pans having a double outer fold the die proper is divided
into four parts. Across the inner faces are arranged the blades, which
are screwed on. The points of these blades will need support, so that
the division of the die proper must be so arranged that said points shall
O be supported across the top of the die.
No finishing die is required in this operation, as there is a continuation
on the same plane under the discharging part of the blades in the
corner j, Figure 10.
Figure 14 is an end view of a box embodying my Invention, with
further slight modifications. Figure 15 is a plan or top view thereof.
Figure 16 is a view of the inner side of one end thereof. Figure 17 is a
face view of the blank.
A represents the box which is constructed out of the piece or blank
B; C represents folds which are made at the corners of the blank by
means of the lines a, b, extending inwardly from the edges of two
adjacent sides of the blank, and the lines c extending from the corners
of the blank to the points of junction of the lines a, b. The sides D of
the blank will be turned up at the lines d, and the sides or ends Gat_
the lines f. The diagonal line c of each fold C turns inwardly and
causes the formation at each corner of the box of a double-fold thickness
or piece H, diagonal or triangular in shape, which fold is then laid

page_text: against the inner face of one side or end of the box, and thus uniting
the corners of the box the latter is complete.
It will be seen that there are no open joints or seams in the box, and
escape of its contents cannot occur. The pieces H also serve to
strengthen or stiffen the box, and said pieces so slightly reduce the area
or capacity of the box that the reduction is immaterial. The outside of
the box is uniform at all points, there being no projecting parts or
exposed cut edges of the material at the sides.
Another body of size to fit over the body as stated, but similarly
constructed, may be employed as a lid for the box; and, when the two 1
parts are soldered to each other a closed box is provided which will be
found serviceable for oysters and other commodities.
The blank may have a piece (shown by the dotted lines ) which,
when the body of the box is constructed as stated, will constitute the
lid of the box; but if desired a separate piece may be employed for the 1
same purpose.
Another part of this Invention consists in the construction of dies for
causing the turning up of the sides and ends of the box and the
turning in of the corner folds.
Figure 18 is an end view of the lower die; Figure 19 is a plan or top 2
view thereof.
Figure 20 is a transverse vertical section of the two parts of the die ;.
Figure 21 is a longitudinal vertical section thereof.
Figure 22 is a top view of a portion of the box; Figure 23 is a view
of the inner side of one end of the same.
2
A represents the lower die, and B the upper die or plunger. The
lower die is adapted to receive the upper die or plunger, a space is left
between the two parts equal to the thickness of the metal. The end
pieces C of the lower die are lower than the side pieces D, so that a
space G is left at each end of the die, and the inner edges of said end 3
pieces are preferably rounded as at a. Guides or gauges H may be
placed on the upper faces of the side pieces D to insure proper location
of the blank and working thereof.
The operation is as follows:-The blank is laid on the side pieces D
of the lower die, and the plunger being depressed. the blank is forced. 3

page_text: Figure 31 is a sectional view of a wedge used in connection with the
said female die, as shown in dotted lines, Figure 30.
Figure 32 is a sectional view shewing the complete beading apparatus.
Figure 24 shows three of the tongues o, o, o, pressed out and the
parts p, p, p, drawn back by the springs when the pressure is off the
cone, Figure 25, fits into A, Figure 24, as far as the beading tongue t, t,
the upper part m, Figure 28, being a solid thick ring to which is connected
the bottom part at the portion c, Figure 30, by screws.
The cone
Figure 25, being placed in Figure 28 is held in position by the cap, as
represented in Figure 29. The outer part is a solid piece of metal of the
proper number of sides, and has an angle on the inner sides, as shewn.
The outside is to be stationary in the framework. The inner section of
Figure 30 has six sides having a groove from end to end corresponding
with the beading tongues a, Figure 24; these six sides are divided once,
that is, into two parts at points 2, 2, in Figure 24 (the division being on
the dotted line).
Closed spiral springs are fixed about the centre of two of the
sides g, g, Figure 30, said springs reaching through to the space and
being attached to sides . These close springs will keep the two divided
sides apart when pressure ceases.
When pressure is brought against the shank the core is forced down-
ward às far as the space allows to press out the blades.. The part
Figure 31 being connected to said shank, and being of wedge form,
closes the sides 1, 1, of the part shown in Figure 30 against said blades or
tongues," and when the pressure has ceased (by reversing the screw
provided to work the die), the springs open the sides 1, 1, at the same
time that the springs under the " tongues" cause them to fall inward,
thereby freeing the box; the box is introduced at H, H, Figure 32.
"
Having thus fully described the said Invention, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the
same, I wish it understood that I claim,-
First. The above described improved method of manufacturing sheet
metal boxes, cases, pans, trays, or similar articles of a single piece of
metal folded along the sides, and at the corners in such a manner that
the sides are continuous or undivided all around the same, and the
corners thereof have no joints or seams that require soldering.

page_text: Second. The apparatus in either of the forms or modifications thereof
above specified for performing the various operations comprised in the
manufacture of the said sheet metal boxes or other articles constructed
and operating as above set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Thacker, have. hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twenty-sixth day of February, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
six.
) Witness,
JAS. EDWARDS,
8, Southampton Buildings,
London.
HENRY THACKER. (L.S.)