Improvements in Automatic Fastening Devices for Car Couplers, Shutters, Blinds, Satchels, Hand-bags, Pocket Books, and similar articles, Packing Cases, Doors, Jewel Boxes, Cabinets, and the like.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd June, 1892-Accepted, 1st Oct.,
1892
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Automatic Fastening Devices for Car Couplers,
Shutters, Blinds, Satchels, Hand-bags, Pocket Books, and similar
articles, Packing Cases, Doors, Jewel Boxes, Cabinets, and the
like.
I, BENNY BERNSTEIN of Broadway New York, in the County and State of
New York, United States of America, 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 :-
My invention relates to improvements in automatic fastening devices for car
couplers, shutters, blinds, satchels, hand-bags, pocket books and similar articles,
packing cases, doors, jewel boxes, cabinets and the like.
Its object is to provide a device which will automatically connect the couplers
on two cars and positively hold them so that they cannot become uncoupled
accidentally; which will hold shutters or blinds in an open or closed position, be
automatic in both of its locking operations and incapable of being operated from
outside the window when the shutter or blind is closed; which will securely hold
closed the jaws or frames of satchels, hand bags and similar articles; and which
will also securely hold closed doors and the lids of packing cases, jewel boxes,
cabinets, and like articles.
To these ends the invention consists in the novel constructions, arrangements and
combinations of parts, all as hereinafter particularly described and specifically
pointed out in the claims.
Referring to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this Specification and
in which similar letters and numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in
all the views,
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a portion of two cars provided with couplers having
my improved fastening device applied, the same being shown as in position when
just coupled ;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of a portion of two cars, showing the draw-heads in
horizontal position and the parts as in position when being uncoupled;
Fig. 3 is an end view of one of the two cars, the swinging weighted arm from an
opposite car that effects the coupling of the cars together being shown as in position
when entering the mouth of the draw-head;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an improved coupling link, forming part of said
coupling;
Fig. 5 is a view partly in side elevation and partly in section of the said link ;
Fig. 6 is a view in perspective showing two opposing draw-heads with their
coupling devices as in position when about to effect a coupling;
Fig. 7 is a plan view in partial section, illustrating the method of coupling when
an old form of link is used to replace a broken weighted arm or bar :
Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view of a window-frame and shutter, showing my
device applied, the shutter being in a closed position and locked by said device;
Fig. 9 is a longitudinal, vertical, sectional view through the device and a portion
of the shutter, showing the lock lever and keeper in side elevation and in a locked
position;
Fig. 10 is a horizontal sectional view through the device and a portion of
the shutter, the lock lever and keeper being shown in plan and in a locked position;
Fig. 11 is an end elevation of the device, showing the weighted bar as just about
to enter the keeper or escape therefrom;

page_text: and shutter, showing the shutter locked in an open position;
Fig. 13 is a view similar to that shown in Figure 10 but with the lock lever
disengaged from the staple on the wall;
Fig. 14 is sectional side elevation of the jaws of a satchel or bag showing my
nvention applied thereto;
Fig. 15 a top or plan view of the device detached ;
Fig. 16 is a view in perspective of a satchel or hand-bag having my fastening
device applied thereto;
Fig. 17 is a face view of the keeper;
Fig. 18 a rear view of the keeper, showing the weighted locking arm in position
as when entering the keeper;
Fig. 19 is a view of a modified form of the swinging weighted arm, illustrating a
different mode of securing the same to the plate;
Fig. 20 is an elevation of a bolt and keeper upon a door, the same being in its
unlocked position ;
Fig. 21 is a front elevation of the bolt and keeper detached, the parts being in
their locked position;
Fig. 22 is a longitudinal, sectional view of the bolt and keeper, the same being in
their locked position;
Fig. 23 is a view in perspective of a box or cabinet supplied with my locking
device; and
Fig. 24 is an edge view of the keeper:
Referring to Figures 1 to 7 of the drawings, the numeral 1 indicates the draw-
heads of the coupler, which are secured to or formed upon the draw-bars 2. The
said draw-heads are provided upon one side with a series of recesses 3 for the
reception of the coupling link or bar, the said recesses being for the purpose of
permitting high and low cars, to be coupled together without difficulty. The
front ends of the heads are also at their side opposite the recesses 3, provided with
a flaring mouth, having an opening 4 at the rear, smaller than the mouth and
extending laterally being opened at one side as at a, forming curved lips 6 for the
purpose hereinafter explained. The heads when in place set reversely to each other,
that is, the mouth of one extends in an opposite direction, laterally, to the mouth
of the other as shown in Figs. 2 and 6.
The coupling links or means for securing the draw-heads together consist of a
bar 7 formed with reduced portions 9 at its outer end, forming an annular shoulder,
on which reduced portion is snugly fitted a sleeve 10, which is held in place by a
collar 11 and screw or head 12 or otherwise, as shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings.
Dependent from the sleeve, and at right angles thereto and forming a part thereof
is an arm 13 of somewhat less diameter than the bar 7 on which it swings, having
secured to or formed upon its free end a weight 14. The sleeve next to the annular
shoulder against which it abuts is provided with a recess 15 into which projects a
pin 16 fastened to the contracted portion of the bar 7. This pin 16 is to limit the
movement of the sleeve upon the bar so as to prevent the arm 13 from being thrown
above a horizontal position for the purpose hereinafter explained. The bars 7 at
their inner ends are bevelled or reduced in thickness and are perforated as at 17, for
the passage of a coupling pin 4¹.
To the lower sides of the draw-bars or draw-heads are hinged flat plates or arms A,
to the free end of each of which is attached one end of a rope or chain B, which
is passed up over pulleys C, and provided with loops or rings D, which may be
seized from either side of the car to elevate the plate and raise the weighted bar 13
to a horizontal position as shown in Fig. 2, for the purpose of uncoupling.
The faces of the draw-heads are curved in opposite directions to permit. lateral
play to prevent injury from the oscillation of the cars and at turning curves.
The weighted coupling bars hang naturally in a vertical position or nearly so as
shown in Figs. 1 and 6, when the cars are coupled and uncoupled. When two of

page_text: the draw-heads approach in the act of coupling, the weighted bars ride upon the
lower flaring edge of the lips of the mouth of the draw-heads as shown in Fig. 3
and pass back between the opening between the edges of said lips and drop behind
the draw-head as in Fig. 1. The draw-head will therefore be held together by
the pin 4' that extends vertically through the series of recesses 3 and the inner end
of bar 7 and the weighted bar 13, resting against the rear edge of the draw-head.
As will be noted the opening forming the mouth of the draw-head is somewhat
larger proportionally than the coupling bar 7, so as to allow of play of said bar and
prevent breakage thereof when coupling, and the perforated end of said bar is also
smaller than the recesses 3 into which it fits so that both vertical and lateral play
are permitted to the coupling bar. The rear opening of the mouth of the draw-
head is made smaller than the front and is adapted to the size of the coupling bar,
and the lateral opening or division between the lips is made smaller, being adapted
in size to the arm 13 so that said bar 7 cannot escape in a lateral direction from
the draw-head, and the accidental jolting of the arm 13 through said opening
between the lips is reduced to a minimum."
The draw-heads are made with double curved lips upon both the top and bottom
of the same, so that the draw-heads may be used either side up and there are no
rights or lefts, and so far as the operation of coupling is concerned the two lips may
be dispensed with, but I prefer to have the double lips as shown with the narrow
opening between them so as to prevent the accidental escape of the coupling arm;
and while I have shown the hinged plates for lifting the weighted arms to a hori-
zontal position to uncouple the cars I do not desire to be limited to such as any
other suitable means for lifting the weighted arms may be employed or they may
be lifted by hand.
The
Referring to Figures 8 to 13 of the drawings, the numeral 1ª indicates a
cylindrical metallic block externally screw threaded and provided at one end with
a head 2. The said block has an opening extending longitudinally through it,
which is flared at each end as shown in Figures 10 and 13, to permit the proper
movement of the lock lever. The numeral 3* indicates the lock lever which is
fulcrumed at 4%, within the block as shown in Figures 9, 10 and 13.
outer end of said lever is flattened and recessed as indicated by the numeral 5",
so as to form a catch, to interlock with a staple 6", which is adapted to be attached
to the wall of a building and is so shown in Figure 12 of the drawings. The inner
end of the lever is rounded and its extremity contracted forming a shoulder 7ª, and
upon the contracted portion of said bar is swivelled the sleeve 8" of a weighted
arm 98, the sleeve being held in abutment with the shoulder by means of a screw or by
upsetting the metal at the end of the lock lever. The numeral 10" indicates a
keeper, which consists of a standard having a suitable base which may be attached
to the base of the window sill as shown in Figs. 8 and 12 of the drawings. The
upper part of the standard is provided with curved open lips 11", the opening
between the same being of less width than the diameter of the inner end of the
lock lever, so as to prevent its passage between the same, but of greater diameter
than the weighted arm, so that said arm will pass readily between the lips as
hereinafter explained. The sleeve of the weighted arm next to the shoulder on
the lock lever is provided with a small pin 12" which projects from the contracted
portion of the lock lever to prevent the weighted arm from being raised above a
horizontal position, and the upper lip at the rear with an extension 13ª to guide
the weighted arm into and out of an engagement with the lips, as the shutter is
closed and opened.
The block 1 is screwed into an opening through the shutter 14", which is formed
through the same for the purpose as shown in Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 13 of the drawings.
When the shutter is fully open, the outer end of the lock lever engages the staple
secured to the outer wall of the building, the outer end of said lever being
bevelled so as to ride automatically over said staple in throwing back the shutter
to such position. On closing the shutter, the weighted arm rides between the lips

page_text: of the keeper until it passes behind them when it drops into position shown in
Figs. 8, and 10 locking the shutter in a closed position.
The lock lever may be operated to release it from the staple for closing the
shutter by moving the end of such lever carrying the weighted arm laterally as
shown in dotted lines in Fig. 10 and full lines in Fig. 13. To open the shutter the
weighted arm is raised to a horizontal position as in Figs. 11 and 13 pushing the
shutter outward.
Referring to Figures 14 to 19 of the drawings, the reference numeral 1" indicates
an angular plate, the vertical part of which is pierced for the rivets or screws by
which it is attached to the outer jaw 2b of a satchel or hand-bag. The upper or
horizontal portion of the plate is provided with upwardly projecting lips or lugs 3b
to form the keeper, which lips are curved from the edge of the said horizontal
portion 'rearwardly, as shown in Fig. 15, the lip on one side being longer, and
having a greater or more decided curve than the one on the other side so that the
opening 4 between said lips is to one side of the centre of the keeper as shown in
Figs. 17 and 18 for the purposes as will presently appear.
The numeral 5 indicates a metallic plate, bent so as to form a vertical upward
extension, the lower portion of the plate being pierced for the passage of the
rivets or screws by which it may be attached to the inner jaw 6" Fig. 14 of the
satchel. To the said extension is securely fastened a horizontal bar 7b, which has
its free end contracted, as shown in Fig. 15 for the reception of a collar 8 which
fits snugly on the contracted portion and abuts against the shoulder 9' of the con-
tracted portion, the collar being held thereon by upsetting the end of such portion,
or by means of a suitably headed screw; or the arm and bar may be integral and
the bar made to turn in the plate or holder as shown in Fig. 19. From the collar
depends an arm 10%, of such diameter as to pass freely between the opening 4b of
the lips of the keeper, on opening and closing the satchel. The said arm is
provided with a weight 11 at its lower end which holds it in a downward position,
normally, the arm being adapted to swing freely on the horizontal bar 7.
The mouth of the keeper is made flaring and somewhat larger than the end of
the bar 7, so that the entrance within the keeper of the bar is assured even should the
jaws or members of the satchel get out of line, and the rear opening of the mouth
is made only slightly larger than the bar so that the parts will fit snugly together.
The opening 4 between the lips of the keeper is of smaller size than the bar 7, so
that said har cannot escape therefrom, and the arm 10 is adapted to said
opening so that the accidental escape of said arm through the opening is
prevented.
The operation of my invention is as follows:-
In closing the bag the arm 10 strikes the edge of one of the lips 3b and is
directed by the longer lip, so as to fall behind the shorter lip and rest on the
horizontal portion on the plate 1 of the keeper, as shown in Figs. 14 and 16. This
securely fastens the bag against accidental opening, the opening being only effected
by raising the arm so that it can be passed between the lips of the keeper.
As before stated, one lip of the keeper is longer than the other and the opening
between the same is at one side as shown in Figs. 17 and 18. The object of such
construction is to limit vertical movement of the weighted arm or to prevent said
arm from assuming a vertical position and bring the weight on a dead centre,
and thereby prevent the falling automatically, of the weighted arm instantly, upon
the same passing behind the keeper; the position of the weighted arm being at an
angle, as shown in Fig. 18, so that its dropping behind the keeper is assured.
While the opening between the lips at the side thereof will prevent the weighted
arm passing too far in a vertical position, the same result is accomplished by
providing a stop on the bar 7b that engages the end of a slot in the sleeve 8 of
the weighted arm as shown in Fig. 15 so that the movement of said arm is
limited.
Referring to Figures 20 to 24 of the drawings, the reference numeral 1° indicates

page_text: the barrel in which the bolt-bar 2 is adapted to slide. The said barrel is formed
with lateral flanges pierced or formed with openings for the screws by which it is
fastened to its seat upon the article to which it is to be attached. The barrel
below is formed with two longitudinal recesses 3°, 4°; the partition 5 between
the recesses being bored or provided with a suitable opening for the passage of the
bolt-bar. The numeral 6 indicates a spiral spring located in the recess 4° and
surrounding the bolt-bar. The said spring bears at one end against the
partition 5 and at the other end against a projection or screw 7° fastened in the
bolt-bar, or such spring may be otherwise arranged so as to react the bolt when
shot. The bolt-bar is also provided with a stop or projection & which limits its
backward movement. The forward end of the bolt-bar is contracted as at 17° and
provided with a sleeve 9 having a weighted depending arm 10°, which is held
against the shoulder 11° on the bolt-bar, by means of a screw 12°, or otherwise, so
as to abut closely against the shoulder, but turn freely on the contracted portion 17"
before mentioned. The barrel is slotted longitudinally, and through said slot
projects a stud 13 having a knob at its end by means of which the arm may be
moved to shoot the bolt-bar.
;
The numeral 14° indicates the keeper, which consists of a flat plate baving'
openings for fastening screws. The said keeper is provided with lugs or open
lips 15 which are curved upwardly, from the edge of the plate, as shown in Fig. 24,
which sets next to the forward edge of the bolt-barrel to the opening 18 between
the lips and this opening between the lips is of such size relative to the weighted
arm 10 as to permit the said arm to pass freely therethrough, but of less width
than the diameter of the bolt-bar 2 so that said bar cannot pass out between said
lips and permit the parts to be accidentally opened. The said lips are also curved
at their rear portion to form a seat 16° for the weighted arm 10 when the bolt bar
is locked and prevent accidental unlocking.
The operation of my invention will be readily understood, in connection with the"
above description. To lock the bolt it is pushed forward, as usual, by the knob of
stud 13, the bolt-bar entering the month of the keeper and the weighted arm 10°
riding upon the curved lips 15 thereof and when said arm has passed said lips it
falls and being drawn backward by the spring when released is held by the curve 16*
in the lower lip of the keeper on the side opposite that at which it entered. To
unlock the parts the weighted arm is turned upward until on a line with the
opening between the lips, when the tension of the spring draws it automatically
back.
The mouth of the keeper is somewhat larger than the bolt-bar so that even
should the door sag slightly the bolt-bar will enter the mouth of the keeper and
be directed to its locking seat and while the mouth of the keeper is made larger
relatively than the bolt-bar the opening at the rear of such keeper is only slightly
larger than the bolt-bar so that a snug fit is assured.
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. In a car coupler the combination with coupling heads having a recess for
the reception of a coupling bar or link, and a flaring mouth having curved lips
at one side, of a coupling bar provided with an opening at one end, a coupling pin,
and a dependent weighted arm swinging upon the coupling bar and adapted to
ride upon the surface of the flaring mouth of the draw head and pass through
the open lips thereof to automatically couple the cars together, substantially as
specified.
2. The combination with the draw-heads, the coupling bars and dependent
swinging weighted arm, of means for elevating the arms to uncouple the draw-
heads, substantially as specified.
3. The combination with the coupling bars having contracted forward ends, of

page_text: the recessed sleeves and dependent weighted arms, and the pins fastened in said
contracted portion of the bars and extending into recesses in the sleeves to limit
the movement of the sleeves and prevent the weighted arms from being lifted above
a horizontal position, substantially as specified.
4. In a car coupler, the combination of draw-heads curved reversely at their
front, and coupling bars provided with an aperture at one end, weighted swinging
arms, and a coupling pin, whereby a double action coupling is effected as well as
a universal action of the coupling devices, substantially as specified.
5. In a car coupler, the combination with a draw-head having a flaring mouth
with rearwardly and upwardly curved lower lips, and an opening at the rear, of
a coupling bar, and a swinging weighted arm at the front of the bar, said arm
being adapted to ride upon the curved lips of the mouth of the draw-head and
enter the draw-head to automatically couple the same, substantially as specified.
6. In a car coupler, the combination with a draw-head having a flaring mouth
with curved lips, and rear and lateral openings, of coupling bars, swinging weighted
arms on the bars-the bar being of larger diameter than the arm, and the lateral
opening of the draw-head of less diameter than the bar, substantially as and for
the purposes specified.
7. In a shutter fastener the combination of a block having a longitudinal opening
through it, a lock lever fulcrumed therein and projecting at each side, the outer end
being formed with a catch to engage a suitable staple and the inner end provided
with a swivelled weighted arm adapted to engage a suitable keeper, substantially as
specified.
8. The combination of a screw threaded block, a lever fulcrumed therein, a
staple adapted to be engaged by the outer end of the lever, a weighted arm
swivelled to the inner end of the lever, and a keeper having open curved lips, sub-
stantially as specified, the opening between the lips being of less width than the
diameter of the lock lever and of greater width than the diameter of the weighted
arm, for the purposes set forth.
9. The combination with a lock lever, and a weighted arm, of a keeper having a
flaring mouth and curved open lips the upper lip having an extension at its rear to
guide the weighted arm into and out of a locked position, substantially as specified.
10. In a shutter fastener, the combination with a lock lever secured to the
shutter and having a swivelled weighted arm at its end, and a keeper secured to the
window sill and having a flaring mouth and curved open lips, of means for limiting
the upward movement of the arm, for the purposes specified.
11. In a fastening for satchels and similar receptacles, the combination with the
jaws of such article, a keeper secured to one of the jaws having vertical open lips or
lugs, curved upwardly and rearwardly from the front edge and with the opening
between the lips at one side of the centre of said keeper, and a bar secured to the
opposite jaw and carrying at its end a swinging weighted arm at right angles to
the bar, the parts being adapted to operate substantially as specified.
12. In a satchel fastener, the combination of a keeper provided with curved lips
of unequal length, and a horizontal bar carrying a weighted arm adapted to ride
over the curved lips and be guided so as to fall behind the keeper substantially as
specified.
13. In a fastening for satchels, hand-bags, pocket-books, etc., the combination
with a plate having curved open lips secured to one jaw, of an opposite plate
secured to the other jaw of the article and carrying a bar, a swinging weighted
on said bar, and means for limiting the upward movement of the arm, substantially
as and for the purposes described.
arm
14. In a fastening for doors, box-lids, etc., the combination of a bolt-barrel, a
bolt-bar adapted to move longitudinally in said barrel, a spiral spring holding the
bolt normally backward, a weighted arm swinging on the outer end of the bolt, and a
keeper having open curved lips, the whole adapted to operate substantially in the
manner and for the purposes.specified.

page_text: 15. In a fastening for doors, box-lids, etc., the combination with a keeper having
curved open lips, of a spring re-acted bolt, and a swinging weighted arm, at the end
of the bolt, adapted to automatically ride upon the lips of the keeper and fall
behind the same when effecting a fastening, substantially as specified.
Dated this 2nd day of June 1892.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Of 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, Agents for the Applicant.