Improvements in Devices for Sealing or Closing Envelopes and the like.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd Aug., 1892-Accepted, 10th Sept., 1892
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Devices for Sealing or Closing Envelopes and
the like.
I JAMES YATE JOHNSON of 47 Lincolns Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex
Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this invention which has been com-
municated to me from abroad by Henry Denis of No. 136 Gravier Street New Orleans
in the State of Louisiana United States of America Lawyer 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 an improved metal fastening for envelopes and wrappers
and consists in novel features of construction as hereinafter described and claimed.
In order that this invention may be fully understood I will proceed to describe
it with reference to the accompanying drawing in which-Figure 1. is a per-
spective view of the outer member of the improved fastening and Figure II. is a
perspective view of the inner member thereof. Figure III. shews the fastening
applied to an envelope, the latter being open and Figure IV. is an axial section
through the fastening and envelope after the envelope has been closed and
fastened.
The fastening made according to this invention consists of two members an outer
member and an inner member. The outer member is constructed of thin metal in
the form of a single disc or plate 1 having angular prongs or clips 2 at its periphery
and provided with a central stud formed with a shank or stem 3 and a head or
knob 4 of plano-convex or equivalent shape. The inner member is also constructed
of thin metal in the form of a single disc or plate 5 having at its periphery angular
prongs or clips 6 similar to those of the outer member and provided with a central
opening or orifice 7 and short radial slots or slits 8 surrounding the opening or
orifice providing spring or flexible lips 9 bent inwards as shewn. 10 is an envelope
(to which the said fastening is applied) having the front 11 the flap 12 and the
back 13. To the outer side of the flap 12 the outer member of the fastening is
secured the stud and prongs or clips of this member being pressed or forced through
the substance of the flap and its prongs or clips 2 being turned inward against
the inner side of the flap. The inner member of the fastening is in the same manner
attached to the outer side of the back by pressing its prongs or clips through the
substance of the back and turning them inward against the inner side of the back;
the inner member being arranged in such a position as to bring the central hole or
orifice thereof opposite the head of the stud when the flap is folded down. The
envelope is secured by folding the flap down upon the back thus bringing the two
members of the fastening together and by slightly pressing the central portion of
the outer member, the head of the stud will enter the central hole or orifice of the
inner member and forcing the lips asunder the said head will pass beyond the said
lips which then spring back and lap around the shank or stem of the stud in the
direction of the head and abut against the inner plane surface 4 of the latter and
so the head is prevented from being withdrawn, thus securely and permanently
fastening the envelope.
For greater security additional fastenings may be provided between the central
fastening shewn and the ends of the envelope.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is
A permanent fastening for envelopes and wrappers consisting of an outer member
the form of a single disc or plate having peripheral

page_text: prongs or clips and a stud formed with a shank or stem and a head or knob of
plano-convex or equivalent shape, and of an inner member constructed of thin
metal in the form of a single disc or plate having peripheral prongs or clips, a
hole or orifice for the reception of the stud, slots or slits and inbent flexible lips by
which the head or knob of the stud is guided into position and permanently held
from withdrawal, substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawing.
Dated this 2nd day of August 1892.
J. H. JOHNSON & Co.,
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, Agents.