IMPROVED DEVICES FOR JOINING THE ENDS OF LEATHER BELTS AND FOR SIMILAR PURPOSES
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Harris Lake of the firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& C° Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention of
"IMPROVED DEVICES FOR JOINING THE ENDS OF LEATHER BELTS AND FOR
SIMILAR PURPOSES Communicated to him from abroad by Abner Johnston,
of Bainbridge, New York, United States of America, Mechanician
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Harris Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th December 1882.
"
HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake, and Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, "IMPROVED DEVICES FOR JOINING THE ENDS OF
LEATHER BELTS AND FOR SIMILAR PURPOSES [A communication to him from
abroad by Abner Johnston, of Bainbridge, New York, United States of America,
Mechanician]
This invention relates to novel devices for joining adjacent edges or surfaces of
leather and other like material, such for example as belts or bands for driving
machinery, and the throats or flaps of mail bags, the said invention being also
applicable for other similar or analogous purposes, and in part for repairing or
strengthening straps of flexible material, such as harness leathers and the like,
where the same have become weakened by use or accident.
According to one part of this invention and that more particularly relating to
the joining of the ends of belts or bands, a plate is provided at two opposite edges
of which are two parallel rows of flattened tapering teeth; the inner rows are
arranged with their broad faces in planes transverse to the plate, and the outer
rows are arranged with their broad faces parallel to the length of the plate, the
construction and arrangement of the teeth being such that in the attachment of
said plate to the parts to be joined, while the inner rows may be bent and clinched
in a direction transverse to the plate, that is to say, parallel to the edges, of the
band or belt to be joined, the outer rows are bent and clinched at right angles to
the bend of the inner rows; in other words parallel with the direction of the plate.
By this means while one stated portion of the teeth resists any tendency to lateral
displacement of the ends of the band or belt with reference to the plate, another
stated portion of the said teeth resist the longitudinal strain of the band or belt as
the same is exerted upon the plate when the band or belt is in use. The said
invention further comprises a plate which may be properly termed a central plate,
and which is provided with a series of teeth suitably formed and arranged to
enable the said plate to be attached to the adjacent or contiguous ends of the band
Price 8d1

page_text: or belt, so as to connect the same; the said plate being provided along its opposite
edges with slots or openings. This plate is used in combination with one or more
supplementary plates, also provided with teeth, by which they may be attached to
the band or belt, and also with prongs or tongues, which, being passed through the
slots of the central plate aforesaid, and thence through the material of the band or
belt, connect the said supplementary plate at its edge with the adjacent edge of
the central plate, so that each supplementary plate acts as a reinforce to the central
plate inasmuch as the attachment of the supplementary plate to the belt at a more
remote distance from the edges to be joined reinforces the strength of the means by
which the central plate itself is attached to the band or belt.
In another device for joining or connecting the ends of bands or belts as afore-
said, the central plate and the supplementary or reinforce plates are constructed as
herein before described with suitable teeth which being passed through the material
and attached thereto as just hereinbefore explained, connect the said central plate
and supplementary plates to the end portions of the band or belt to be joined; but
in this last mentioned modification the central plate is provided with slots or
openings the metal at the outer sides of which forms pivotal bars or bearings
around which are clasped lugs or jaws attached to the adjacent edges of the supple-
mental plates thereby forming a positive hinge-joint between the said central and
supplemental plates. When desired, the pivotal bars may be formed on the edges
of the supplemental plate and the lugs or jaws on the central plate; when the teeth
hereinbefore referred to as formed upon the several plates, or any of them, are
passed through the material, they are clinched upon that side of the material
opposite that at which the plates themselves are situate, thereby firmly securing
the plates in place.
Another part of this invention relates more particularly to closing or connecting
the opposite parts of the throats or mouths of mail-bags and similar articles, and
comprises a series of plates among which is a specially arranged central plate, the
plates of the said series being hinged or pivotted together on axes longitudinal with
the length of the bag, and constructed with tongues having wedge-like outer
Burfaces and used in connection with a series of other and different plates, a series
of broad-headed rivets which extend through vertical slots formed in the series of
plates first named, a catch, and a lock; the said parts being so arranged that when
that portion of the throat of the mail bag which carries the hinged series of plates
is brought in due juxta-position with the portion which carries the other series of
plates, the said plates will be so joined that, in conjunction with the catch and
lock, they will effectually join the two surfaces or parts, and thereby effectually
retain the bag in a closed position until the same is opened by unlocking the
fastening devices constructed and arranged to operate as just indicated, extending
substantially the whole width of the throat or opening of the bag.
In carrying one part of this invention into practice I provide a plate which may
be either flat or slightly curved in its section taken longitudinal with the belt to
which it is to be applied. The lateral edges of this plate may be scolloped, or they
may be straight; in the said lateral edges are provided slots or openings the
purpose of which will hereinafter appear. On the inner side of the said plate are
two or more parallel rows of teeth. Each of these teeth is flat and tapering; flat,
in order that it may be bent in a definite direction, and tapering and pointed in
order that it may more readily pass through the material of the belt. Some of
these teeth are placed with their flattened sides substantially parallel with the
lateral edges of the plate, while the others are placed with their flattened sides
substantially at right-angles to said lateral edges. From this it follows that the
first named teeth will bend readily in planes transverse to the plate, while the other
teeth will bend readily in planes longitudinal with the plate. In order to join the
two ends of a belt, the row or rows of teeth adjacent to one lateral edge of the
plate are forced through one end of the belt, while in like manner the teeth at
the opposite side of said plate are forced through the opposite end of the belt; the
two ends of the belt being brought opposite each other, or butt-jointed as it is

page_text: termed. The teeth are then bent over or clinched upon the inner side of the belt,
the direction of the clinching of the first named teeth being at right-angles to the
clinching of the other teeth so that while the said first named teeth bend in a
direction lengthwise of the belt, that is to say, transverse to the plate, the other
teeth bend in a direction transverse to the belt, that is to say, lengthwise of the
plate; this peculiar arrangement of the clinching of the ends of the teeth secures a
much firmer hold upon the ends of the belt, and consequently a much firmer
attachment of the said ends of the belt to the plate than would be obtained if the
teeth were all bent in one direction, or if they were bent merely at hazard.
It is
to be understood that the plate is to be formed in one piece with its teeth. The
said plate may be most conveniently made of malleable iron castings in order to
give toughness to the plate itself, and the property of bending to the teeth.
Inasmuch as the said plate attached as described, causes the strain to be brought,
so to speak, upon the material of the belt in two parallel transverse lines, it is
necessary, in order to secure greater strength to the joined ends of the belt, that a
portion of this strain should be transferred to parts of the belt more remote from
the extremities thereof. To secure this, there are provided supplemental plates
which are provided with teeth substantially the same as the teeth hereinbefore
described, and which have at one or both of their lateral edges, lateral prongs.
These supplemental plates are made of the same material as the first named plate,
so that the said prongs, as well as the teeth, are capable of bending. The said
lateral prongs are bent inward substantially at right-angles to the supplemental
plate upon which they are formed, and as thus arranged, are passed through an
opening in the adjacent edge of the plate, thence downward through the material
of the belt, and then, together with the teeth of the said supplemental plate, are
bent or clinched at the inner side of the belt, thereby attaching the supplemental
plate to the belt itself, with the lateral prongs firmly hooked through the openings
and consequently holding upon the plate so that a portion of the strain exerted by
the said plate at the end of the belt is transferred further back and sustained by
the teeth of the supplemental plate. In some instances, the supplemental plate
itself may have behind, and connected with it, still another plate of like character.
It is to be understood that the supplemental plate is to be affixed, as just described,
in connection with each lateral edge of the plate first named. This modification of
my invention, as herein described, may not only be employed for joining the ends
of belts but may also be employed for the purpose of strengthening weak portions
of belts; the plate, and any desired number of supplemental plates being secured
to the weak portion of the belt, and extending therefrom lengthwise of the belt,
until the plates hold in a firm and strong, or unimpaired, portion thereof.
Furthermore, the said modification of my said invention may be applied for
strengthening weak points in harness straps and other straps, when occasion so
requires.
In case of repairs, the plate may be first applied for temporary use and
afterwards strengthened by the addition of the supplemental plates.
In some cases each plate is formed of a series of teeth projecting from one
side thereof. The object of these teeth is to enable the said plates to be attached
to the ends of the belt to be joined; the teeth being forced through the substance
of the belt and then turned over or clinched upon the opposite side of the latter.
Near that edge of the plate, adjacent to one extremity of the belt to which it is
attached, is formed a slot or opening parallel with the said edge of the said plate.
Provided upon the adjacent edge of the supplemental plate is a curved jaw or clasp so
constructed and arranged that it may be passed through the said slot and then more
or less tightened, so that, in effect, the two plates are hinged together; being so
hinged, the two plates attached to the two ends of the belt to be joined form a flexible
connection between the ends of the belt, which, while strong and durable, permits
them to pass readily over pulleys of very small diameter; the connection thus
formed being not only flexible, strong, and durable, but cheap and easily applied,
and in itself compact so as not to interfere with the smooth passage of the belt

page_text: over the surface of the pulleys. When desired, the plate, instead of having a
single slot, may have two or more slots placed substantially in line with each other
to receive a corresponding number of the jaws or clasps on the supplemental
plate.
It
In some cases, as for example where the belt itself is of large size, comparatively
stiff, and passing over pulleys or drums of comparatively large diameter, a different
construction, involving the same principle, may be preferred. In such case I
provide a central plate, which for convenience of description I designate the third
plate. The said plate, instead of having a single slot at one end, or near one edge,
is provided with such slots at its two opposite edges. The said plate may be
provided with teeth corresponding to the teeth of the first and supplemental plates
by which it may be attached to the oppositely arranged and contiguous ends of
the belt, preliminary to the attachment thereto of two plates which I designate as
fourth plates each of which is provided with a jaw in the same manner as the
supplemental plate. Each of the said jaws is placed in the adjacent slots provided
as hereinbefore explained, at, or near, the opposite edges of the third plate. Each
of the fourth plates is provided with teeth by which it is attached to the opposed
but connected end portions of the belt and adjacent to the extremities thereof.
will be observed that in this case, as in that previously described, the connection of
the two end portions of the belt is rendered strong and flexible by the connection of
the third and fourth plates having the teeth and jaws holding in suitable slots of
inetallic plates arranged to receive the said jaws, and that although the precise line
of junction may be covered by the original plate, yet this plate, being compara-
tively narrow, and a flexible joint being provided at each of its opposite edges, the
connection is in effect a flexible connection provided by metallic means, thereby
ensuring the strength incident to the use of metal with a flexibility practically
equal to that which could be obtained by superposing across the junction of the
ends a piece of material, such for example, as leather or the like, flexible in, and of,
itself. When desired, the third plate, instead of having a single slot at each of its
opposite edges may be provided with several of such slots arranged in line with
each other; these slots receiving a corresponding number of jaws which are
provided upon the adjacent plates.
It is a mere matter of judgment whether the said jaws shall be turned inward
or downward, as aforesaid, or in an upward or outward direction to clasp around
the metal at the edge of the slots; the result being the same, namely, that a
pivotal or hinge connection is provided between the plates.
According to another part of this invention a series of flat plates are hinged or
pivoted together, the axes of the hinges being in the same direction as the length
of the mail-bag, or the like, while the plates themselves are arranged transversely
across the flap of the bag. Attached by rivets to the front of the flap are plates
which hereinafter I terin front plates, in the lower portion of each of which is a
horizontal slot coincident with a similar slot formed in the material of the flap
itself. At the upper part of each front plate is a broad-headed screw or rivet.
Each of the series of plates, with the exception of the central one, has at its centre
a vertical slot. The broad headed rivet or screw is passed through this slot in
such a manner that the lateral portions of the head of the rivet passing over the
adjacent edges of the slot attach the said plate to the front plate, whereby a vertical
movement, that is to say, a movement in the direction of the length of the bag is
permitted to the series of plates. It will be seen that the entire series of plates
including the central one is thus enabled to move up and down.
Each of the series of plates except the central one is formed with two vertical
slots in such a manner as to provide, on each of the said plates, a downwardly
extended tongue, at, or near, the centre of which is the vertical slot aforesaid. This
tongued portion is strengthened by wedge shaped strips. When the series of
plates is forced upward or outward until the broad headed rivets are brought nearly
or quite to the lower extremities of the vertical slots, the said tongues are brought
clear of the horizontal slots in the front plates and in the flap of the bag. Secured

page_text: to the upper part of the front of the bag, that is to say, over that portion of the
bag upon which the flap is placed and secured when the bag is closed, are hori-
zontal staples, so arranged that when the flap is brought down upon the said front
portion of the bag, the said staples will pass upward through the horizontal slots
in the flap and the front plate thereof, and project forward beyond the outer
surface of the said flap to such an extent that when the series of plates are brought
inward the tongues will pass into and through the said staples and consequently
secure the flap upon the aforesaid front portion of the bag; the wedge shape
strengthening pieces enabling the tongues to force the flap in firm and secure contact
with the said adjacent front of the bag.
The central plate carries a catch which acts in conjunction with a suitable lock
so that when the series of plates are brought inwards to attach the flap to the
front of the bag as just explained, the said catch passing into. the lock will catch
automatically in the internal dogs or holding devices of said lock, the latter being
attached to the lower part of the flap, and thereby lock the series of plates in their
depressed condition with the tongues extended through the staples thus confining
the flap to the front of the bag as hereinbefore explained.
Formed in the flap at
the upper edge of said lock is a horizontal slot, and provided to the adjacent part of
the upper part of the front of the bag is a staple so arranged that when the flap is
closed upon the said front of the bag, the said staple will pass through the slot to
such a position that when the said catch is forced toward and into the lock as just
explained, it will pass under, and through, the said staple, thereby affording an
additional hold between the flap and the said front of the bag. In order that the
outer extremities of the plates at the ends of the series of plates may not be caught
or injured, the said end plates are vertically slotted and shouldered studs are so
arranged that their lateral shoulders will extend over the adjacent edges of the
slot, while the shanks of the said studs passing through the said slot are securely
attached to the adjacent front plates.
When desired, the central plate may be provided with a holding device the
internal circumference of which is grooved to receive the usual check or address
card, which latter may be inserted through a narrow slot formed at the lower end
of the said holding device and behind the catch. Inasmuch as the series of plates
with their tongues are brought to, and over, the staples by a movement in the
direction of the length of the bag, it follows that a very slight movement of the
said plates is sufficient to bring the said tongues through the staples and the catch
into the lock to securely close the bag, and that, in like manner, a slight movement
only is required to bring the said tongues clear of the staples and the catch clear of
the lock when it is desired to open the bag; this opening movement of the series
of plates being very readily secured by inverting the upper part of the bag with
a sudden or jerking motion which throws the said series of plates, and its adjuncts,
outward and away from the staples and locks, so that the bag may be very readily
opened after being unlocked. Furthermore, inasmuch as the plates of the series
of plates including the central one, are pivotted or hinged together with their axes
longitudinal with the bag itself, and inasmuch as the lock is placed at the centre
of the top of the bag, it follows that the said upper part of the bag may be folded
or bent around any axis of motion longitudinal with the bag itself, with very much
greater facility than is the case with the mail bag fastenings hitherto in use; this
folding or bending in the various exigencies of service proving of very material
consequence. And furthermore, because of the peculiar construction and arrange-
ment of parts there is no position into which a mail bag can ordinarily be placed or
thrown which will bring any severe strain upon the lock, so that the latter as
well as the other portions of the fastening apparatus are not liable to get out of
order.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Henry Harris Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
26th June 1883.
HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co, Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, " IMPROVED DEVICES FOR JOINING THE ENDS OF
LEATHER BELTS AND FOR SIMILAR PURPOSES "
A communication to me from
abroad by Abner Johnston, of Bainbridge, New York, United States of America,
Mechanician,
This invention relates to novel devices for joining adjacent edges or surfaces of
leather and other like material, such, for example as belts or bands for driving
machinery, and the throats or flaps of mail bags; the said invention being also
applicable for other similar or analogous purposes, and in part for repairing or
strengthening straps of flexible material, such as harness leathers and the like,
where the same have become weakened by use or accident.
According to one part of the said invention, and that more particularly
relating to the joining of the ends of belts or bands, a plate is provided at two
opposite edges of which are two parallel rows of flattened tapering teeth; the inner
rows are arranged with their broad faces in planes transverse to the plate, and the
outer rows are arranged with their broad faces parallel to the length of the plate,
the construction and arrangement of the teeth being such, that, in the attachment
of the said plate to the parts to be joined, while the inner rows may be bent and
clinched in a direction transverse to the plate, that is to say, parallel to the edges
of the band or belt to be joined, the outer rows are bent and clinched at right
angles to the bend of the inner rows; in other words, parallel with the direction of
the plate. By this means, while one stated portion of the teeth resists any
tendency to lateral displacement of the ends of the band or belt with reference to
the plate, another stated portion of the said teeth resists the longitudinal strain of
the band or belt as the same is exerted upon the plate when the band or belt is
in use.
This part of the said invention further comprises a plate which may be properly
termed a central plate, and which is provided with a series of teeth suitably formed
and arranged to enable the said plate to be attached to the adjacent or contiguous
ends of the band or belt so as to connect the same; the said plate being provided
along its opposite edges with slots or openings. This plate is used in combination
with one or more supplementary plates, also provided with teeth by which they
may be attached to the band or belt, and also with prongs or tongues, which, being
passed through the slots of the central plate aforesaid and thence through the
material of the band or belt, connect the said supplementary plate at its edge with
the adjacent edge of the central plate, so that each supplementary plate acts as a
reinforce to the central plate, inasmuch as the attachment of the supplementary
plate to the belt at a more remote distance from the edges to be joined, reinforces
the strength of the means by which the central plate itself is attached to the band
or belt.
According to a modification of this part of the said invention the central plate,
and the supplementary or reinforce plates are constructed as herein before described
with suitable teeth, which, being passed through the material and attached thereto
as just hereinbefore explained, connect the said central plate and supplementary
plates to the end portions of the band or belt to be joined; but in this last
mentioned modification the central plate is provided with slots or openings, the
metal at the outer sides of which forins pivotal bars or bearings around which are

page_text: clasped lugs or jaws attached to the adjacent edges of the supplementary plates,
thereby forming a positive hinge-joint between the said central and supplemental
plates. When desired, the pivotal bars may be formed on the edges of the
supplementary plate, and the lugs or jaws on the centrul plate.
When the teeth hereinbefore referred to as formed upon the several plates, or
any of them, are passed through the material, they are clinched upon the side of
the material opposite that at which the plates themselves are situate, thereby
firmly securing the plates in place.
Another part of this invention relates more particularly to closing or connecting
the opposite parts of the throats or mouths of mail-bags and similar articles, and
comprises a series of plates, among which is a specially arranged central plate, the
plates of the said series being hinged or pivotted together on axes longitudinal with
the length of the bag, and constructed with tongues having wedge-like outer
surfaces and used in connection with a series of other and different plates; a series
of broad headed rivets which extend through vertical slots formed in the series of
plates first named, a catch, and a lock; the said parts being so arranged, that,
when that portion of the throat of the mail bag which carries the hinged series of
plates is brought in due juxtaposition with the portion which carries the other
series of plates, the said plates will be joined, so that, in conjunction with the
catch and lock, they will effectually join the two surfaces or parts, and thereby
effectually retain the bag in a closed position until the same is opened by unlocking.
The fastening devices which are constructed and arranged to operate as just
indicated extend substantially the whole width of the throat or opening of
the bag.
The said invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
Figures 1 and 2 are views taken from opposite sides of the central or principal
plate.
Figure 3 is a side view showing the relative positions of the said plate with the
supplemental plates.
Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view showing the manner of joining the ends
of the belt.
Figure 5 is an inside view, of the belt, showing the arrangement of the fastening
teeth when the fastening device is affixed in place, and
Figure 6 is a detail view drawn to an enlarged scale illustrating the shape of
the teeth.
Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view (at right angles to the surface of the
belt) of a belt fastener applied to the adjacent ends of the belt to join the same.)
Figure 8 is a plan view of the parts represented in Figure 7.
Figures. 9 and 10 are similar views to Figures 7 and 8, but illustrating a
modification in the construction and application of the said invention, and
Figures 11 and 12, are similar views indicating certain other modifications
thereof
Figure 13, is a front view illustrating another part of the said invention.
Figure 14, is a section on the line x, x, Figure 13.
Figure 15, is a similar view on the line y, y, of Figure 13.
Figures 16, 17, 18 and 19 are detail views hereinafter described and
Figure 20, is a front view showing the upper or throat portion of the bag as
inverted, thereby illustrating the manner in which the bag may be very readily
opened when unlocked.
Referring to Figures 1 to 6 which illustrate one part of the said invention
A indicates a plate which may be either flat or slightly curved longitudinally with
the belt to which it is to be applied. The lateral edges of this plate may be
scolloped or they may be straight. In the said lateral edges are provided slots or
openings the purpose of which will hereinafter appear.
said plate are two or more parallel rows of teeth b, c,
and tapering; flat in order that it may be bent in a definite direction, and tapering
and pointed in order that it may more readily pass through the material of the
On the inner side of the
Each of these teeth is flat

page_text: belt. Some of these teeth, as for example, the teeth b, are placed with their
flattened sides substantially parallel with the lateral edges of the plate A while
the others are placed with their flattened sides substantially at right-angles to the
said lateral edges as represented in Figure 2. From this it follows that the teeth b
will bend readily in planes transverse to the plate A, while the teeth c will bend
readily in planes longitudinal with the plate A.
"
In order to join the two ends B, B, of a belt the row or rows of teeth adjacent
to one lateral edge of the plate A are forced through one end of the belt, while
in like manner the teeth at the opposite side of said plate A are forced through the
opposite end of the belt; the two ends of the belt being brought opposite each
other or "butt jointed as it is termed. The teeth b c are then bent over or
clinched upon the inner side of the belt, the direction of the clinching of the teeth b
being at right angles to the clinching of the teeth c so that while the teeth 6 bend
in a direction lengthwise of the belt, that is to say, transverse to the plate A the
teeth c bend in a direction transverse to the belt, that is to say lengthwise of the
plate A; this peculiar arrangement of the clinching of the ends of the teeth secure
a much firmer hold upon the ends of the belt, and consequently a much firmer
attachment of the said ends of the belt to the plate A than would be obtained if
the teeth were all bent in one direction, or if they were bent merely at hazard. It
is to be understood that the plate A is formed in one piece with its teeth b c. The
plate A may be most conveniently made of malleable iron castings in order to give
toughness to the plate itself, and the property of bending to the teeth.
Inasmuch as the said plate A, attached as desired, causes the strain to be brought
so to speak upon the material of the belt in two parallel transverse lines, it is
necessary, in order to secure greater strength to the joined ends of the belt, that a
portion of this strain should be transferred to parts of the belt more remote from
the extremities thereof. To secure this, there are provided supplementary plates D,
which are provided with teeth substantially the same as the teeth b and c and
which have at one or both of their lateral edges lateral prongs f. These supple-
mentary plates are made of the same material as the plate A, so that the said
prongs as well as the teeth are capable of bending. The said prongs fare bent
inward substantially at right angles to the supplemental plate D upon which they
are formed, and thus arranged are passed through the opening a in the adjacent
edge of the plate A, thence downward through the material of the belt, and then
together with the teeth of the said supplementary plate, are bent or clinched at
the inner side of the belt, thereby attaching the supplementary plate to the belt
itself with the prongs f firmly hooked through the openings a and consequently
holding upon the plate A so that a portion of the strain exerted by the plate at
the end of the belt, is transferred further back and sustained by the teeth of the
supplemental plate D. In some instances the supplementary plate itself may have
behind and connected with it still another plate of like character. It is to be
understood that the supplementary plate is to be affixed, as just described, in
connection with each lateral edge of the plate A.
The device hereinbefore described, may not only be employed for joining the
ends of belts, but may also be employed for the purpose of strengthening weak
portions of belts; the plate A and any desired number of supplementary plates
being secured to the weak portion of the belt, and extending therefrom length wise
of the belt, until the plates hold in a firm and strong or unimpaired condition
thereof. Furthermore the said device may be applied for strengthening weak
points in harness straps and other straps when occasion so requires.
In case of repairs the plate A may be first applied for temporary use and
afterwards strengthened by the addition of the plates D.
Referring to Figures 7 to 12, which illustrate a modification of this part of the
said invention, A and D indicate plates formed with a series of teeth a, projecting
from one side thereof. The object of these teeth is to enable the said plates to be
attached to the ends of the belt to be joined; the teeth being forced through the
substance of the belt and then turned over or clinched upon the opposite side of

page_text: the latter, as shewn in Figure 7. Near that edge of the plate A adjacent to the
extremity b of the belt B, to which it is attached is formed a slot or opening c
parallel with the said edge of the said plate. Upon the adjacent edge of the other
plate D is a curved jaw or clasp g, so constructed and arranged that it may be
passed through the said slot c and then more or less tightened so that in effect the
two plates are hinged together; and being so hinged the two plates attached to
the two ends of the belt to be joined form a flexible connection which while strong
and durable readily passes over pulleys of very small diameter; the connection
thus formed being not only flexible, strong and durable, but cheap and easily
applied and in itself compact so as not to interfere with the smooth passage of the
belt over the surface of the pulleys.
When desired the plate A instead of having a single slot as represented in
Figures 7 and 8 may have two or more slots placed substantially in line with
each other to receive a corresponding number of the jaws or clasps on the other
plate D.
In some cases, as for example, where the belt itself is of large size, comparatively
stiff and passing over pulleys or drums of comparatively large diameter, a different
construction, involving the same pinciple, may be preferred. In such case I provide
a central plate H which instead of having a single slot c at one end, or near one
edge, is provided with such slots at its two opposite edges, and may also be provided
with teeth h corresponding to the teeth a of the plates A and D, by which teeth it
may be attached to the oppositely arranged and contiguous ends of the belt
preliminary to the attachment thereto of the two plates B³, each of which is
provided with a jaw g in the same manner as the plate D; each of the said jaws g
being placed in the adjacent slots c, provided, as hereinbefore explained, at or near
the opposite edges of the central plate H; Each of the plates B' is provided with
teeth by which it is attached to the opposed but connected end portion of the belt
and adjacent to the extremities thereof. It will be observed that in this case, as in
that previously described, the connection of the two end portions of the belt is
rendered strong and flexible by the connection of the plates H. and B¹, having the
teeth h and jaws g holding in suitable slots of metallic plates arranged to receive
the said jaws, and that although the precise line of junction may be covered by the
original plate, yet, this plate being comparatively narrow and a flexible joint being
provided at each of its opposite edges, the connection is in effect a flexible con-
nection provided by metallic means, thereby ensuring the strength incident to the
use of metal with a flexibility practically equal to that which could be obtained by
superposing across the junction, of the ends a piece of material, such, for example,
as leather or the like, flexible in and of itself. When desired the central plate H
instead of having a single slot at each of its opposite edges, may be provided with
several of such slots arranged in line with each other, as shewn in Figure 11;
these slots receiving a corresponding number of the jaws g which are provided
upon the adjacent plates.
It will be observed that in the drawings and as hereinbefore set forth, the jaws g
are represented as turned downward, that is to say, toward the belt. It is however
a mere matter of judgment whether the said jaws shall be turned inward or
downward as aforesaid, or in an upward or outward direction to clasp around the
metal at the edge of the slots c; the result being the same namely; that a pivotal
or hinge connection is provided between the plates.
Referring to Figures 13 to 20 which illustrate another part of this invention
A indicates a series of Hat plates hinged or pivotted together as shewn at a the
axes of the hinges being in the same direction as the length of the mail-bag or the
like while the plates themselves are arranged transversely across the flap B of
the bag. Attached by rivets b to the front of the flap B are plates C in the lower
portion of each of which is a horizontal slot c, coincident with a similar slot formed
in the material of the flap itself. At the upper part of each plate C is a broad
headed screw or rivet e. Each of the plates A with the exception of the central
one, indicated at A¹has at its centre a vertical slot f. The broad headed rivet or

page_text: screw e is passed through this slot in such a manner that the lateral portions of
the head of the rivet, passing over the adjacent edges of the slot, attach the plate A
to the plate C whereby a vertical movement, that is to say a movement in the
direction of the length of the bag is permitted to the plates A. It will be seen
that the entire series of plates A including the central one A¹, is thus enabled to
move up and down.
This
Each of the plates A except the central one A¹ is formed with two vertical slots g,
in such a manner as to provide on each of the said plates a downwardly extended
tongue D, at or near the centre of which is the vertical slot f aforesaid.
tongued portion D is strengthened by wedge shaped strips, as shewn at h. When
the series of plates A, is forced upward or outward until the broad headed rivets e
are brought nearly or quite to the lower extremities of the vertical slots, the
tongues D are brought clear of the horizontal slots c in the plates C and in the
flap B. Secured to the upper part of the front of the bag, that is to say over that
portion of the bag upon which the flap is placed and secured when the bag is
closed are horizontal staples E so arranged, that when the flap is brought down
upon the said front portion of the bag, the said staples will pass upward through
the horizontal slots c in the flap B and the plate C thereof and project forward
beyond the outer surface of the said flap to such an extent, that, when the series of
plates A are brought inward, the tongues D will pass into and through the staples E
and consequently secure the flap upon the aforesaid front portion of the bag; the
wedge shape strengthening pieces h enabling the tongues D to force the flap into
firm and secure contact with the said adjacent front of the bag.
The central plate A¹ carries a catch F, which acts in conjunction with a suitable
lock H, so that, when the plates A are brought inwards to attach the flap to the
front of the bag as just explained, the said catch F passing into the lock H will
catch automatically in the internal dogs or holding devices of said lock, the latter
being attached to the lower part of the flap, and thereby lock the series of plates A
in their depressed condition, with the tongues D extended through the staples E,
thus confining the flap to the front of the bag, as hereinbefore explained. Formed
in the flap, at the upper edge of said lock, is a horizontal slot r, and provided to
the adjacent part of the upper part of the front of the bag is a staple n so arranged,
that, when the flap is closed upon the said front of the bag, the said staple n will
pass through the slot r, in such a position that when the catch F is forced toward
and into the lock H as just explained it will pass under and through the said
staple, thereby affording an additional hold between the flap and the said front of
the bag.
In order that the outer extremities of the plates A at the ends of the series of
plates may not be caught or injured, the said end plates are vertically slotted as
shewn at S, and shouldered studs t are so arranged that their lateral shoulders
will extend over the adjacent edges of the slot, while the shanks of the said studs
passing through the said slot are securely attached to the adjacent plates C.
When desired the plate A¹ may be provided with a holding device I, the internal
circumference of which is grooved to receive the usual check or address card, which
latter may be inserted through a narrow slot formed at the lower end of the said
holding device I and behind the catch F.
Inasmuch as the series of plates A, with their tongues D are brought to and
over the staples E by a movement in the direction of the length of the bag; it
follows that a very slight movement of the said plates is sufficient to bring the said
tongues D through the staples E, and the catch F into the lock H, to securely-close
the bag; and that, in like manner, a slight movement only is required to bring the
tongues D clear of the staples E and the catch F clear of the lock H, when it is
desired to open the bag; this opening movement of the plates A, being very readily
secured by inverting the upper part of the bag, as for example, as represented in
Figure 20, with a sudden or jerking motion, which throws the said plates A and
their adjuncts outward and away from the staples and locks, so that the bag may
be very readily opened after being unlocked. Furthermore, inasmuch as the

page_text: plates A including the central one A¹, are pivotted or hinged together with their
axes longitudinal with the bag itself, and inasmuch as the lock is placed at the
centre of the top of the bag, it follows that the said upper part of the bag may be
folded or bent around any axis of motion, longitudinal with the bag itself, with
very much greater facility than is the case with the mail bag fastenings hitherto in
use; this folding or bending in the various exigencies of service proving of very
material consequence. And furthermore, because of the peculiar construction and
arrangement of parts, there is no position into which a mail bag can ordinarily be
placed or thrown which will bring any severe strain upon the lock, so that the
latter as well as the other portions of the fastening apparatus are not liable to get
out of order.
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. A belt-fastening plate provided at each of its two sides with two parallel
rows of flattened tapering teeth, the inner rows being arranged with their broad
faces in planes transverse to the plate, and the outer rows arranged with their said
broad faces parallel therewith, the said two rows of teeth being adapted to be bent
at right angles to each other, substantially as, and for the purpose, herein set
forth.
Second The plate A provided with suitable series of teeth whereby it may be
attached by clinching to the belt, and with lateral openings a, in combination with
one or more supplementary plates D having teeth whereby they may be attached
by clinching to the belt, and prongs f whereby the said supplementary plate or
plates may be connected to the plate A through the openings a of the latter, all
substantially as, and for the purpose, herein set forth.
Third. The combination of the plates A and D each having teeth a formed
integral therewith, and one of the said plates having a slot c to receive a jaw or
clasp g formed upon the other, whereby, when applied to join the ends of a belt, a
flexible connection is established between the said ends, all substantially as, and
for the purpose, herein set forth.
Fourth. The combination of a plate H provided with slots c at its opposite
edges, with the toothed plates B₁ provided with the jaws g for attachment through
the said slots c to the central plate H, all substantially as, and for the purpose,
herein set forth.
Fifth. A mail-bag fastening composed of the plates A including the central
plate A' hinged or pivotted together on axes longitudinal with the length of the
bag, and constructed with the tongues D, having wedge-like outer surfaces, the
slotted plates C, the broad headed rivets e extended through vertical slots in the
plates A, a suitable catch F, and a lock H; all substantially as, and for the
purpose, herein set forth.
In witness whereof I the said Henry Harris Lake have hereunto set my hand
and seal this Twenty sixth day of June in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty three.