AN IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION OF COLLAPSIBLE AND EXPANSIBLE BASKET, TRUNK, Box, OR TRAVELLING BAG
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Herbert Stewart Bale, of .15, Holborn Viaduct, in the
City of London, for an Invention of "AN IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION OF
COLLAPSIBLE AND EXPANSIBLE BASKET, TRUNK, Box, OR TRAVELLING BAG."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Herbert Stewart Bale at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th November 1881.
HERBERT STEWART BALE, of 15, Holborn Viaduct, in the City of London.
"AN IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION OF COLLAPSIBLE AND EXPANSIBLE BASKET,
TRUNK, Box, OR TRAVELLING BAG."
The object of this Invention is a special construction of collapsible and expansible
basket, trunk, box, or travelling bag.
For the purposes of my Invention I hinge or joint to one end edge a flap to
which a second and a third flap are hinged, so that they can be folded one upon
the other when the article has to be reduced in size or bulk. To the opposite end
edge I also hinge or joint a flap, this having a second one hinged to it. The two
sides of the article have each a folding flap, which can be turned up to increase the
height at the two sides; the flaps of the two sides can be opened and spread to fill
up the ends to correspond with the height of the sides, and then to form the front
or top with one of the flaps to overlap to enable it to be secured by a lock or other
appliance.
The several flaps can be secured in position by any suitable appliance, and when
released can be folded in and upon each other to reduce the thickness or bulk
when desired.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Herbert Stewart Bale in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
11th May 1882.
HERBERT STEWART BALE, of 15, Holborn Viaduct, in the City of London.
"AN IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION OF COLLAPSIBLE AND EXPANSIBLE BASKET,
TRUNK, Box, OR TRAVELLING BAG."
The object of this Invention is a special construction of collapsible and
expansible basket, trunk, box, or travelling bag.
For the purpose of my Invention I hinge or joint to one end edge a flap to
which a second or a third flap are hinged, so that they can be folded one upon the
other when the article has to be reduced in size or bulk. To the opposite end edge
I also hinge or joint a flap, this having a second one hinged to it. The two sides
of the article has each a folding flap, which can be turned up to increase the height
at the two sides, the flaps of the two sides can be opened and spread to fill up.
the ends to correspond with the height of the sides and then to form the front
or top with one of the flaps to overlap, to enable it to be secured by a lock or other
appliance.
The several flaps can be secured in position by any suitable appliance, and when
released can be folded in and upon each other to reduce the thickness or bulk when
desired.
My Invention will be clearly understood by the annexed Sheet of Drawings, in
which it is shown in wickerwork as a basket particularly applicable to be attached
to a tricycle or like vehicle. Figure 1 shows the basket open with the two sido
flaps A, B, standing up from the ends C of the bottom D, with which the ends C
and the front portion E and the back portion F are rigidly attached. In this view
I have shown the basket proper lined with a fabric G, preferably of waterproof
material, and so arranged that articles of wearing apparel, such as a change of
linen, extra socks, a pair of shoes, and a few toilet articles can be packed and
secured in position by tapes or otherwise.
His a flap hinged or loop jointed to E, and forming when folded up against the
part I a portion of the front, and J is a flap hinged or loop jointed to the flap H
to fold over upon the top, and capable of being secured to the two end flaps A, B,
by the straps K, K, and buckles L, L, or by other fasteners. In this state the
three flaps M, N, P, can be opened to allow of articles being placed in the basket,
after which those flaps can be secured and then the flap Q can be folded over them,
the flap Q being itself held firmly in position by the back flap R when its con-
nection flap S is folded up to bear against the inclined edges T, T; of the side flaps
A, B, as more particularly shown at Figure 2, which represents the basket in a
filled and shut up state. The flap S is hinged or loop jointed to the back portion
of the basket, and according to the purpose for which the basket is intended so
can it be made. For attachment to a tricycle or as a knapsack the inclined portion
may be the top, and the whole or a portion only may be covered with an oilskin or
other covering to protect it from rain, or if used as an ordinary travelling box,
trunk, or bag it can be laid upon its bottom, as in the Drawings, or to stand up
any convenient manner.
in
I do not limit myself to make it of wicker work, it being as easily made from
part of such work and partly of wood, or wholly of wood or of metal.
Figure 3 represents the basket in an empty or an almost empty state, and with
the two flaps A, B, folded in and upon the lining G. The flap Q is then folded
upon the flap J, and these two with the flap EI are folded upon the endflaps A, B,

page_text: as seen in the closed up view, Figure 4, the flaps R and S being folded down upon
the flap J and secured in position by the strap U and buckle V.
The basket in this state is considerably reduced in bulk, and can be strapped
round to be easily carried in the hand, or a handle may be permanently fixed to
any part of it.
The strap W, supposing the end E to bo secured to the back of the seat or to
the frame of a tricycle, serves to steady it and prevent a rocking or a swaying
action while travelling.
If the bottom of the article be made of wood or of metal japanned it could be
used to advantage by anglers as a seat.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, I declare that I claim,-
The improved construction and arrangement of basket, trunk, box, or travelling
bag, shown in the annexed Drawings, Figures 1 and 2, with flaps hinged or loop
jointed, as described, whereby it can be reduced in bulk and capacity, as shown
in Figures 3 and 4, for the purpose or purposes set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Herbert Stewart Bale, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord 1882.
HERBERT STEWART BALE. (L.S.)