Improved Methods and Means for the Distribution of Wages, Dividends and the like.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Feb., 1899
г.
Complete Specification Left, 13th Nov., 1899- Accepted, 6th Jan., 1900.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Methods and Means for the Distribution of Wages, Dividends
and the like.
Mily
I, ALFRED GILBERT, 1, Clent View, Franche Road, Kidderminster, in the
County of Worcestershire, Accountant, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
This invention has for its object improved methods and means for the dis-
tribution of wages, dividends, and the like, whereby is attained, compactness
of construction, construction by sections, economy of space, security of contents,
portability, and general utility.
The first portion of my invention I construct, in metal, wood, or other material
an oval or oblong receptacle (hereinafter called "the receptacle,") with, or with-
out a lid, wholly open or partly covered at the top, its greater width being from
front to back, its narrower width from left to right, the front of the receptacle
may be carried up equal to, or above, or below, the height of the other portion
thereof, the front or sides of the receptacle may also be notched, or grooved, or
slit, or provided with a ring, knob, or other projection; the receptacle may be
marked with a number, letter, sign or character, or may bear or carry a move-
able, or fixed card or ticket or other equivalent attachment, of cardboard, cellu-
loid, or other material, which may be marked with a number, letter, sign, or
character. The sides, or bottom of the receptacle may extend forwards, or may
be cut or slotted suitably to contain or gup the card or ticket herembefore men-
tioned or form a handle or projection
Any of these modifications of the receptacle may be used according to its suita-
bility for the several forms of construction hereinafter described.
In the first modification of the second portion of my invention I construct in
wood, or metal, or both, a stand after the manner of an easel (hereinafter called
the easel") the front slope of which rises up in a succession of steps: upon
each step rests a box of wood, metal, or other material, open at the top and
front, and divided in its length by metal, wood, or other material into a number
of compartments, each compartment corresponding in width with the receptacle
first described the length of the box from left to right being regulated by the
number of receptacles required to be contained therein, the boxes being secured
by catches connecting the ends of the boxes with the sides of the easel, or by
pegs securing the boxes upon the steps of the easel. or other equivalent attach-
ment. The steps of the easel are of the same height as the boxes before men-
tioned each succeeding step receding back to allow of the receptacle being drawn
forwards, and out of the box: the height of the box being regulated to allow
of the free passage of the receptacle. Attached to the front edge of the bottom
of the box by a button spring, pin, hook, or other suitable attachment so that
it may be readily removed is a strip of wood, celluloid, metal, or other material
upon which is marked a number, letter, sign or character corresponding with
each compartment of the box so that the receptacle contained therein may be
identified, or the front edge of the box may be so marked irrespective of the strip
before mentioned, or the receptacle itself may bear or carry the number, letter,

page_text: sign or character. The easel may be provided with a lid or cover securing the
boxes, receptacles, and their contents.
In my second modifications I substitute for the moveable boxes a succession
of shelves, or ledges, moveable or fixed to the easel, entirely closed at the back,
or each shelf may have a ridge or strip at its back edge to prevent the receptacles
from passing through.
My third modification differs from the second in this respect, that the whole
of the succession of shelves, and that part of the side of the easel to which they
are attached may be subdivided, into any number of sets of shelves, which sets
may be separate from, and hooked on to, or otherwise attached to the face of the
casel; each set of shelves may be provided with its own lid, or one set may be
placed and fastened upon another, thus securing the contents.
In my fourth modification I construct a frame (hereinafter called "the
frame") containing a number of fixed or moveable shelves immediately above
one another, each shelf being divided into a number of compartments in a
manner similar to that described in my first modification, the back of the frame
entirely, or partially closed, the front provided with a door or lid to secure the
contents the fiame may be supported in a vertical or sloping position by fixed,
moveable, or closing feet, or legs, fitted to the base, or, sides, or back thereof.
The frame may be hung upon a wall or other erection by means of rings hooks,
handles, or similar attachments. Two or more frames may be connected, by
hinges so that they may be folded after the manner of, a book, or folding screen,
and thus closed, and locked together securing the contents. A number of frames
may be supported independently of each other upon the steps of a stand or easel.
The shelves or receptacles may bear or cally numbers, letters, signs,
characters as described in my first modification. The shelves may be made of
such a width from front to back that the receptacles shall protrude forwards,
and beyond the shelves, and the door, or lid, may have attached thereto strips
of wood, felt, or other material corresponding with the amount of space left
vacant by the retiring of the shelves.
or
In any of the foregoing modifications the shelves may be pivoted, hinged, or
recessed into the frame, allowing them to retain a horizontal position while the
frame is at an angle; also the sides of the stand, frame, or easel supporting the
shelves may be made in two separate parallel strips or lengths, and the shelves
pivoted back and front into both the strips or lengths before mentioned, such
strips or lengths working together after the manner of a parallel rule, bringing
the shelves into a horizontal position while the frame or easel is inclined at an
angle.
The strips described in the foregoing modifications as bearing or carrying the
numbers, letters, signs, or characters, may have a projecting piece along their
upper edge, and be so attached to the front edge of the shelf or box that when
turned downwards they cover and grip the line of receptacles below, and,
further, strips may be attached to each side of the line of boxes, easel, or frame,
so that when tuined over, and inwards, they hold in position the strips first
mentioned, and secure the receptacles in position
Any of the foregoing described forms or its parts may be fitted with handles
suitable for carrying, and with castors or wheels to assist in manipulation.
The manner of using the herein before described apparatus is as folows: The
dividends, wages or other items to be distributed are placed within the recep-
tacles, the receptacles are then placed within the compartments of the apparatus,
and are identified by the number, letter, sign or character borne upon the recep-
tacle, or the compartments of the apparatus. In distributing the wages,
dividends, or other items, a card, check, or other approved voucher is presented
bearing a number, letter sign or character, and the wage, dividend or other
item relating thereto is identified by a corresponding number, letter, sign, or
character upon the receptacle or apparatus before mentioned, the receptacle is
then withdrawn from its compartment, and the contents appropriated, the card,

page_text: check, or other approved voucher may or may not be inserted in the empty
receptacle, or the compartment vacated by the receptacle, thus acting as a check
against error.
In the modifications where the receptacle is constructed to bear, or carry, its
own number letter, sign or character, only those receptacles that bear or carry a
number, letter, sign or character corresponding with an item to be distributed
are used, so that the compartments of the apparatus utilised are continuous,
intermittent blanks being dispensed with.
The apparatus as described allows of being locked up and carried from one
place to another, without fear of the contents being upset, or in any way confused,
and by means of its construction in sections can be deposited in a safe or other
place of security.
Datad this Ninth day of Toho 1900
Improved Methods and Means for the Distribution of Wages, Dividends
and the like.
I, ALFRED GILBERT, of 1, Clent View, Franche Road, Kidderminster, in the
County of Worcestershire, Accountant, 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:--
This invention has for its objects to provide improved methods and means for
the distribution of wages dividends and the like. By my invention I attain
compactness of construction, economy of space, security of contents, portability
and improved general construction.
I will describe my invention by referring to the accompanying diawings on
which Fig. 1 19 a side elevation and Fig. 2 is a front elevation of one arrange-
ment of my invention and Fig. shews on an enlarged scale one of the boxes or
cases of the same provided with a series of receptacles for the money which is
to be distributed; Fig. 3* shews an indicating strip for fixing to the said box or
case; Fig. 4 shews one of the receptacles separately: Figs. 5 and 6 shew another
form of the said receptacle. Fig. 7 is a general view of another arrangement of
my invention; Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the same and Fig. 8* shews the
cover of the same separately, Fig S**, shews how the cover may be used as a
support, Fig. 9 illustrates another arrangement of my invention: Fig. 9* is a
slight modification of the same. Fig. 10 is a front view and Figs 11 and 12 are
sectional elevations of another arrangement of my invention: Fig. 13 shews
another modification of the same: Figs. 14 and 15 shew a further modification
and Fig. 16 shews an alternative arrangement of part of the same.
The same letters of reference indicate the same or corresponding parts in all
the figures.
I will first describe the arrangement of my invention illustrated by Figs. 1, 2,
3, 3 and 4
In carrying out my invention I construct in wood or other suitable material a
stand made like an easel (and hereinafter called the easel consisting of a front
slope which may be formed of two side pieces A¹ As fixed together at the proper
distance apart by cross pieces a¹ and provided with hinged back legs B and
stays C for supporting the same. The front slope of the easel rises up in a
succession of steps marked respectively ³ upon each of which rests a box D one

page_text: of which is shewn separately on an enlarged scale by Fig 3. Six of these
boxes 1) are shewn in position on the easel. They are all of the same con-
struction open at the top and front and each divided in its length by metal or
other partitions d' forming a series of compartments, say twenty-five in number,
although there may be more or less than twenty-five according to taste. Each
of these compartments is of the proper width to receive one of the receptacles E
which are by preference made of metal of the oblong shape shewn (but I do not
confine myself to any particular shape) open at the top the greater width being
from the front to back and the narrower width from left to right the recep-
tacle being of the proper size to contain the largest amount of money which
is to be made in one payment to one individual. Each of the receptacles E has
a distinguishing number or mark painted, or otherwise marked on it or on a
label fixed thereto and when a separate label is used this is by preference
arranged as shewn by Figs. 5 and 6 by which it will be seen that the front of the
receptacle has two cross slits e¹ and the part between the cross slits is pressed
backwardly so that a card F bearing the distinguishing number or mark of the
receptacle can be slided down at the back of the front and in front of this part e³
so that the distinguishing number or mark will as shewn in Fig. 5 shew through
the opening in the front of the receptacle between the slits e¹ e². Instead of
the receptacles E carrying their distinguishing numbers or marks the distinguish-
ing numbers 01 marks may be printed or otherwise marked along the front or
bottom of the box D) as shewn for instance under the ten receptacles E Nos. 41
to 50 at the night hand side of Fig 3. The boxes I rest on the steps a³ and are
there removably secured by any convenient means as by the hooks G on the
sides of the easel which hook on to pins d projecting from the ends of the
boxes 1. The steps a' of the easel are of the same height as the boxes D each
succeeding step receding back far enough to allow of a person's finger being
inserted in the receptacle to draw it forward out of the box The height of the
boxes is such as to allow of the free passage of the receptacles out of the
compartments. Instead of the distinguishing numbers of the receptacles being
printed or otherwise marked on the bottom of the D these numbers or dis-
tinguishing marks may be printed on a separate strip H of wood cardboard or
other suitable material such as shewn in Fig 3* which is secured to the front of
the box D by pins or other means so that it can be readily removed and changed.
The manner of using my invention as above in part described is as follows:-
The dividends wages or other cash to be distributed are respectively placed within
the receptacles E which are then identified by the number letter sign or
character borne upon the receptacle or on the compartments of the box D.
As the amounts are made up in the various boxes D they can be locked
up in a safe.
In distributing the wages dividends or the like the boxes are placed
on the easel as in Figs. 1 and 2 and a card, check, or other approved voucher is
presented by the person to whom the money is to be paid bearing a number
letter sign or character corresponding with the number letter sign or character
on one of the receptacles E which is then withdrawn from its compartment and
the contents paid over. The card check or other approved voucher may or may
not be inserted in the empty receptacle E or the compartment vacated by the
receptacle thus acting as a check against error.
In the modification of my invention illustrated by Figs. 7, 8 and 8* I substitute
for the movable boxes D a succession of shelves or ledges marked I preferably
fixed to the sides of the easel which in this case are marked A3 A4 (or the shelves
may be made movable) and entirely closed by the back J and set back like steps
(see Fig 8) so that the receptacles E on the ledges I will stand out in front of the
ledge immediately above the receptacles and facilitate the withdrawal of the
receptacles from the ledges. These ledges are divided into compartments for the
receptacles by the partitions d'. K is the lid or cover which fits over the front
so as to secure the receptacles and their contents in place The said lid or
cover is shewn separately by Fig. 8* and is by preference made with cross

page_text: strips at the proper distances apart to take on to the tops of the receptacles E
and prevent any of the contents escaping therefrom in case the easel should be
upset. Suitable fastenings secure the lid K to the easel such as the dowel pegs
at the bottom of the lid which take into holes in the bottom ledge I and
the hooks at the top of the lid which engage with corresponding eyes 1 fixed
to the top of the easel.
Several of the so called "easels" such as shewn in Figs. 7 and 8, but with the
legs cut off on the line XX of Fig. 7 and without the back legs B and stays C,
may be arranged together on a larger easel A2 as shewn in Fig. 9 which is
made with steps at at the proper distances apart to receive the smaller easels
marked A which thus form separate sets of shelves or sub-divisions of the larger
easel. These subdivisions A are attached to the larger casel A² by any con-
venient means as by the hooks G. The easel A may if desired as shewn by
Fig. 9 be made without the steps at and provided with dowel pegs m projecting
from its front slope which engage in corresponding dowel holes in the back of
the sub-divisions A and thus secure them in place on the slope.
When the subdivisions or case A is made without the back legs B the cover K
may be made to serve as a cover when the case is closed and as the back legs
and support when the case A is open in an inclined position as in Fig. 8** the
hooks or other fastenings at the top being so made as to attach the cover K
either to the back of the case A+ as in Fig. 8** or to the front as in Fig. 8.
In the modification of my invention illustrated by Figs. 10, 11 and 12, the
easel or frame marked A³ is made vertical (or it may be inclined) and the
shelves I on which the receptacles E stand are provided with the vertical
divisions das in the other arrangements and are arranged horizontally or at
right angles to the sides of the frame A5 and the shelves are made narrower than
the depth from the front to the back of the receptacles E so that the latter will
project in front-of the shelves (see Figs. 11 and 12) so as to facilitate the with-
drawal of the receptacles from the compartments. The sides of the frame are or
may be continued down below the bottom on to a suitable base A to the continu-
ation below the bottom of the shelf I and the base A may be dispensed with
Two or more frames A5 may be connected together by hinges so that they
will fold together like a book or folded screen so as to secure the contents.
Fig. 13 shews two of the said frames A hinged together in this manner It will
be understood that they are provided with a suitable lock and key, not shewn
on the drawings, or other device for securing them together when closed.
A number of the said frames A5 may be supported independently of each other
upon the steps of a stand or easel in the same manner as herein before described
with reference to the sub-divisions A' in Figs. 9 and 9*.
It will be understood that any of the arrangements above described may be
provided with a suitable handle at the top for carrying it by or a hook ring or
similar attachment by which the frame or easel can be hung upon a wall or other
erection, or provided with castors at the bottom for portability.
The shelves I may if desired be pivotted or hinged to the sides of the frame
or easel as in Figs 14 and 15 so that they will retain a horizontal position while
the frame or easel is at an angle. Each of the sides of the stand frame or easel
supporting the shelves I may as shewn in Figs 14 and 15 be made of two separate
parallel strips marked respectively A7 A8 and the shelves pivotted at back and
front mm² into both of the strips so that the latter will work together after the
manner of a parallel rule and bring the shelves into a horizontal position as in
Fig. 14 while the frame or easel itself is inclined at an angle and when the sides
are turned into a vertical position as in Fig. 15 the shelves I will still be hori-
zontal and the frame and its cover will have a less depth from back to front
than when made with the shelves permanently stepped back one behind the other
as in Fig. S
The strips H described in the fore-going modifications as bearing or carrving
the distinguishing figures letters signs or characters of the receptacles may as

page_text: shewn in Fig 16 each have a projecting piece h¹ along the upper edge and be
hinged to the front edge of the shelf I or bottom of the box D) so that when
turned downwards as' in the middle shelf shewn in Fig 16 they cover and grip
the line of receptacles E below.
"It will be understood that when the receptacle is constructed to bear or carry
its own number letter sign or character only those receptacles that bear or carry a
number letter sign or character corresponding with an item to be distributed are
used, so that the compartments of the apparatus utilised are continuous inter-
mittent blanks being dispensed with
The apparatus as described allows of being locked up and carried from one
place to another without fear of the contents being upset, or in any way confused
and by means of its construction in sections can be deposited in a safe or other
place of security.
Having now particularly described and
invention, and in what manner the same is
I claim is―
ascertained the nature of my said
to be performed, I declare that what
1. The improved cash receptacle E for use in the distribution of wages
dividends and the like made with the slits e¹ and indented part eat the front
so as to receive and hold a distinguishing ticket such as F substantially as
described and illustrated by Figs. 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings.
2. The improved box D for use in the distribution of wages dividends and
the like made open at the front and top and provided with vertical partitions d
in combination with a series of cash receptacles E fitting in said compartments
substantially as described and illustrated by Fig 3 of the accompanying diawings
and either with or without the removable stup II bearing the distinguishing
numbers or marks of the receptacles in the various compartments as set forth.
3. In an apparatus for the distribution of wages dividends and the like, the
combination with a series of boxes 1) each made open at the front and top and
provided with a vertical partitions forming uniform compartments for the cash
receptacles E, a series of cash receptacles E fitting in said compartments, and an
easel such as A2 made with a sloping front on which the said boxes D will fit in
steps one above the other and means for removably securing said boxes to the
front of said easel substantially as herembefore described and illustrated by
Figs. 1, 2, and 3 of the accompanying diawings.
4 In an apparatus for the distribution of wages dividends and the like the
combination of a sloping case or so called easel A³ A* made with a series of step
like shelves I provided with vertical partitions dividing said shelves into com-
partments, and a series of cash. receptacles E fitting on the shelves in said com-
partments each row of receptacles projecting in front of the shelf above so as to
a lid or
permit of their ready removal from the compartments, with or without
cover for the front of the easel substantially as herein before described and illus-
trated by Figs 7, 8, 8* or 8** of the accompanying drawings
5 In an apparatus for the distribution of wages dividends and the like, the
combination of two or more cases or sub-divisions A each made with a series of
shelves I provided with vertical partitions dividing said shelves into compart-
ments, a series of cash receptacles E fitting on the shelves in said com-
partments each row of receptacles projecting in front of the shelf above so as to
permit of their ready removal from the compartments, with or without a lid or
cover at the front of the sub-division, an easel such as A² made with a sloping
front on which said sub-divisions A will fit one above the other and means for
removably securing said sub-divisions to the front of said easel, all substantially
as herein before set forth.
•
6 In an apparatus for the distribution of wages dividends and the like, the
combination of a case such as A5 made with a series of shelves I one above the
other provided with vertical partitions dividing said shelves into compartments
and a series of cash receptacles E fitting on and projecting in front of said shelves

page_text: in said compartments, with or without a lid or cover for the front of the case
all substantially as herein before described and illustrated by Figs. 10; 11 and 12
of the accompanying drawings.
7. In an apparatus for the distribution of wages dividends and the like, the com-
bination of two or more sub-divisions or cases such as A5 each made with a series
of shelves I one above the other provided with vertical partitions dividing said
shelves into compartments, a series of cash receptacles E fitting on and project-
ing in front of said shelves in said compartments, with or without a lid or cover
for the front of said sub-divisions or cases, an easel such as A2 made with a sloping
front on which said sub-divisions or cases A' will fit one above the other and
means for removably securing said sub-divisions to the front of said easel, all
substantially as herein before set forth.
8 In an apparatus for the distribution of wages dividends and the like the
combination of two or more cases such as shewn in Figs 7 and 8 or in Figs 10, 11
and 12 provided with cash receptacles E as set forth and hinged together so
as to either open and expose contents to view or fold together face to face and
secure the contents, substantially as set forth.
9. In an apparatus for the distribution of wages dividends and the like, the
combination of a case having a series of shelves one above the other divided into
compartments, cash receptacles E fitting in said compartments said shelves being
jointed at each of their ends to two strips A'As forming the sides of the case
substantially as herein before described and illustrated by Figs. 14 and 15 of the
accompanying drawings.
10. In apparatus of the kind herein referred to for the payment of wages divi-
dends and the like the combination with the cash receptacles and the shelves on
which said cash receptacles stand, of the strips H made with turned down edges h¹
and hinged to said shelves and made to either turn up and shew the numbers
on said strips or turn down on to and secure the nest row of receptacles below
substantially as described and illustrated by Fig. 16 of the accompanying
drawings.
Dated this 10th day of November 1899.
CHARLES BOSWORTH KETLEY,
Agent for the Applicant.