Improvements in Baskets, and in Labels therefor, for the Conveyance of Letters, Parcels, and other like Articles.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Nov., 1897-Accepted, 22nd Jan., 1898
Improvements in Baskets, and in Labels therefor, for the Conveyance
of Letters, Parcels, and other like Articles.
I, THOMAS BROGAN, Postmaster, High Street, Kilkenny, Ireland, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
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My improvements in baskets and in labels therefor has been designed more
especially for the use of the Post Office, but it can also be employed by the public
for the enclosure and conveyance by rail or otherwise of various kinds of articles.
As a rule two forms of receptacles are used by the Post Office for the conveyance
of parcels, namely, baskets and bags enclosing loose wicker protectors of cylindrical
shape. The baskets are strong and safe, but their great weight renders them
difficult to handle and unsuitable for small consignments of parcels. The bags,
used chiefly for what are known as combined mails are rather awkward; they
very inadequately safe-guard fragile articles even when these fit fairly close within
the wicker protector; many of the protectors being without lids or trays the parcels
shake about, and the protector itself crushes and tears the letters, books and news-
papers placed in the bag along with it (the protector). My improved basket is
strong, light and secure. Both letters and parcels could be conveniently packed
inside its lining, secured in their position and protected from concussion and
pressure. In order to more easily explain my invention, I make reference to the
accompanying sheet of drawings in which, Fig. 1, is a front view, Fig. 2, a plan,
and Fig. 3, a side view of the basket. Fig. 4 is a side view of the label. Similar
letters refer to the same parts wherever they occur.
My improved basket a is preferably rectangular, its bottom, angles b and rim c
being constructed of strong closely woven cane or wicker work the sides being
comparatively open woven as shown. The lid d is of metal (preferably iron) rods
placed at a convenient distance apart, the whole width of the lid being preferably
narrower than the top of the basket. The lid is attached to the back of the basket
by leather or other hinges e, and to the front with buckles or leather straps or
equivalents f. Round the bottom of the basket is a rim, ledge, or projection g
of wicker or other material forming part of or attached to the basket so as to
prevent the bottom thereof coming in contact with the ground or floor. The
basket is lined with canvas h, the lining being cut square, bag shaped and stitched
or otherwise attached to the bottom of the basket only. The lining is slightly
deeper than the basket, so that it may be tied over the parcels, and its top or mouth
is furnished with a thick round hem. On the outside of the lining are sewn at
least four metal hooks j which when placed over the rim or top edge k of the
basket, hold the lining open and in position while the parcels and packets are being
packed therein. The basket is addressed by means of a double, reversible metal,
leather or other label, made in two portions and m connected by a set of split
rings n or by other equivalent means and having circular holes o through which
a cord or equivalent can be passed for the purpose of tying the label to the neck
of the lining h. The address label is thus inside the basket, but owing to the open

page_text: construction of the sides and lid, it can be easily handled and seen. The parts
and m have the outward address on one side, and the homeward one on the other,
and by reversing the two parts by turning them on the ring hinge, either address
can be brought into use. The handles p of the basket are of rope or other suitable
material attached to the bottom, passed up the sides, and looped over the rim.
I do not confine myself to the precise shapes, configuration, relative proportions
or disposition of parts, as shown in the accompanying drawing or described in the
above specification, as any or all of them can be considerably varied without
departure from the spirit of my invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. Baskets for the conveyance of mails, parcels, and other like articles, the said
baskets being constructed of cane or wicker work, and having a closely woven
bottom, surrounded by a downwardly projecting rim & having also corners and
a top or rim also closely woven and comparatively open-woven sides and an open
metal lid of less width than that of the basket, the whole substantially as described
in the above specification and exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
2. The combination with or addition to baskets such as are the subject matter
of the above Claim 1, of a canvas bag-shaped and preferably square lining, the
bottom end only of which is secured to the bottom of the basket, the said lining
being of greater depth than the basket, and provided at its mouth end with a thick
round hem, the whole substantially as described in the above specification, and
exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
3. The combination with or addition to baskets such as are the subject matter
of the above Claim 1, of metal hooks or equivalents attached to the lining for the
purpose of keeping open the mouth of the lining, substantially as described in the
above specification and exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
4. For use with baskets, such as are the subject matter of the above Claims 1,
2, and 3, of a double and reversible label, the said label consisting of two parts
attached together in a hinge-like manner so that it can be reversed as and when
required, the whole substantially as described in the above specification, and exem-
plified in the accompanying drawings.
5. The improvements in baskets, and in labels therefor, provided for and
operating substantially as described in the above specification, and exemplified
in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 20th day of Ontahan 1007
HUGHES & YOUNG,
23, Coleman Street, London, E.C., Agents for Applicant.