Improvements in Box Files, which Improvements are also applicable to Cabinet Drawers.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Oct., 1896-Accepted, 19th Dec., 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Box Files, which Improvements are also applicable
to Cabinet Drawers.
We, MEREDITH CLYMER CRAIG, 145 Cheapside, Accountant, and WILLIAM
JAMES PURCELL, 5 Tynemouth Road, South Tottenham, Cotton Factor 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:-
The object of this invention is to produce a box file or cabinet drawer, which
combines the advantages of increased utility, convenience, and durability, with
economy of cost in manufacture. The following is a description of our invention.
In the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a box file
made according to our invention.
Figure 2 is a view in perspective of the frame of such box file, illustrating
certain modifications which are made therein when applied to a cabinet drawer.
Figures 3 and 4 shew front and back views in perspective of the back of such box
file, the ends being bound with split tubing in order to strengthen the same.
Figure 5 is a plan view of the pressure bar shewing the shoulders formed
therein.
Figure 6 is an edge view of one of the thimbles c, shewing the annular groove c¹
formed therein, and
Figure 7 is a front elevation of the spring hinge C presently described.
The box file or cabinet drawer is preferably made of millboard, cardboard, or
other like inexpensive material, but, if desired, wood, sheet metal, or paper, or a
combination of such materials, may be used. The bottom of the box A is fitted
with a hinged flap a; having a block a fixed thereon, which fits into and closes an
aperture a in the bottom A. Such block may however be dispensed with if
desired. The ends b, (see Figure 5,) of a pressure bar B are pivotted in the sides a³
of the box frame, the ends a of which sides are made of a sufficient length to
project beyond the back of the box file, as shewn at Figure 1, or the front of the
drawer (as shewn at Figure 2). Shoulders bare formed in the pressure bar B,
(as shewn at Figure 5,) on each of which shoulders a thimble c, having an annular
groove formed on its edge, (as shewn at Figure 6) is mounted, (as shewn at
Figures 1 and 7). Corresponding thimbles mounted on pins or studs c³ are fitted
to the sides of the frame opposite to each other, and at a convenient distance below
and slightly in rear of the ends b of the pressure bar. Rubber springs are fitted
over the thimbles c, (as shewn at Figures 1 and 7) and when so fitted they form
spring hinges C whereby the pressure bar is converted into a spring clip that serves
to press down the papers or other articles contained in the box file or cabinet
drawer and so retain them in position. When it is desired to refer to or examine
such papers or other articles, by first lifting the pressure bar and then inserting a
finger through the aperture a², and raising the hinged flap a, any particular paper
or article may be readily selected as required.
In applying our invention to cabinet drawers we make the bottom longer than
the drawer so that such bottom projects slightly beyond the drawer on each side
(as shewn at d, Figure 2,) and in order to strengthen the projecting ends we bind
them with split tubing in a similar manner as shewn at d Figures 3 and 4,
whereby they are converted into runners whereon the drawer works smoothly and
easily.

page_text: The back of the. box file, (which, when the invention is tapplied to a cabinet
drawer becomes the front of the latter as previously mentioned,) is similar in form
to the back of a book, and consists of a semi-cylindrical cap e, fitted with a stay el,
and furnished with one or more holders or handles f, which is or are attached to such
cap and stay by studs and nuts, or in any other convenient manner, (all as shewn at
Figures 3 and 4). The cap and stay may be made either of cardboard or wood,
metal, or any other suitable substance or material, or of a combination of such
materials; and when they are fitted together in the-manner above described, the
cap may be faced with leather, cloth, veneer, or composition of any suitable
description, after which it is glued, cemented, or otherwise securely fastened to the
projecting ends of the sides of the box or drawer. By this improved construction we
obtain the advantage of producing a box file or cabinet drawer having a book-
shaped back at a nominal cost. In order to impart additional strength to the box
file or cabinet drawer, all the wearing edges thereof may be bound with split
tubing as shewn at d¹ Figures 3 and 4 respectively.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is :-
1. As an improved article of manufacture, a box file having a book-shaped back
constructed as herein before specified, such box file being otherwise made arranged
and fitted, all substantially as hereinbefore described and shewn.
2. As an improved article of manufacture a cabinet drawer. having a book-shaped
front constructed as herein before described, such drawer being otherwise made
arranged, and fitted, all substantially as herein before described and shewn.
3. In combination with such improved box file or cabinet drawer, spring hinges C
each consisting of a rubber spring c³ stretched over two grooved thimbles and
otherwise arranged and fitted all substantially as herein before described and
shewn.
Dated this 13th day of October 1896.
ELT & Co.,
Registered Patent Agents,
43 Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for Applicants.