Improvements in Collapsible Boxes.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Feb., 1895-Accepted 6th Apr,, 1895
Improvements in Collapsible Boxes.
I, RICHARD FRENCH of 5, Stanley Cottages, Whiteinch, Glasgow, Commercial
Traveller, 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 relates to an improved construction of collapsible boxes, and is
intended to provide an arrangement which can be easily folded when empty, for
convenience in transport, and can be extended for use when required.
In carrying out my invention the ends of the box are hinged to the bottom in
such a manner that they can fold flat on the bottom when released and when the
box is empty. The sides are made in two pieces, the lower portion being fixed (to
the bottom in the usual manner and the upper binged to the lower part. The
arrangement is such that when the two ends are folded down, the sides can be
turned over on top, lying flat on the collapsed ends. The box is preferably of
such a shape that the ends and sides when folded do not overlap, but lie
within the limits of the bottom of the box, but they may also be arranged to suit
other proportions.
The top or lid is provided with two or more metal straps or bands, which are
furnished with hinged extensions, projecting downwardly for some distance at each
side. These extensions are bolted screwed, or otherwise fixed to the sides of the
box, and can be fitted at one or both sides. If fitted at one side only, they form
hinges for the lid, but when fastened at both ends, the lid will be secured in place
and the box effectually prevented from opening. A strong packing box or case is
thus provided which requires no further fastening. When collapsed the straps are
fixed to the lower sections of the sides in a similar manner, securing the parts
together in their collapsed form.
"In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, reference is had
to the accompanying sheet of drawings, in which
Fig. 1 is a cross section of the box in extended position, Fig. 2 is a front view of
the same, and
Figs. 3 and 4 are respectively a transverse and longitudinal section of the box
collapsed.
The box is formed with the bottom A to which the ends B are hinged by
means of the stout hinges b the two ends when collapsed as shown in Fig. 4
almost meeting at the middle. The sides are formed in two parts, C and C¹, the
part C being at the lower side and fixed to the bottom A. The height of this part
is slightly larger than the thickness of the end, C¹ is hinged to it by means of the
hinges o at the inside permitting the sides to be folded over on top of the collapsed
ends as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The top D is provided with the bands or
straps E at its upper side, extending transversely from side to side. These bands
are provided with the hinged extensions & which can be turned over the sides C or C¹
of the box, when the top is fitted in place. These extensions are fixed either to C
or C' by means of the screwed sockets F or F let into the sides C and C. The
extensions e are each provided with a hole through which the screw can pras
Borewing into either the upper or the lower socket, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the
upper sockets are used, the box being extended. In Fig. 3 the lower socket F¹ is
used, the extensions and strap binding the top down on the collapsed sides and ends.
These boxes can be made in any size or of any material suitable for various
ID 21

page_text: purposes,
and as instead of the ordinary cords, iron or other metal straps are used,
the boxes are greatly strengthened, and rendered more durable.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
(1.) In collapsible boxes, the combination with ends hinged to the bottom,
and sides formed in two pieces, the upper part hinged to the lower, and a top or
cover and metal straps fitted to the said top, with hinged extensions at each end
which can be fitted to the sides, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
(2.) In a collapsible box, the combination with ends hinged to the bottom, and
sides formed in two parts, the upper being hinged to the lower, and a top or
cover; metal straps on the said cover and hinged extensions at the ends of the
straps, and means for screwing the said extensions to either the upper or the lower
sections of the sides, substantially as described and for the purposes specified.
(3.) The improved collapsible box, constructed and operating substantially in the
manner described and shown, and for the purposes specified.
Dated this 07th Jan100K
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicant.