Improvements in the Construction
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 13th May, 1896
Complete Specification Left, 11th Feb., 1897-Accepted, 1st May, 1897
Improvements in the Construction
I, FRANCIS WILLIAM MULLON of 97 and 99, Donegall Pass, Belfast, Ireland,
Spirit Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to a new or improved match box or holder, especially
intended for use on counters in shops and other like places, in which customers or
visitors require frequently to obtain matches.
In carrying out my invention I employ a case formed from brass or other
metal, plated or left plain or ornamented in any manner desired. This box or
case is secured to the counter by screws or other means, and is provided with
a door at one end furnished with a catch by means of which it can be secured.
Within the case the match box is placed consisting of a small box or drawer
made from wood, and with the sides slanting towards the centre so as to form
a V shaped receptacle. This ensures the matches as they are being withdrawn
falling to the centre. The case is provided with a central slot or opening
through which the matches are withdrawn, and at one end of the case small
lugs or projections are provided which form a bearing for a device to be used.
for picking out the matches. This device is pivoted to the projections and is
preferably of ornamental form, a convenient arrangement consisting of a small
quadrant carrying a weight at one end and a picker made in the form of an
animal. This is provided with a projection at the front pointed at its end,
preferably forked, adapted to pass through the slot in the case and come in
contact with the match immediately below. The animal forming the picker is
for preference an elephant and the picking device can then form the trunk..
The pointed end engages with the matches and on raising the picker the
matches are withdrawn one at a time. A striking surface is provided at the
top of the case or in any other convenient position. The sides may also be
used for advertising purposes.
Dhe 12th day of Mar 1896.
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicant.
Improvement
I, FRANCIS WILLIAM MULLON of 97 and 99, Donegall Pass, Belfast, Ireland,
Spirit Merchaut, 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 a new or improved match box or holder, especially
intended for use on counters in shops and other like places, in which customers of
visitors require frequently to obtain matches.

page_text: In carrying out my invention I employ a case formed from brass or other
metal, plated or left plain or ornamented in any manner desired. This box or
case is secured to the counter by screws or other means, and is provided with
a door at one end furnished with a catch by means of which it can be secured.
Within the case the match box is placed consisting of a small box or drawer
made from wood, and with the sides slanting towards the centre so as to form
a V shaped receptacle. This ensures the matches as they are being withdrawn
falling to the centre. The case is provided with a central slot or opening
through which the matches are withdrawn, and at one end of the case small
lugs or projections are provided which form a bearing for a device to be used
for picking out the matches. This device is pivoted to the projections and is
preferably of ornamental form, a convenient arrangement consisting of a small
quadrant carrying a weight at one end and a picker made in the form of an
animal. This is provided with a projection at the front pointed at its end,
preferably forked adapted to pass through the slot in the ease and come into
contact with the match immediately below. The animal forming the picker is
for preference an elephaut and the picking device can then form the trunk.
The pointed end engages with the matches and on raising the picker the matches
are withdrawn one at a time. A striking surface is provided at the top of the
case or in any other convenient position. The sides may also be used for
advertising purposes.
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 side elevation of the device showing the picker in operative position
in dotted lines, and Fig. 2 is a cross section of the holder.
The case A is, of wood or any other suitable material, and is provided with
the small hinged door a at one end. Within this case the match box B is placed
being slidden in from the end. As shown the sides band ends of this box are
made to slope towards the centre so that fresh matches will drop to the centre as
the others are withdrawn. The box is preferably provided with a small handle &
by which it can be withdrawn. To secure the door in closed position a small
catch a' of any suitable construction is employed to permit the matches to be
withdrawn. The lid or top of the case is furnished with the longitudinal slot C
and at one end of the slot the lugs c are furnished between which the picking
device is placed pivoted at c'. The picker consists of the quadrant D having a
weight d at one end and the figure of an animal at the other end. From the front
or nose of the animal the picker d projects this picker consisting of a spike the
ends of which may be forked and adapted to pass through the slot. When the
picking device is turned round its centre the spike projects into the case until it
meets a match when it engages with it and on pulling down the weight it raises it
through the slot. The top of the case may be provided with striking surfaces E,
one being placed preferably at each side of the slot. The bottom of the case may
be provided with the luge a' by which it can be secured to a counter or other
article.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is.
(1.) An improved match holder consisting of a case containing matches, having
sloping sides or hottom, a slot in the top of the said case and a pivoted picker,
adapted to project through the slot and engage with the match and raise it when
turned back, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
(2.) In an improved match holder the combination with a case having a slot at
top and a box in the said case provided with sloping sides or bottom, of a picker
consisting of a hinged and weighted arm having a spike at the front adapted to
pass through the slut and engage with the match and raise it on turning the arm
back, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

page_text: (3.) The improved match holder consisting of a case slotted at top and having a
door at one end a box in the said case sloping towards the centre and a picker
pivoted at the top of the case having a weight at one end, and a figure carrying a
spike at the other, constructed and operating substantially as described and shown.
in the accompanying drawings and for the purposes specified.
Dated this 10th day of February 1897.
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicant.