Trunks.
Year: 1894

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Trunks.
I, WILLIAM HENRY SNIDER WESTLAKE, of Lock 4, in the County of
Washington and State of Pennsylvania, Railroad Agent, 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 improvements in trunks, and particularly to a class
having a plurality of compartments within, for the convenient stowage and arrange-
ment of articles that are to be transported in the trunk.
The object of my invention is to provide a novel trunk, which is strong, durable,
water-tight adapted to prevent entrance of dust, and which is composed of a number
of separate box like compartments all hinged to a bottom piece and that are compact
and convenient in arrangement, permitting these boxes to be outwardly folded and
separately opened to obtain access to contents of the same.
To these ends my invention consists in the construction and combination of parts,
as is hereinafter described and claimed.
Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this
Specification, in which similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in
all the figures.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of one style of trunk having features of the
improvement, in a closed condition ;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the trunk shown in Figure 1, with its parts in
open adjustment;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the improvement shown in Figure 2, with its compart-
ments folded together, and the trunk lid in part, shown in elevated adjustment;
Figure 4 is a reverse plan view of the device, showing the construction of the
trunk bottom;
Figure 5 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the lower portion of the device
shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, taken on the line 5-5 in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view of novel features of construction in extended
adjustment;
Figure 7 is a transverse sectional view of parts, on the line 7-7, in Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a trunk having other features of improvement;
Figure 9 is an enlarged plan view in open adjustment of novel details embodied
in the trunk shown in Figure 8 ;
Figure 10 is an enlarged transverse sectional view of parts, on the line 10-10 in
Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a vertical sectional view, on the line 11-11 in Figures 9 and 12;
Figure 12 is a sectional plan view, on the line 12-12 in Figure 11;
Figure 13 is an enlarged, broken sectional view of the walls of the trunk shown
in Figure 8, on the diagonal line 13-13 in said Figure; and
Figure 14 is a plan view of the detail of construction opposite the arrow 14 in
Figure 13.
The details shown in Figures 1 to 6, inclusive, represent the preferred construc-
tion for trunks that are not designed to withstand excessive rough usage, the views 8
to 14, inclusive, showing an extra strong trunk, having novel features of construction
along with some parts shown in the lighter style of trunk.

page_text: The bottom wall A, is made rectangular in contour, and of a suitable thickness
to insure stability without excessive weight, said piece being constructed either of
tough wood, or sheet metal, such as steel plate of a proper thickness.
The front and rear walls of the trunk, are portions of two similar rectangular
boxes, respectively designated by the reference letters B and C, the width of which
parts is nearly equal with that of the bottom wall A.
The outer lower edges of the boxes B, C, are hinged to the corresponding edges
of the bottom A, by means of the strap hinge leaves a, that are affixed in pairs on
on the outer sides of the box walls as shown in Figures 1, 4, 8 and 9, and have
a loose engagement with the guard rail b, that is secured to the bottom wall A.
The rail b, consists of a rectangular ring of metal rod, preferably made cylindrical
in the body, and of such dimensions as will adapt it to conform with and encompass
the edge of the bottom A, projecting from the same a short distance.
A preferred means for securing the guard rail to the bottom A, comprises a
suitable number of flat keeper plates c or c', that are scrolled at the ends so as to
clasp the rail, and are transversely arranged and affixed upon the lower surface of
the bottom, and said plates may be re-inforced by an intervening plate c², as
indicated in Figure 4.
The depth of the boxes B, C, is so proportioned, that when these are erected and
rest on the bottom in parallel vertical planes, a space of proper width is allowed to
intervene their inner upright edges.
Preferably each box B, C, is provided with a sliding cover piece d, having
handles d' for their manipulation to open or close them, as represented in Figures 2,
3, and 12, so that the outward and downward folding of the boxes, or either of
them will permit an inspection or removal of articles contained within said
receptacles.
Between the boxes B, C, other receptacles are located, these comprising two
pairs of folding boxes D, D¹, and E, E.
The dimensions of the four similar boxes D, D', E, E', are such, as will permit
them when vertically arranged across the bottom wall A, to occupy the space
between the inner side edges of the boxes B, C, as shown in Figures 3, 11, and 12, and
as herein indicated, said boxes are rectangular structures, hinged together in pairs,
at adjacent top edges, so as to permit each pair to be extended in the same plane
by an unfolding movement of one box of each pair.
The boxes D, E, that are outermost, have a hinged connection at their lower
outer edges, with the guard rail b, effected by the plates e, which are secured on
the boxes, and loosely encircle the rail with their scrolled lower ends whereby the
pairs of boxes D, Ď¹, E, E¹, are permitted to assume the positions shown in
Figures 2, 3, 6, 9, 11, and 12 when properly manipulated to effect such adjustments
of parts, the pair of boxes shown in Figure 6, representing them arranged with
their hinged end walls in contact, so as to expose sides of the same that are made
to impinge each other when the boxes are folded together, as represented at the
left in Figure 2.
Transverse partitions g, are preferably provided for the boxes D, D¹, E, E', and
a sliding cover g', for each pair of said boxes which covers are adapted to fit in
the grooved sides of the boxes D¹, E', and serve to close the adjacent sides of each
pair of boxes when these are in a folded condition, a handle g², being attached to
each cover to facilitate its sliding movement.
There is a gum, or other slightly yielding waterproof joint strip h, secured along
each side of the bottom wall A, on its upper side, to receive the lower ends of the
boxes B, C, D, D', E, E', providing an elastic cushion between the bottom wall
and said boxes, which will prevent the entrance of dust and water, similar gum
joints i, being placed between the adjacent side edges of the boxes D, D₁ and E, E¹,
to seal the crevices between these parts when folded together and like joint strips
may, if preferred, be introduced between the nearest walls of the inner boxes D', E¹,
for a like purpose, other joint strips of elastic water-proof substance being affixed
to the inuer edges of the boxes B, C, that have close contact with the end walls of

page_text: the boxes D, D', E, E¹, when the parts of the trunk are adjusted to close it.
When the boxes named, are in an upright position the spring clasp k shown in
Figures 2 and 3, on the box D', is interlocked with a complementary plate (not
shown) on the box E¹, which will retain these parts in closed adjustment, any
preferred form for the locking clasp being used.
On the sides of the boxes D and E, that are outermost, when these receptacles
are in an upright position, the overhanging strips j, are affixed, which strips will
cover the joints between the boxes C, D, B, and B, E, C, when these parts are
upwardly folded to close the trunk, as represented in Figures 1 and 8.
that
The lid A¹ provided for the lighter style of trunk shown in Figures 1 and 2, is
made of any preferred material, and is furnished with a depending flange m,
is preferably formed of metal, the lid being proportioned in area so that said flange
will closely embrace the upper ends and outer surfaces of the boxes B, C, D, E,
when these parts are adjusted to close the trunk.
The lid A¹ is strongly hinged to the outer upper edge of the rear box C, which
hinges e lap on the lid as indicated in Figures 1 and 8.
A gum joint strip m¹ is secured on the inner surface of the lid A¹, extending
around near the flange m, which strip is intended to seal the joint between the lid
and the upper ends of the boxes engaged by said lid when the latter is shut.
In the lighter style of trunk, spring hasps m², of any approved construction, are
provided, which are attached to the flange m, and engage a locking plate or other
equivalent device (not shown), so as to aid the lock m³, in holding the lid in closed
adjustment, and the usual trunk straps n, are also furnished for a like purpose.
In the heavy stronger trunk shown in Figures 8 to 14 inclusive, there are brace
bars o, provided, to stiffen the connection between the boxes D, D', E, E', when
they are folded together as shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12, these parts con-
sisting of two pairs of similar flat bars of metal, that have their lower ends sloped
to adapt them to form an acute angular terminal when they are joined and the
bodies of the pair of bars are divergently arranged, the pointed lower ends being
inserted into pockets o³, formed in the bottom wall A, of the trunk, which wall can
be made of wood or sheet metal, as may be preferred.
The bars o, are removably secured to the engaged walls of the boxes D, D', E, E¹,
by a staple and hook connection p, for each box on each end wall of the same,
whereby the two pairs of brace bars o, are disposed in a manner that will retain
the boxes named in a closely bound condition until the bars are displaced by a
proper manipulation of parts.
At each corner of the trunk represented in Figures 8 to 14, there are metal
corner pieces r, provided, which are right angular in cross section, and each has a
hinged connection formed between its lower end, and the guard rail b, the latter
being suitably shaped at the corners to permit such a jointed connection to be
produced, as is represented in Figure 9, at .
At the upper ends of the corner pieces r, buffer holders are hinged, the
construction of which parts is clearly shown in Figures 13 and 14, each comprising
a metal piece of elongated rectangular form, having a recess produced in the upper
surface for the reception and retention of a gum buffer block r³, that projects
above its holder, so as to receive the impact of a forcible contact with a floor or
an imposed heavy article when the trunk is in service.
The holders, are further provided with means for the reception of the ends of
securing straps.s, that are extended in pairs diagonally across the lid of the trunk
and buckled together as shown in Figure 8; these straps taking the place of the
straps n, shown in Figure 1, serve to bind the angle iron corner pieces r, closely
upon the upright corners of the heavy trunk and stiffen the entire structure against
bursting strains.
If desired, additional security may be provided for the heavy trunk, by furnishing
the end flaps of the holders, with the staples r, shown in Figure 13, which may
be engaged with stationary locking devices (not shown) that may be affixed to the
trunk lid and adapted to receive the staples and be locked thereto.

page_text: Preferably the gum joint piece h, on the bottom A, is given a sloping form on
opposite sides, as indicated in Figure 10, and is retained in place near each edge of
the rectangular bottom by the angle strips h¹ that are secured to the bottom wall,
and clamp the joint piece thereon.
To protect the guard rail b, gum buffers are preferably located on the lower
surface of the bottom wall A, these blocks being held in place by the keeper
plates, that are secured to the wall A, as shown in Figure 13, so that the entire
weight of the trunk and its contents will be sustained by the buffers ", which
will absorb percussive shocks which are received by their projecting lower
portions.
The handles w, of ordinary form are provided for each style of trunk, and are
secured at opposite points on the end walls of the trunk body near the transverse
center as usual, the outer boxes D, E, representing such parts of the trunk.
It is claimed for this device, that great convenience is afforded for the packing
of goods of various descriptions and also for removal of the same from any of the
compartments or boxes composing the trunk, and as these boxes are all tightly
sealed from the intrusion of dust or water, fabrics of the most delicate nature can
be safely transported in either form of the improvement.
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 what I
claim is :
1. In a trunk, the combination with a bottom piece, of a series of rectangular
boxes hinged thereto, by their outer edges at lower ends, and a lid adapted to bind
the tops of the boxes together, substantially as described.
2. In a trunk, the combination with a bottom piece, of boxes hinged thereto by
their lower ends, and adapted to fold outwardly or stand upright on said bottom,
and a hinged lid adapted to bind the tops of the boxes together, substantially
as described.
3. In a trunk, the combination with a rectangular bottom piece, of two boxes
hinged to opposite edges of the bottom piece, intervening boxes also hinged to
edges of the bottom piece, and a lid hinged to one box and adapted to bind the
tops of all the boxes together, substantially as described.
4. In a trunk, the combination with a rectangular bottom piece, of a marginally
secured substantially rectangular guard rail, boxes hinged by lower ends, upon said
rail, and a hinged lid adapted to bind the tops of all the boxes together, substantially
as set forth.
5. In a trunk, the combination with a rectangular bottom piece, a substantially
rectangular guard rail secured thereto and projected at the edge of said bottom
piece, and two boxes approximating in width the length of two opposite sides and
hinged thereto so as to be adapted to stand upright on the bottom piece, or receive
an outward folding adjustment of two pairs of folding boxes hinged by one edge
of one box of a pair to other parts of the guard rail and a hinged lid, substantially
as described.
6. In a trunk, the combination with a bottom piece, a guard rail thereon at its
edge, and boxes hinged thereto, so as to fold outwardly or stand upright, of elastic
joint strips between the boxes, an elastic joint strip between the bottom piece and
boxes, and a hinged lid adapted to bind the tops of all the boxes together,
substantially as described.
7. In a trunk, the combination with a rectangular bottom piece, and a guard rail
secured by transverse plates thereon and conforming to the edge of the bottom so
as to project therefrom, of a plurality of boxes hinged to the guard rail and
adapted to stand on the bottom or fold outwardly, a lid hinged to one box and
binding all together when shut, and means to secure the lid in closed adjustment,
substantially as described.
8. In a trunk, the combination with a rectangular bottom piece, a guard rail
secured thereon and conforming with the margin of the bottom piece, and two

page_text: spaced boxes substantially equal in width with the length of the opposite sides of
the bottom and loosely jointed to the guard rail, of two pairs of folding boxes
hinged to opposite parts of the guard rail and adapted to stand between the other
boxes, joint strips intervening the folded boxes and spaced boxes, a joint strip.
between all the boxes and the bottom piece, a hinged lid, a joint piece between the
lid and all the boxes, and means to secure the lid in closed adjustment, substantially
as described.
9. In a trunk, the combination, with a rectangular bottom piece, a guard rail
thereon, two parallel and spaced boxes hinged by lower ends to the rail, two pairs
of folding boxes hinged to the rail and intervening the spaced boxes, and a hinged
lid adapted to bind the tops of all the boxes together, of hinged angular corner
pieces, and adjustable straps extending diagonally on the lid from said corner pieces,
substantially as described.
10. In a trunk, the combination, with a rectangular bottom piece, a guard rail
thereon, two opposite spaced boxes hinged to said rail, and two pairs of folded boxes
intervening the spaced boxes and also hinged to the rail, angular corner pieces
hinged by lower ends to the corners of the guard rail, buffer holders hinged to
upper ends of the angular corner pieces, elastic buffer blocks therein, and adjustable
straps extended from the holders, of removable brace bars on the folded boxes, a
hinged lid adapted to bind the tops of all the boxes together, elastic joint strips
between the boxes, a joint strip between the lid and boxes, a joint strip between
the boxes and bottom piece, and elastic buffers on said bottom piece, substantially
as described.
1001
E. P. ALEXANDER & SON,
Chartered Patent Agents,
19, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents.