R. W. THAYER.

BOX CASE. APPLIGATION FILED APR. 27. 19110. 1,003, 9, Patented se t. 19,1911.

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COLUMBIA PLANOCIRAPH CO- WASHINOTON, D. C

R. W. THAYBR.

BOX GASE. APPLICATION FILED 11.27, 1910.

1 OO3,669, Patented Sept. 19, 1911.

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1 0 gvwentoz RALPH W. TI-IAYER, OF JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK.

BOX-CASE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 19, 1911.

Application filed April 27, 1910. Serial No. 558,012.

To all whom "it may concern:

Be it known that I, RALPH W. TIIAYER, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Jamestown, county of Chautauqua, and State of New York, have invented new and useful Improvements in 3ox-Cases, of which the :lollowing, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a full, clear, and exact description.

The invention relates to cases or cabinets for boxes.

Great di'tiiculty is experienced by tradesmen in keeping the small boxes classified and in order which are necessary as containers for the articles of sale. Such boxes when placed in a drawer become easily marred so that they are unsightly.

The object of my improvement is to pro vide a glass case for the boxes which will show at a glance the different sized boxes contained therein, and to provide means for the proper classification of the boxes according to their ditl'erent sizes and whereby only one box can be drawn forth at a time, but whereby the next box will be partly withdrawn so that it can be instantly clasped by the fingers and withdrawn when desired; and the invention consists in the construction and arrangement of the parts, as shown in this specification and the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the case with a supply of boxes therein. Fig. 2 is a sectional view at line XX in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a detailv elevation of one of the spring rods for holding the boxes in vertical alinement. Fig. 1 is a detail of a portion of the metal strip across the front with the angular strips therein for preventing the withdrawal of more than one box at a time; and Fig. 5 is a sectional view at line YY in Fig. 4., including a portion of the cabinet.

Similar numerals refer to corresponding parts in the several views.

The numeral 10 indicates a suitable base which is preferably provided with drawers therein so as to raise the platform upon which the boxes 21 are placed somewhat above the surface on which the boxcase stands. The upper portion of the boxcase is preferably made with glass sides 11 and glass partitions 12.

The upper portion of the case is prefer ably made so as to face both ways so that the boxes 21 can be withdrawn from the opposite sides of the c; se. The side plates on said opposite sides extend down to a spaced distance 1 1 above the top of the base 10 and a metal strip 13 is attached across the lower edge of the plate 11, as shown in the sectional view of the strap 13 and plate 11 in Fig. 0.

A top 15 is provided corresponding to the arrangement of the sides 11 on base 10 and fits on to the upper edges of the sides 11 thereby holding said sides in place. The interior of the boxcase is divided into suitable divisions by means of the crosswise partitions 12. These divisions may be varied in size according to the size of the boxes which the tradesman wishes to use. The space 14 must be of sutlicient width to permit two of, the largest boxes passing out beneath the edge of the plate 1.1.

It is apparent that if the lowestbox is withdrawn, the boxes immediately above said lowest box be withdrawn also, and all the boxes which are not held from withdrawal will slide out when the bottom one is withdrawn. In consequence an adjustable angular holding strip 16 is provided for each division to prevent the withdrawal of more than one box at a time. Slots 17 are provided in the metal plates 13 through which the strips 16 are inserted, the spring of the metal holding strips 16 firmly in place at the point desired. Strip l6 has an angular lower end 18 which extends out a sulficient distance to permit of the partial withdrawal of the next to the last and give a good finger hold upon said box when it drops to the bottom. Angular part 18 is adjusted just above the second box from the bottom of the tier of boxes and it is apparent that if the under box is withdrawn the one above will be withdrawn until stoppcd by the angle 18 and that when the bottom box is completely withdrawn the box above will drop down in the partly withdrawn position so that it may instantly be clasped by the fingers and withdrawn when wanted. This places a box of each pile always in position for use.

The sizes of the boxes may be placed upon the metal strip 13 if so desired. This, however, is "arely necessary since the glass sides 11 permits the eye to instantly choose the size box wanted. In order to keep the boxes in correct tiers and at the front ready to be withdrawn, a spring rod 19 is pivotally mounted in the top 15 and base 10. Rod 19 is bent to one side and a spring 20 is provided on the same which presses it constantly against the rear end of the tier of boxes, thereby pressing them against the side 11 and keeping them in line.

In order to insert the boxes into the box case the strip 16 is pushed up and the boxes are inserted beneath the plate 13 by raising the pile and pushing against the spring rod 19 and upward, it taking but a few moments to load each division with its appropriate size box. The strip 16 is then pulled down and adjusted at the height of two boxes and the case is ready for use.

I claim as new:

1. In a device of the character described, a case having an opening in the side thereof for boxes, a strip adjustably mounted on said case before said opening to permit the withdrawal of one box at a time, said strip having an angular extension to permit the partial withdrawal of the box above the one withdrawn.

2. In a device of the character described, a case having transparent sides, said case having openings in the sides next to the bottom of the case, metal strips above said openings having slots therein, and angular holding strips slidably mounted in said slots to hold said boxes against entire withdrawal, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

3. In a device of the character described, a case, divisions in said case, means on said case permitting the withdrawal of one box at a time from each division, and vertical rods having a spring tension to bear against the boxes and hold the same in alinement.

4:. A boxcase comprising a suitable base and top, glass sides and partitions for said case, the opposite sides of said case having openings for the withdrawal of the boxes from the 'divisions formed by said partitions, an adjustable means before each of said divisions on the opposite sides permitting the withdrawal of the bottom box and the partial withdrawal of the box next thereto in each division, and vertical spring rods having a sidewise bend to bear against the rear ends of the piles of boxes and keep them in alinement.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

RALPH IV. THAYER.

WVitnesses A. W. NETTLE, I. A. ELLSWORTH.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G."