US1037696A - Trunk. - Google Patents

Description

G. H. WHEARY. TRUNK. APPLICATION FILED 001227, 1911.

G. H. WHEARY. 'l

TRUNKx APPLICATION FILED 00T. 27, 1911.

1,037,696. Patented Sept. 3,1912.

.3 SHBETS-SHEET 2.

4 uamvwk @7 wm G. H. WHEARY.

TRUNK.

APPLICATION FILED 00T. 27, 1911.

1,037,696, Patented sept. s, v191.2.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

. y (2/@fan JHM-@M y WMMW/M UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORG-E H. W'HEARY, OF RACINE, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNOR TO TI-IE HARTMANN TRUNK COMPANY, OF RACINE, WISCONSIN, A CORPORATION OF WISCONSIN.

TRUNK.

Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 3,1912.

To r/,ZZ whom 'it may concern-s Be it known that I, GEORGE H. IVI-Inter, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Racine, in the county of Racine and State of llisconsin, have invented new and useful Improvements in Trunks, of which the following is a description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this specification.

My invention relates to improvements in trunks, more particularly to the particular class of trunks known as wardrobe trunks.

Heretofore in the use of a trunk of the above character, and particularly when used as a steamer trunk, it was customary to place the trunk beneath the berth in a stateroom, the trunk being of such reduced height as to permit this to be done. The objection, however, has been that when trunks of the usual construction are so placed beneath the berth, they are inaccessible to the removal of articles or trays therefrom, and particularly the removal of a wardrobe section, unless the trunk is pulled out from beneath the berth. This is due to the fact principally that these trunks as heretofore constructed have been equipped with a hinged lid or cover which opens upwardly, and with the wardrobe section also opening upwardly.

It is the primary object of my invention to so construct a wardrobe trunk that access can be gained to the interior thereof without pulling the trunk from beneath a bed or steamer berth, and also of such construction that the wardrobe section can be pulled out partially for gaining access to the contents thereof, or pulled out entirely clear of the bed or berth, and yet be still connected to the trunk and be capable of adjust-ment to a vertical position immediately alongside of the bed or berth; or can be entirely removed from its connection with the trunk and set up at any convenient point in a bedroom or stateroom.

lVith the above primary object, and other incidental objects in view, the invention consists of the devices and parts, or the equivalents thereof, as hereinafter more fully set forth.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a front elevation of the trunk, with the front hinged cover or lid thrown down, and showing in full lines the wardrobe section in position within the trunk, and in dotted lines the said section adjusted to its vertical position for use as a wardrobe; Fig. 2 is a vertical sect-ion, on an enlarged scale, through a fragment of the trunk; F ig. 3 is an end elevation showing the front cover of the trunk open and the wardrobe section ad justed to its vertical position; Fig. t is a plan view of the parts when adjusted as shown in Fig. 3, and also showing one of the grips and one of the trays partly pulled out; and F ig. 5 is a fragmentary view showing the means for detachably holding the wardrobe section, when said section is adjusted to its vertical position.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral 9 indicates the trunk body, which is of proper height to 'conveniently iit beneath a bed, or beneath the berth of a stateroom. The interior of the trunk is divided about centrally by a horizontal partition 10 into upper and lower divisions, the upper division, in turn, being subdivided by vertical partitions, into a series of compartments adapted to receive either open trays 12, or small grips 13, or for that matter any desirable box or holding device, or articles. Where several persons are traveling together, it may be eXceedingl y convenient to have inthe upper compartments the small grips 13, instead of the trays, so that each person may be able to have his individual grip, and thereby the convenient use of articles contained therein. The large lower compartment contains the wardrobe section 14. The upper side or top of this sectionis open, and this open side is uppermost when the section is in proper position within the trunk, while said open side faces in a direction away from the trunk, when the wardrobe section is adjusted to vertical position. It will be seen from the drawings that the front side 15 of the trunk constitutes the hinged lid thereof, the hinges being at the bottom of the lid, so that when the lid is released it can be thrown down to a horizontal position.

On the under side of thev wardrobe section are rails 16 16, preferably of corrugated metal, said rails, -when the front hinged lid is thrown downwardly to a horizontal position, bearing against the said hinged lid and forming a slide for the wardrobe section, when the latter is drawn outwardly. Also secured to the under side of the wardrobe section, near one end thereof, and preferably at the center, is a hook 17 which engages an elongated bail or loop 18 secured to the inner side of the hinged front lid. lllhen, therefore, this hinged lid is turned downwardly, and the wardrobe section is pulled outwardly, the said hook and loop cooperate to form a detachable connection between the wardrobe section and the hinged lid. ln other words, the wardrobe section can be pulled outwardly upon the down turned front lid until it is clear of the interior of the trunk, and said section can then be turned upwardly to the vertical position as illustrated in igs. 3 and l and 5, and by dotted lines in Fig. 1, the hoolr and loop acting as a hinge. At the same time, if it is desired to entirely remove the wardrobe section and place it in an upright position at some point non-ad jacent to the trunk, this can be readily accomplished merely by disconnecting the hook from the loop.

lWhen the wardrobe section is turned upwardlv to its vertical position shown in Figs. 3 and Ll, it will be seen that a firm supportv is provided therefor throughout substantially onehalf of the width thereof by downwardly projecting` portions from the hinged front lid 15, and that also the outer edge of the end piece of the wardrobe section which forms the bottom of the section, when said section is in its vertical position, is rmly supported by means of a projecting flange 19, which flange forms a supporting leg. lt is desirable when the wardrobe section is thus adjusted to its vertical position, that said section be braced and supported at the back thereof. For this purpose. 1 provide a strap 20, preferably of metal. which is hinged at one end to the hinged lid or cover 15, and its free end is adapted to engage catch 21 on the back of the wardrobe section. Then not in use this brace strap is turned down against the face of the hinged lid or cover, and when in use is turned upwardly so that its free end is caused to engage the catch 21, as clearly shown in Fig. t and by dotted lines in Fig. 1. The trunk construction also contemplates a novel connection between the upper edge of the front hinged lid or cover and the top of the trunk. Ordinarily, where trunks have been provided with a front hinged lid, instead of a hinged top cover, a right-angular metallic strip is hinged to the upper edge of said front lid. The horizontal member of this strip overlies the top of the trunk and is locked thereto. This particular construction is open to the objection that a joint is formed on the top of the trunk which opens rearwardly and forms a space for the free entrance of dust, dirt and moisture to the interior of the trunk. This particular form also would not be practicable for use in connection with av wardrobe section arranged as shown in the accompanying drawings, inasmuch as when the front lid or cover is thrown down, the right-angular strip is necessarily carried therewith, and one member of the angle is left projectingl ujiwardly, and hence would act a an obstruction or stop against the wardrobe section. being pulled outwardly such a distance as to clear the interior of the trunk. 1n other words, the wardrobesection could only be pulled outl to the extent permitted by contact of said section with the, projecting flange. 'l hare, therefore, in the present invention provided for an arrangement and disposition of the angular strip whereby the trunk is not only rendered absolutely dust proof and watern proof, but at the saine time the angular strip does not interfere in the least with the complete pulling' outwardly of the ward robe section. lilith this end in view, instead of hinging one member of the angular strip 92 to the front cover or lid, and permitting` the cth-cr or horizontal member of said strip to overlie the top of the trunk, l hinge one member of said strip to the top of the trunk, and permit the other member of said strip to overlie the front lid 15, and to be locked thereto by means of the locking mechanism 9.3 and the locking catches Q4.

rllhat portion of the trunk which is immediately below the horizontal. member of the angular strip is depressed, as indicated by the numeral 25, as most clearly shown in Fig. 2. Each hinge 26 which hingedly connects the horizontal member of tlie angular strip to the top of the trunk, has one leaf thereof connected to said top of the trunk. and the other leaf thereof to the horizontal member of the angular strip. This hori- Zontal member of the angular strip is made up of the forward and rear metallic portions 27 and 2S and the under connecting portion 29. This under connecting portion forms an enlargement or filling block which effectually [ills and closes the depression 25. Ilhis construction, it will be obvious, not only avoids the joint on the top of the trunk before referred to, and thereby renders the trunk dustproof and waterproof, but furthermore, when the front lid or cover is turned downwardly, no upwardly extending portion left acting as a stop against the full or complete withdrawal horizontally of the wardrobe section. Also when the angular strip is turned upwardly for the purpose of permitting the dropping of the front hinged lid or cover, said hinged lid or cover may be permitted to remain open, i desired, and yet the contents of the trunk will be protected against dust entering through the top of the trunk. lt will furthermore be noted that the end edges of the 1 hinged front lid or cover are provided with projecting tlanges 30 which o-verlap the ends of the trunk, and are secured to said ends by means of the catches 31.

I have described my invention as possessing particular advantages in its use as a steamer trunk. It will be understood, however, that these advantages are present in the use of the invention generally, as for instance when it is used in a hotel where a person may desire either to have the wardrobe section adjacent to and connected to the trunk, when said section is adjusted to a vertical position, and which would be de sirable when the trunk is placed under a bed; or entirely removed from the trunk and placed in some convenient position in tne room. It may also be used as an auto mobile trunk, and carried either on the running-board, or on the rear end of the automobile.

rIhe wardrobe section is equipped with a complete hanger system, as clearly shown in the drawings.

What I claim is:

l. In a wardrobe trunk, the combination of the trunk body having a longitudinal space therein, a front door or lid hinged at its lower edge to the trunk body and opening downwardly, and a wardrobe section within the longitudinal space of the trunk. and having a hinged and slidable connection with the front lid of the trunk, said wardrobe section, when the front lid is turned downwardly, adapted to be pulled outwardly horizontally through the front opening of the trunk to clear the interior of the trunk, and onto the down-turned front lid, and to be swung upwardly on the hinged connection to a vertical position adjacent to the front side of the trunk, with its end resting upon and supported by the front lid.

2. In a wardrobe trunk, the combination of the trunk body having a longitudinal space therein, a front door or lid hinged at its lower edge to the trunk body and opening downwardly, a wardrobe section within the longitudinal space of the trunk, and a hinged slidable connection between the bottoni of the wardrobe section and the inner side of the hinged lid or cover, the parts being so arranged and constructed that when the hinged lid or cover is turned downwardly, said wardrobe section can be pulled outwardly horizontally through the front opening of the trunk to clear the interior of the trunk, and onto the clown-turned front lid, and to be swung upwardly on the hinged connection to a vertical position adjacent to the front side of the trunk, with its end resting upon and :supported by the front lid.

3. In a wardrobe trunk, the combination of the trunk body having a longitudinal space therein, a front door or lid hinged at its lower edge to the trunk body and open ing downwardly, and a wardrobe section within the longitudinal space of the trunk, and having a releasable hinged and slidable connection with the front lid of the trunk, the parts being so arranged and constructed that when the hinged lid or cover is turned downwardly, said wardrobe section can be pulled outwardly horizontally through the front opening of the trunk and onto the down-turned front lid of the trunk and to be swung upwardly on the hinged connection to a vertical position adjacent to the front side of said trunk, with its end resting upon and supported by the front lid.

4. In a wardrobe trunk, the combination of the trunk body having a longitudinal space therein, a front door or lid hinged at its lower edge to the trunk body and opening downwardly, said lid provided o-n its inner face with a loop, and a wardrobe section within the longitudinal space of the trunk, and provided on its under side with a hook adapted to engage the loop of the trunk lid, said wardrobe section, when the front lid is turned downwardly, adapted to be pulled outwardly to clear the interior of the trunk, and to be swung upwardly to a vertical position on the hinged connection formed by the cooperation of the hook and loop.

5. In a wardrobe trunk, the combination of the trunk body having a longitudinal space therein, a front door or lid hinged at its lower edge to the trunk body and opening downwardly, an open top wardrobe section within the longitudinal space of the trunk and adapted, when the trunk lid is turned downwardly, to be pulled outwardly on said trunk lid, and to be turned. to a vertical position thereon, with its open top facing in a direction away from the trunk, and a brace strap hinged at one end to the inner side of the hinged lid or cover, and having its free end adapted to engage a catch on the back side of the wardrobe section.

6. In a wardrobe trunk, the combination of the trunk body having a longitudinal space therein, a front door or lid hinged at its lower edge to the trunk body and opening downwardly, and a wardrobe section within the longitudinal space of the trunk and adapted to be pulled outwardly on the hinged lid or cover when the latter is turned downwardly, and provided at its outer side, and at one end, with a projecting iange or foot, constructed to act as a support for the projecting portion of the wardrobe section when the latter is pulled outwardly and turned upwardly to a vertical position.

7. In a trunk, the combination of the trunk body, a front side hinged at its lower edge to the trunk body and opening downwardly, the top of the trunk extending to and abutting against the hinged front side when the latter is turned up to closing position, and said top being provided along the outer side of its front portion and longitudinally thereof with a depression, an angular strip having its horizontal member hinged to the top of the trunk, and its vertical member adapted to overlie or tit over and to be locked to the hinged front side of the trunk, the` said horizontal member of the angular strip being formed or provided on its under side, and longitudinally thereof, with an enlargement or thickened portion adapted to fill the depression in the top of the trunk, when the horizontal member of the angular strip is turned downwardly Lo its norma-l horizontal position.

8. A wardrobe trunk comprising a body portion having a side opening and a front lid therefor, and a wardrobe section positioned within the trunk body and adapted to be pulled outwardly horizontally, when the front lid is turned downwardly, through the front opening of the trunk, to clear the interior of the trunk, and onto the downturned front lid, and to be swung upwardly to a vertical position adjacent to the from side of the trunk, with its end resting upon and supported by the lid, and supporting mechanism between the wardrobe section and the front lid or cover, adapted to be in operative engagement releasably with said 30 parts when the wardrobe section is in vertical position, whereby said wardrobe section is supported in its vertical posit-ion.

9. A wardrobe trunk, comprising a body portion having a side opening and a front 35 lid therefor', a wardrobe section and a connecting mechanism between the trunk and the wardrobe section, said mechanism being so constructed as to adapt the section to be pulled outwardly, when the front lid is 49 vertical position adjacent to the front side 45 of the trunk, with its end resting upon and supported by the front lid or cover ln testimony whereof, I atliX my signature, in presence of two witnesses.

GEORGE H. WHEARY.

lllitnesses C. H. KEENEY, KATHERINE HOLT.

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

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