US1175971A - Receptacle for matches, toothpicks, or the like. - Google Patents

Description

B. MILLER & A. S. SCHENKER.

RECEPTACLE FOR MATCHES, TOOTHPICKS, OR THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-T, l9l4.

Patented Mar. 21, 1916.

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RECEPTACLE FOR MATCHES, TOOTHPICKS, OR THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 7, I914.

Patented Mar. 21, 1916,

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B 5718:! may in small quantities .be held in such a BARNET MILLER AND ABRAHAM S. SCHENKER, OF NEW YORK, n. Y.

RECEPTACLE FOB, MATCHES, TOOTHPICKS, OR. THE LIKE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 21, 1916.

Application filed August 7, 1914. Serial No. 855,579.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, BARNET MILLER and ABRAHAM S. Senna KER, citizens of the United States, resid tug at New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Receptacles for Matches, Toothpicks, ,or the like, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to the general class of receptacles for matches, toothpicks or the l kc, and consists mainly in a closed casing from which the articles can be removed only in small quantities principally one at a time.

It is desirable that receptacles containing matches, toothpicks or the like be malntained closed to prevent spilling of the same or for other purposes; and it is particularly desirable that the handling of a supply of toothpicks be prevented thereby to preserve them in sanitary condition.

To this end, the main object of this invention is to provide a receptacle, access to which is denied to the general user, and which receptacle will only be opened to supply the same when its contents have been exhausted.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a closed receptacle from which the contained articles can be removed only or one at a time.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an outlet for such closed receptacle that is completely concealed from the user so as to prevent tampering therewith.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a mechanical discharge means I so that the fingers of the user will not in any way come in contact with the articles used remaining in such receptacle.

- A still further object of the invention is to provide such a construction of receptacle whereby an auxiliary receptacle for related matter can be formed integral with the main receptacle. And a further object of the invention is to provide a discharging means whereby the articles when discharged will position that the user can easily grasp the same.

A particular feature of the present embodiments of the invention is the construction in which all four walls of the receptacle and certain adjacent parts are composed and stamped out of one integral piece of sheet metal.

forward end and said front wall.

These and other features, capabilities and advantages of the invention will appear from the subjoined deta led description of specific embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a perspective showing one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 is an axial section of the modification shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective of an embodiment equipped with an auxiliary receptacle for cigar ashes and the like. Fig. a is a perspective of the slide detached; and Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view in cross section showing the position of the slide relative to the i floor of the receptacle when articles are be ing received by said Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the cover for said receptacles, showing the means for securing the cover in place.

As illustrated the receptacles are preferably composed and stamped out of sheet metal. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. l a receptacle is shown which is particularly adapted for containing a supply of toothpicks which receptacle comprises essentially four walls, two side walls, 1, 1, a front wall, 2, and a rear wall 3, preferably composed of one continuous strip of sheet metal, the two meeting ends of which are flanged, which flanges are bent upon one another to form the joint 4. The upper end of the front wall 2 continues into a tongue narrowing into an upwardly directed portion 5 then bent back upon itself to form a downwardly directed portion 6 which serves as a partition between the toothpick-containing chamber and the slide passage about to be described, and widens as it approaches its base, which base is secured to the side walls 1, 1 by solder or the like. The portions 5 and 6 as illustrated are suitably spaced apart to form a slide passage 7. To form the article or toothpick-containing chamber, there is provided an inclined floor member 8 secured between the two side walls 1, 1, and the rear wall 3, the rear edge of the floor member being illustrated as starting from the upper edge of the rear wall 3 and inclining downwardly in a forward direction terminating, just rearwardly of the front wall 2 to form a passage between its The side edges of the floor member'S are illustrated as secured to the side walls 1, 1 by solder or the like. The front edge of the floor member 8 terminatesa distance from. the front slide from said floor;

- shown as integral therewith,

wall 2 equal to the distance the portions 5 and 6 are spaced from one another. Just rearwardly of the portion 6 is provided a partition 9 which is secured by and between the walls 1, 1 by solder or the like, which partition is preferably parallel to the front wall 2 and extends from a line in a plane with the upper edges of the walls 1, 1 down to a line which is spaced apart from the floor member 8,adistance equal approximately to th'e'thicknessof a toothpick. This partition is provided to permitbut a-small number of toothpicks to be fed to the discharging means preferably one at a time. Just rearwardly of the front Wall 2 and extending in a plane with the portion 6 there are provided two plates 10, 10 both extending down, from the front edge of the floor member 8 and extending "substantially tothe lower edge of the walls 1, 1. The outer edges of these plates 10, 10 are illustrated as secured to the walls 1, 1 by solder or the like. The inner edges of the plates 10, 10 are parallel with one another and form a medial slot 11. In the slide passage formed between the portions 5 and 6 and the plates 10, 10 and the front wall 2, there is provided a discharge slide 12 which also serves as a door for closing the toothpick-containing chamber illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 and shown as having a lower wide portion substantially the width of the front ward direction as illustrated.

groove,

wall and an upper portion 13 gradually diminishing in width and of such form that when the slide is in its uppermost position, its upper narrow portion 13 will conform to thetongue formed by the portions 5 and 6 while its lower wide portion will serve to properly guide the slide in said slide passage. Medially and vertically of the front wall 2, there is provided a slot 14 to accommodate a projection 15 secured to the front wall of the slide 12. On the front end of the projection '15 which extends out forwardly of the front wall 2 is formed a nger-engaging button 16, by means of which the slide 12 can be moved in said slide passage. The slideis normally maintained in its uppermost position by any suitable means in the present instance shown as a fiat spring 17 which is secured at its rear end to the floor member 8 and at its front end to the lower edge ofthe slide 12, said spring 17 exercising a tension on said slide in an up- The upward portion of the slide 12 is provided with a groove 18 extending in a line parallel with the lower edge of the floor 8 and positioned a short distance from the upper edge of the slide 12. This groove is so disposed that when'the slide is in its lowermost position, that is when the button 16 is depressed, the front edge of the floor 8 will be in position to discharge into such diminishing The operation is as follows: A supply of toothpicks is placed on the floor 8 which are fed preferably one at a time underneath the partition 9 and will be in position so that when the button 16 is depressed to lower the slide into its lowermost position, a toothpick will be discharged into and received by a groove 18 and then when the button 1s released the spring 17 will raise the slide 11 which will, carry the discharged toothpick up with it, the ends of which toothpick'will, as illustrated in Fig. 1 project from the sides of the slide and the portions 5 and 6 of the tongue in which position the toothpick can easily be removed by the user. V

The toothpick compartment is provided with a cover 19 which may be locked or otherwise securely closed by any suitable means, in the present instance, spring clamping members 20 being provided which engage the sides of the walls 1, 1 and thereby frictionally hold the cover in place. 1'

The upper portion of the slide 12 is tapered to a sharp edge, and the tongue formed by the portions 5 and 6 has a corresponding tapering portion to accommodate the upper end of the slide 12. This tapered end serves to deflect the articles not received in said groove out of the path of movement of said slide.

In the modification illustrated in Fig. 3 a construction is illustrated which is-particularly adapted for a match receptacle, is otherwise different from the modification shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in certain details of construction, and which comprises essentially two side walls 22, a rear wall 23 and a front wall 24 which bodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 are composed of and stamped out of one integral piece of sheet metal and fastened together by a joint 25, similar to the joint 4. The front wall 24 of this embodiment has its main portion extended up only partway the height of the side walls 22, 22 and hasan upwardly extending narrowingtongue 28.

four walls, similar to the em-' a gradually narrowside slots along the sides of the tongue 28.

The front portions of the side walls 22, 22 have curved cutaway portions 29 which begin at their front edges at a level with the upper ends of the side edges of thefront wall 24 and terminate in These curved cutaway portions have their edges secured to a curved wall 30 extending across the same and formingthe front wall forthe match containing compartment, the

upper edge of said curved wall lying in a plane with the upper edges of the side walls their upper edges.

23, and at substantially the upper edge of said side walls 22, 22, being secured at its side edges to the side walls 22 and extending forwardly in a downward direction to a line substantially in the plane of the portion 27. Secured to the upper portion of the curved'wall 30 is a partition 32 which extends from one side wall 22 to the other and down to a line which is spaced apart from said fioor'member 31, a distance sufficient to permit but a small quantity of matches to pass underneath the partition 32, preferably one at a time. In the slide passage formed between the front wall 24:, and portion 27 is provided a slide 33 which has lower wide portion and an upper narrow portion similar to the slide 12 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and which also is normally maintained in a raised position by a spring similar to spring 17. In the front wall 24 is provided a slot 34 extending parallel with, and equidistant from, the side walls 22, 22 through which slot protrudes a projection 35 formed on the slide 33 which has a finger engaging button 36 by means of which the slide 33 may be actuated. Near the upper end of the slide 33 is formed a groove extending parallel to the front edge of the floor member 31 and so disposed that when the slide is in its lowermost position said groove can cooperate with said floor to receive a match therefrom upon the depression of said slide 33 by the button 36 so that when said button is released and said slide is raised, the match will be carried with it and can be removed by the user through the curved slots where the match will be exposed whenthe slide 33 is in raised position. Between the upper rear edge of the floor member 31, the rear wall 23 and side walls 22, 22 between such upper rear edges, is formed a hopper member 38 forming the inlet to an auxiliary receptacle for cigar ashes, burnt matches or the like. The rear wall of this hopper member is the continuation of the rear wall 23 extending upward and inclining rearwardly, the side walls of the same extend upwardand inclining outward from said side walls 22, 22, and the front wall is the continuation of the floor member 31 extending upward therefrom and inclining forwardly, the edges of which hopper wa are suitably secured to one another. The lower edges of the side walls 22 are preferably provided with flanges 39 extending inwardly and formed integral with said side walls illustrated as extending only part-way the length of said side walls beginning at the rear end thereof. The rear wall 23 terminates a suitable distance from the lower edges adjacent to said exit, said lls of the side walls 22, 22 to form an entrance for a receiving means such as the tray 40 illustrated in Fig. 3 which has a suitable floor, side walls, front wall and an enlarged rear wall 41 to form abutting flanges whereby the movement of said tray into said receptacle is limited. The flanges 39 form a sup porting means for said tray. Similar to the modification shown in Figs. 1 and 2 a cover 12 is provided for the match compartment formed above the floor member 31 which may be locked in closed position by means similar to that shown in Figs. 1 and 2; and the upper end of the slide 33 is tapered being highest at its forward front end, and the tongue formed by the portions 26 and 27 forms a corresponding tapering portion to accommodate the upper end of the slide 33.

It is obvious that various changes and modifications may be made in the details of the box construction without affecting and departing from the general scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. A device of the class described having a compartment for toothpicks, matches or the like, there being an exit from said compartment, adischarging means positioned adjacent to said exit, said discharging means comprising a slide vertically movable, the upper portion of said slide being narrower than the length of the articles to be discharged, said upper portion being adapted to receive the articles to be discharged and permit the ends of such articles from said slide, means for actuating said slide into discharging j osition where either of the ends of the articles can be grasped by the user and the articles thus removed, and a casing. conforming to said slide mounted on said compartment to receive said slide when disposed in its raised position, said casing being open on both sides to permit the ends of the articles discharged to extend therethrough. I

2. A device of the class described having a compartment for toothpicks, matches or the like, therebeing an exit from said compartment, a discharging means positioned discharging means comprising a slide vertically movable, the upper portion of said slide being narrower than the length of the articles to be discharged and having a groove extending transversely of said narrow portion and o the path of movement of said slide, said groove being adapted to receive the articles to be discharged and permit the ends of such articles to protrude from said slide, means for actuating said slide into discharging position where either of the ends of the articles can be grasped by the user and the arti cles thus removed, and a casing conforming to said slide mounted on said compartment to receivefiaid, Slide when disposed in its to protrude her,

raised position, said casing being open on bothsides to permit the ends of the article discharged to extend therethrough.

3. A device of the class described having a compartment for toothpicks, matches or the like, a wall member, a floor in said compartment the front end of which is spaced apart from said wall member, a partition disposed above the front edge of said floor to form an opening between it and the floor to permit articles to pass therethrough to the rear of said wall member,- a slide movably mounted between said wall member and said partition and floor, there being a groove in the upper end of said slide toreceive articles from said floor when said slide is in its lower position, means for normally maintaining said slide in raised position and returning said slide into raised position after it has been actuated into lower position, and a casing formed by the continuations of said partition and wall member and conforming to said slide,said casing being mounted on said compartment to receive said slide when disposed in its raised position and being open on both sides to permit the endsof the article discharged to extend therethrough.

4. A device of the class described having a compartment toothpiclrs, matches or the like a wall member a floor in, said compartment the front end of which is spaced apart from said wall membeiga partition disposed above the front edge of said floor to form an opening between it and the floor to permit articles to pass therethrough and disposed to the rear of said wall member, a slide movably mounted between said wall member and said partition and floor and adapted to receive articles from said floor when said slide is in its lower position, means for normally maintaining said slide in raised position and returning said slide into raised position after it has been actuated' into lower position, means for lowering said slide, and a casing formed by the continuations of said partition and said wall member and conforming to said slide, said casing being mounted on said compartment to receive said slide when disposed in its raised position and being open on both sides to permit the ends of the article discharged to extend therethrough.

5. A device'of the class described having a compartment for toothpicks, matches or thelike, a wall member, a floor in said compartment the front end of which is spaced apart from the front end of said wall-mema slide movably mounted along said wall member and in front of said floor, there eing a groove on the per end of said slide to receive articles from said floor when, said slide is in its lower position, means for actuating said slide into raised or discharging position where the ar- 7 housing inclosing the floor of sides formed by said partition wall extending proper with said partition, said front wall rear side of the upgroovev can be resecured tosaid projection whereby said slide may be lowered, and a casing conforming to said slide, the front wall of which isthe continuation of said wall member,- said casing being mounted on said compartment to receive said slide when disposed in its raised position and being open ,on"both'si des to permit the ends of the article dischargedto extend therethrough. c

6. A device of the class described'having a V the compartment for a supply of tcothpiclrs or thelilre, an inclined oor intermediate said housing and forming said compartment, a partition at one'end of said housing the lower end of which terminates a short distance above the lower end of said floor to form an opening said housing, the continuation of said front wall extending upward above said housing proper with said partition, said front wall and partition being united at their-supper ends and open attheir sides, slide r-eciprocatingly mounted between said partition and front wall, and spring having'on'e end secured -tothe lower side of said floor and the other endsecured in raised position, said partition and front wall conforming to said slide and all three such articles will protrude through the'open wall when carried by said slide and said slide is disposed in its elevated position.

'A device of the class described having a housing inclosing the compartment for a supply of tocthpicks or the like, an inclined oor'intermediate said housing and forming the 001* of said compartment, a partition at one end of said housing "the lower endof which terminates a short distanceabove the lower end of saidfloor to form an opening between it and the floor topermit the articles moving down said inc-lined floor to pass .out of said compartment, said partition eX- tending above said housing, the continuation of said front upward above said housing and partition being ends slide reciprocatingly mounted between said partition and front wall, an actuating spring having one end secured to the lower side of ilnited at their upper sa d floor and the otherend secured to said a discharging said housing, a front wall for an actuating .100 to said slideto normally maintain said slide 7 and front l and open at their sides, a discharging slide to normally maintain said slide in raised position, said partition and front Wall conforming to said slide and all three being narrower at their upper ends than the articles to be discharged so that the ends of such articles will protrude through the open sides formed by said partition and front Wall when carried by said slide and said slide is disposed in its elevated position, there being ARNET MILLER. ABRAHAM S. SGHENKER. Witnesses:

HAROLD D. PENNEY, JOSEPH F. V. CHRISTOPHER.

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

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