US170195A

US170195A - Improvement in mail-bag fastenings

Info

Publication number: US170195A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1875-11-23
Anticipated expiration: 1892-11-23

Description

H. M. SMITH.

MAIL-BAG FASTENING.

Patented Nov.23,1875.

iNVENTOR'.

WITNESSES:

N-FETERS. PHOTO-LITNOGRAPHER, WASKINGYON. D. C.

same, and Fig. 3 is a sectional view UNITED STATES HORATIO M. SMITEI,.OF CHICAGO, ILLILNOIS,ASSIGNOROF TWOrTHIRDS PATE T OFFI E.

RIGHT TO MOSES W. LESTER AN D FRANKLIN LESTER, OF SAME PLACE.

IMPROVEMENT IN MAIL-BAG FASTENINGS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 170, 195, dated November 23, 1875 {application file October 25, 1875.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HORATIO M. SMITH, of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain Improvements in Mail-Bag Fastenings, of which the following is a specification: I

The nature and object of my invention will be understood from the following specification, and the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of the same.

In the drawing, Figure 1 is a side view of a mail-bag, provided with this improved fastening. Fig. 2 is a top or plan view of the on the line a: w of Fig. 1.

Like letters of reference made use of in the several figures indicate the same parts wherever used.

To the mouth of the mail'bag A I apply flexible continuous welts B B, which I prefer to construct of the material of the bag by hemming the same over a piece or pieces of leather, cord, or other flexible filling, C. These welts, one at each side of the mouth, form, when the sides of the mouth are brought together, a shoulder at each side. A flexiblyconnected series of clasps, D, are slipped upon the enlargement or double welt, and, encircling the welts, and extending under the shoulders at each side, serve to hold the mouth closed.

One corner of the mouth is rounded down, as shown at E, and the enlargement or welt is continued around this corner and down the side of the bag to form a runway or guide, B, along which the flexible series of clasps may be pushed when the mouth of the bag is to be opened.

To aft'ord'a means of locking the bag when the mouth is closed by the clasps it is sufficient if 'one of the clasps is pierced with a hole, d, through which and through the underlying portion of the bag, which is pierced for that purpose, a padlock may be passed, serving to prevent the removal of the clasps, and, consequently, the opening of the bag.

The flexible bearing or welt being smooth and continuous, entirely Without joints, no

detached for repair.

sessin g sufficient strength and this peculiarity.

Or it will be sufficient if the material be such that it cannot be bent and disengaged, and afterward reformed to its original shape and position, the object being to afford a means of detecting whether the bag has been opened or not by unauthorized persons.

The flexible connection of the series of clasps D consists, in the instance illustrated in the drawing, of a leather strap, G, which, passing between the clasps and the bag,-is riveted to the clasps, and performs the triple office of a weather-guard to the opening, a stay to prevent the clasps from being crowded together, and a means for sliding all of the series oft together.

The mail-bag provided with this fastening cannot be opened, when locked, without trace being left of the fact. It is fastened and. un-' fastened with great rapidity, the closing and opening, aside from the applicationor removal of the padlock, requiring but a single movement.

The fastening appliances arealways ready and form part of the bag, but may be readily The flexibility of the bag is not interfered with.

The whole contrivance is exceedingly simple and cheap, costing no more, if as much, as the common strap and staples, while it is much more durable and effective.

Having thus fully described the construction and operation of my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- I 1. The mail-bag, provided with a flexible continuous welt or enlargement at both sides clasps D, whereby the clasps may he slipped of the mouth, and a guide or runway at readily down the'side of the bag, substanone side of the; bag, in combination with tially as specified.

the series of clasps D, substantially as speci- HORATIO M. SMITH. fied. Witnesses 2. The rounded corner E,' upon a mail-bag, FORD B. SMITH, provided with the welts B B and series of EDW. S. EVARTS.