Improvements in Horse Collars and the Manufacture thereof.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 14th Oct., 1898
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Horse Collars and the Manufacture thereof.
I, HENRY BIRKBECK, of the Firm of Tongue & Birkbeck, of 31, Southampton
Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Patent
Agents, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (a communication to me
from abroad by Willian Dexter Curtis, of 411, East Main Street, Madison,
Wisconsin, U.S.A., Manufacturer), to be as follows:-
: -
This invention has for its object to provide a simple efficient and cheap
metallic horse collar, further objects of the invention being to provide for adjust-
ment of the collar to accommodate horse's necks of different sizes and to enable
the two sections of the collar to be conveniently disconnected when it is desired.
to remove the collar from-the horse's neck or to be united firmly when in use.
Referring to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification
and to the figures and letters of reference marked thereon:―
Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a collar constructed in accordance with my
present invention one of the sections being shown open in dotted lines.
Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view taken approximately midway of the length
of the collar looking downwardly in Fig. 1 and with the latch thrown open.
Fig. 3 is a detail perspective view of the upper end of the collar showing the
adjusting mechanism and connection between the upper ends of the sections.
Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view through the fastener at the lower end of the
collar.
.
Fig. 5 is a detail section through the connecting devices at the upper end of
the collar.
Fig. 6 is a detail elevation looking upwardly at the fastening device at the
lower end of the collar.
Like letters of reference in the several figures indicate the same parts.
In carrying my present invention into practice I advantageously form the
entire collar including the shoulder pads fore-wale and fastening devices of metal
although it is obvious that portions may be covered with leather should it be
found desirable or convenient in use so to do. The collar is formed in two
sections each section constituting one of the shoulder pads and in the main
each section is formed of two integral pieces of sheet metal that piece which
constitutes the shoulder pad proper being advantageously zinc and is indicated.
by the letter A in the accompanying drawings.
It is rolled stamped or formed to fit accurately the conformation
of the horse's shoulder at the point where the pressure of the draft
is applied and its edges are drawn back so as to be out of contact with the horse
in every position which the collar can assume while in use. The outer portion
or face of the collar is formed by a second plate of metal lettered B advanta-
geously of iron or sheet steel and a continuation of the inner edge of this face
plate B which is turned forwardly with relation to the collar constitutes the
fore-wale C around which the hames is applied in the ordinary manner

page_text: The inner edge of the shoulder pad A is united to the base portion
of the fore-wale C by means of rivets C or equivalent fastening devices
and the outer edges of the face-plate B and shoulder pads A are united
by a roller seam which is formed by bending the edge of the face plate B into
a circular bead 6 advantageously around a wire d and then the edge of the
shoulder pad A is rolled or bent around the bead bas at a in Fig. 2. This con-
struction makes an exceedingly rigid union and in addition affords a very
strong buffing edge which will take up the ordinary knocks to which the collar
is subjected in handling about the stable and so protect the pads proper against
indentation or injury.
It will be noted that the bead forming the union between the outer edges of
the shoulder pad and face plate and the line of rivets between the inner edge
of the shoulder pad and face plate are in positions where they cannot come in
contact with the horse's shoulder in any position which the collar can assume
in use and hence nothing but the smooth unbroken surface of the shoulder
pads A forms the bearing surfaces through which the draft is transmitted from
the collar to the horse's body. The face plate B is provided with depressions E
at each side for the reception of the tug or hame hook and at the bottom depres-
sions F are formed for the link connecting the lower ends of the hames, thus
the hames will seat firmly and squarely against the face plates and transmit
an even uniform pressure to the shoulder pads. At the upper ends the two
sections of the collar are provided with ears or extensions G and H for the recep-
tion of the pins I upon which the connecting plates K for the upper ends of
the sections are pivoted or by which means said plates K are hinged or other-
wise suitably connected to the collar sections.
These pins I are advantageously adapted to have a limited movement at their
rear ends in order to permit the shoulder pad of the collar to work toward
and from each other to a slight extent and thereby case the movements of the
horse when drawing a load for which purpose the ears H at the rear portions
of the sections may be provided with slots in which the rear ends of the pins I
are confined and in which they may work laterally to a limited extent.
The connecting plates K may be of any suitable form advantageously as illus-
trated in Fig. 3 one fitting within the other so as to prevent lateral play and
for the purpose of adjustment they are provided with a series of registering
holes through any one of which a connecting bolt L may be passed as illus-
trated in Fig. 5. This connecting bolt L may advantageously be provided with
wings or a thumb piece at the upper end and on the inner side with a nut or
head L² having projections 12 at each end which fit in adjacent apertures in
the plates K and in a large measure relieve the strain upon the bolt itself; or
the plates K may be secured by other suitable fastening.
For uniting the two sections of the collar at the lower end one of the sections
is provided with a socket advantageously of substantially circular shape in cross
section and lettered M while the opposite section is provided with a correspond-
ing projection N adapted to fit into the socket M (advantageously with a slight
amount of play) and when in this position the two sections are united by a
transversely moving fastener or latch O which is pivoted to the socket meniber
and is provided with a tongue o adapted to enter slots or openings o¹ as will
be readily understood from an inspection of Figs. 1 and 4. This transversely
moving or pivoted latch O is held in its closed or open position by the spring P
and in order to relieve the pin upon which it is pivoted as well as the extremity
of the socket member from strain when the parts are fastened together the
latch or fastener is provided on its inner side with a dovetail projection Q Fig. 6
which is adapted when the latch is closed to enter a corresponding recess R
in the solid wall of the socket portion thus any tendency to draw the two sections
apart will result in the strain being transmitted through the latch and this
dovetail connection to the socket member rather than through the latch and its
pivot pin to the socket member.

page_text: edge united to the inner edge of the face plate and its outer edge bent outwardly
around the beaded edge of the face plate; substantially as described.
5. In a horse collar, the combination with the collar sections (constituting
the shoulder pads) having upwardly extending ears at the front side and pins
carried in said ears, of upwardly extending ears at the rear side having trans-
versely extending slots therein for confining the rear ends of the pins and
plates connecting said pins; substantially as described.
6. In a horse collar the combination with the collar sections (constituting
the shoulder pads) having upwardly extending ears, pins mounted in said ears,
pivotal plates of substantially U-shape in cross section fitting one within the
other, said plates having a series of registering apertures and a connecting bolt
having a head provided with projections for entering apertures adjacent to said
bolt; substantially as described.
7. In a fastener for horse collars, the combination with the two collar sections
of a socket formed on one section and a projection formed on the co-operating
section adapted to enter said socket, a transversely moving pivoted latch adapted
to unite said sections and a co-operating dove-tail projection and recesses on
the latch and socket section respectively for relieving the strain on the pivot
of the latch substantially as described.
8. In a horse collar the combination with the shoulder pads and fore-wale,
of a socket at the lower end of one of said sections or pads, a co-operating pro-
jection adpted to enter said socket on the end of the opposite section or shoulder
pad, and a transversely moving pivotal latch adapted to unite said socket and
projection, said latch being pivoted at the inner side of the collar and adapted
to work outwardly across the hames space, whereby when in position the hames
will hold the latch closed; substantially as described.
9. The improved construction of horse collars the several parts of which are
combined and arranged substantially in the manner and for the purposes here-
inbefore described and illustrated in the drawings hereunto annexed."
1 this 14th day
July 1800.
TONGUE & BIRKBECK,
31, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: ing projection N adapted to fit into the socket M (advantageously with a slight
amount of play) and when in this position the two sections are united by a
transversely moving fastener or latch O which is pivoted to the socket member
and is provided with a tongue o adapted to enter slots or openings o¹ as will
be readily understood from an inspection of Figs. 1 and 4. This transversely
moving or pivoted latch O is held in its closed or open position by the spring P
and in order to relieve the pin upon which it is pivoted as well as the extremity
of the socket member from strain when the parts are fastened together the
latch or fastener is provided on its inner side with a dovetail projection Q Fig. 6
which is adapted when the latch is closed to enter a corresponding recess R
in the solid wall of the socket portion thus any tendency to draw the two sections
apart will result in the strain being transmitted through the latch and this
dovetail connection to the socket member rather than through the latch and its
pivot pin to the socket member.
In order to secure an adjustment of the lower ends of the two sections of the
collar toward and from each other to accommodate horses' necks of different
sizes a series of openings o¹ may be formed in the projection N as illustrated
in the dotted lines in Fig. 1.
As thus described it will be seen that the collar is simple in construction
the formation of the parts is such that they will maintain their relative shapes
even when subjected to excessive strain and wear and tear incident to rough
handling and furthermore by being constructed similar to an ordinary collar it
is adapted to be placed in the hands of an ordinary ostler or horse-keeper who
cannot fail to properly adjust and use the collar.
It will be noted further that the latch or locking device is pivoted on the
inner side of the collar and opens towards the fore-wale thus when in position
the hames will securely hold the locking device or latch. in its closed position
against accidental opening.
It will be obvious that the edges of the shoulder pad plates and the front
plates respectively may be united in any suitable manner other than that illus-
trated that is same may be united by rivetting or seaming or by any other
suitable means.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said in-
vention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
1. A metallic horse collar having its shoulder pads formed of sheet metal
with the edges drawn back in suchwise as to prevent same coming in contact
with the horses shoulder and front plates united to the edges of the shoulder
pad, the inner edges of said front plates being bent forwardly to form a fore-
wale, substantially as described.
2. A horse collar having its shoulder pads formed of sheet metal with the
edges drawn back in suchwise as to prevent same coming in contact with the
horses shoulder, and front plates having their inner edges bent forwardly to
form the fore-wale, the outer edges of the front plates and shoulder pads being
rolled together in the form of a rigid bead, and the inner edges of the shoulder
pads being connected with the base of the fore-wale; substantially as described.
3. In a horse collar the combination with a shoulder pad formed of sheet
metal with its edges drawn back in suchwise as to prevent same coming in
contact with the horses shoulder. of a face plate having its outer edge beaded
and united to the outer edge of the shoulder pad by a beaded union, a fore-wale
formed on the inner edge of the face plate, a depression for the hame hook
formed at an intermediate point in said face plate, and rivets uniting the inner
edge of the shoulder pad and inner edge of the face plate: substantially as
described.
4. In a metallic horse collar the combination with the face plate having its
outer edge bent outwardly around a wire, of a shoulder pad having its inner

page_text: although it is obvious that portions may be covered with leather should it be
found desirable or convenient in use so to do. The collar is formed in two
sections each section constituting one of the shoulder pads and in the main
each section is formed of two integral pieces of sheet metal that piece which
constitutes the shoulder pad proper being advantageously zinc and is indicated
by the letter A in the accompanying drawings.
It is rolled stamped or formed to fit accurately or correspond with the con-
formation of the horse's shoulder at the point where the pressure of the draft
is applied and its edges are drawn back so as to be out of contact with the horse
in every position which the collar can assume while in use.. The outer portion
or face of the collar is formed by a second plate of metal lettered B advanta-
geously of iron or sheet steel and a continuation of the inner edge of this face
plate B which is turned forwardly with relation to the collar constitutes the
fore-wale C around which the hames may be applied and fixed in the ordinary
or any suitable manner. The inner edge of the shoulder pad A is united to
the base portion of the fore-wale C by means of rivets e or equivalent fastening
devices and the outer edges of the face-plate B and shoulder pads A are united
by a roller seam which is formed by bending the edge of the face plate B into
a circular bead advantageously around a wire d and then the edge of the
shoulder pad A is rolled or bent around the bead as at a in Fig. 2. This con-
struction makes an exceedingly rigid union and in addition affords a very
strong buffing edge which will take up the ordinary knocks to which the collar
is subjected in handling about the stable and so protect the pads proper against
indentation or injury.
It will be noted that the bead forming the union between the outer edges of
the shoulder pad and face plate and the line of rivets between the inner edge
of the shoulder pad and face plate are in positions where they cannot come in
contact with the horse's shoulder in any position which the collar can assume
in use and hence nothing but the smooth unbroken surface of the shoulder
pads A forms the bearing surfaces through which the draft is transmitted. The
face plate B is provided with depressions E at each side for the reception of
the tug or hame hook and at the bottom depressions are formed for the link
connecting the lower ends of the hames, thus the hames will seat firmly and
squarely against the face plates and transmit an even uniform pressure to the
shoulder pads. At the upper ends the two sections of the collar are provided
with ears or extensions G and H for the reception of the pins I upon which
the connecting plates K for the upper ends of the sections are pivoted or by
which means said plates K are hinged or otherwise suitably connected to the
collar sections.
These pins I are advantageously adapted to have a limited movement at their
rear ends in order to permit the shoulder pad of the collar to work toward
and from each other to a slight extent and thereby case the movements of the
horse when drawing a load for which purpose the cars H at the rear portions
of the sections may be provided with slots h in which the rear ends of the pins I
are confined and in which they may work laterally to a limited extent.
The connecting plates K may be of any suitable form advantageously as illus
trated in Fig. 3 one fitting within the other so as to prevent lateral play and
for the purpose of adjustment they are provided with a series of registering
holes through any one of which a connecting bolt L may be passed as illus-
trated in Fig. 5. This connecting bolt L may advantageously be provided with
a winged nut or a thumb piece at the upper end and on the inner side with a
head L having projections at each end which fit in adjacent apertures in
the plates K and in a large measure relieve the strain upon the bolt itself; or
the plates K may be secured by other suitable fastening.
For uniting the two sections of the collar at the lower end one of the sections
is provided with a socket advantageously of substantially circular shape in cross
section and lettered M while the opposite section is provided with a correspond-

page_text: In order to secure an adjustment of the lower ends of the two sections of the
collar toward and from each other to accommodate horses' necks of different
sizes a series of openings o¹ may be formed in the projection N as illustrated
in the dotted lines in Fig. 1.
As thus described it will be seen that the collar is simple in construction
the formation of the parts is such that they will maintain their relative shapes
even when subjected to excessive strain and wear and tear incident to rough
handling and furthermore by being constructed similar to an ordinary collar it
is adapted to be placed in the hands of an ordinary ostler or horse-keeper who
cannot fail to properly adjust and use the collar.
It will be noted further that the latch or locking device O is pivoted on the
inner side of the collar and opens towards the fore-wale thus when the hames
is in position the locking device or latch will be held in its closed position
against accidental opening.
Improvements in Horse Collars and the Manufacture thereof.
I, HENRY BIRKBECK, of the Firm of Tongue & Birkbeck, of 31, Southampton
Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Patent
Agents, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (a communication to me.
from abroad by William Dexter Curtis, of 411, East Main Street, Madison,
Wisconsin, U.S.A., Manufacturer), and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention has for its object to provide a simple efficient and cheap
metallic horse collar, further objects of the invention being to provide for adjust-
ment of the collar to accommodate horses' necks of different sizes and to enable
the two sections of the collar to be conveniently disconnected when it is desired
to remove the collar from the horse's neck or to be united firmly when in use.
Referring to the drawings accompanying the Provisional Specification and
to the figures and letters of reference marked thereon:
Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a collar constructed in accordance with my
present invention one of the sections being shown open in dotted lines.
Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view taken approximately midway of the length
of the collar looking downwardly in Fig. 1 and with the latch thrown open.
Fig. 3 is a detail perspective view of the upper end of the collar showing the
adjusting mechanisni and connection between the upper ends of the sections.
Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view through the fastener at the lower end of the
collar.
Fig. 5 is a detail section through the connecting devices at the upper end of
the collar.
Fig. 6 is a detail. elevation looking upwardly at the fastening device at the
lower end of the collar.
Like letters of reference in the several figures indicate the same parts.
In carrying my present invention into practice I advantageously form the
entire collar including the shoulder pads fore-wale and fastening devices of metal