IMPROVED DEVICES FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH THE SPRINGS AND OTHER PARTS OF CARRIAGES, ALSO APPLICABLE FOR OTHER LIKE DIIDDAGO
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Offord, of 79, Wells Street, 67, George Street,
:
and 92; Gloucester Road; in the County of Middlesex, Carriage Builder, for
the Invention of "IMPROVED DEVICES FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH THE
SPRINGS AND OTHER PARTS OF CARRIAGES, ALSO APPLICABLE FOR OTHER LIKE
DIIDDAGO"
1
Sealed the 9th March 1880, and dated the 11th September 1879..
.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Offord at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th September 1879.
JOSEPH OFFORD, of 79, Wells Street, 67, George Street, and 92, Gloucester Road,
"IMPROVED DEVICES' FOR USE
in the County of Middlesex, Carriage Builder.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE SPRINGS AND OTHER' PARTS OF CARRIAGES, ALSO
APPLICABLE FOR OTHER LIKE PURPOSES."
My Invention relates partly to improvements in the construction of springs for
private carriages and other wheeled vehicles, these improvements in springs being
designed to provide better means than have heretofore existed for connecting the
ends of the two parts which together form an ordinary elliptic spring, and in the
case of springs having other forms for connecting the ends thereof to their points of
support. My Invention also relates to improvements in other parts of private
carriages and other vehicles, as hereinafter described.
The main object of my said Invention is to provide a firm and durable connection
at any and all points where one portion of a spring is jointed to another portion of
the same, or to some other point, in order to avoid the rattling or "chattering "
which frequently occurs in springs as heretofore made.
.1.
اور
The usual method, as now practised, in making elliptical springs is to bend over
each end of the lower or longest plate of one of the halves of the said spring
in such a manner as to form tubular pieces of the same width as that of the said
lower plate. Each end of the corresponding plate in the other half of the spring
is made with two projecting pieces or lugs in each of which there is an aperture or
eye, and the end so formed is called the "cup-head;" the aforesaid tubular piece
fits in the space between the said eyes in such a manner that a bolt can pass
through both the eyes and through the tubular piece, thus securing, the two parts
i

page_text: of the spring together. But it is found in practice that it is very difficult to obtain
an even and regular internal surface in the said tubular piece, consequently how-
⚫ ever true or accurately shaped the bolt may be there is always some portion of its
outer circumference which does not perfectly fit the corresponding internal surface
of the tubular piece, and this defect in the connection between these parts causes
unequal wearing of their surfaces when the springs are in use, the result being
that the latter soon becomes to some extent loose and there is more or less rattling
chattering."
or
<
This defect is obviated by means of my said Invention which is carried into
practice as follows, that is to say:-
I turn over the ends of the spring plate in the same manner as above described
I then fit
but at a greater radius, thus providing a tube of increased diameter.
into this tube a solid and accurately turned bush made preferably of case hardened
steel, which bush may be longer than the tube into which it is fitted, and project
somewhat on either side so as to provide a greater extent of bearing surface for the
bolt, and the ends of the bush will fit closely to the internal face of the lugs. The
ends or heads of the other part of the spring are 'formed with lugs and eyes, as
herein before described, and the ends carrying the bushes fit into the space between
the said eyes so that the bolt may pass through the latter and through the bush.
Washers of brass, gun metal, phosphor-bronze, or other suitable metal which will
wear but little in contact with iron or steel are fitted over the projecting ends of
the bush and lie between the turned over portion of the spring plate and the lug
or projecting piece on both sides; these washers prevent rust at a part where rust
often occurs, and they have some effect in preventing oil or other lubricant from
escaping. The said washers may if desirable be made of leather, india-rubber, or
any material suitable for the purpose for which they are. designed, but I prefer to
use metal as above described.
I provide an aperture through the turned over portion of the spring plate for the
purpose of introducing oil or other lubricant, and this aperture may be closed by a
screw or otherwise.
I prefer to make the bolt of case hardened steel and with a screw thread at one
end, this end screwing into corresponding threads provided in one of the eyes of
the head, the said end of the bolt being further secured by means of a nut which
screws upon the end of the bolt projecting through and outside the said eye. The
other end of the bolt may be provided with a head of any suitable form, and if a
portion of the bolt under the head is not square I provide a stud projecting from
the latter and fitting into a corresponding aperture in the adjacent lug in order to
prevent the bolt from turning. I cut a longitudinal groove in the bolt to serve as
a reservoir for oil or other lubricant, or the groove may be cut in the bush, or in
both bush and bolt, as found most desirable.
I may modify the construction in several particulars, the main feature of my
Invention being, however, always retained, namely, the provision of a metal bush
within the tube which is formed by turning over the metal of the spring. For
example, in some cases I propose to divide the said bush in the centre, thus forming
really two bushes, one of which projects at one end of the tube and one at the
other end thereof, and these two parts may meet in the centre of the tube, or there
may be a space left between their internal end as a reservoir for oil. When in
two parts, as above described, I prefer to make the bush of phosphor [bronze.
some cases the ends of the bush may be flush with the ends of the tube instead of
projecting therefrom.
In
I also propose in some cases to make the bolt in two parts, that is to say,
divided at the centre, and when this construction is adopted the outer end of each
of these parts of the bolt will be screw threaded and will screw into the corres-
ponding eye, both of the eyes being furnished with screw threads for the purpose.
Nuts will also be provided to screw upon the projecting ends of the bolt in order
to still further secure the same. When the bolt is divided, as above described, it
may be desirable to screw the two internal ends together, and to provide for this

page_text: purpose a male screw on one of the said ends and a female screw in the other so
arranged that when screwed up the bolt will present an even surface throughout.
I may in some cases make the bolt hollow.
It will be understood that although the above description has been confined
chiefly to the ordinary elliptical carriage springs the said Invention is equally
applicable to other shaped springs of the class referred to, as it is in all cases
desirable to provide a secure and firm connection of the parts referred to whether
such connection is between separate parts of one spring or between a spring and
some fixed point.
Another part of my Invention relates to improvements in spring robbins which
are employed to connect the cross and side springs of carriages. Spring robbins as
heretofore constructed have been formed of a circular piece or ring of iron, and in
some cases have been covered with leather. Spring robbins have also been con-
structed of a ring of iron lined with india rubber, but all these various constructions
have been too rigid to afford comfort or ease, as they wear rapidly and are a source
of great annoyance owing to the rattling of the same.
In constructing a spring robbin according to my Invention I employ a ring of
leather firmly secured together at its meeting point by sewing or by rivets, or in
any other suitable manner. Within this ring of leather I arrange a lining of india
rubber or gutta percha which may be attached to the said leather if desired in any
suitable manner. A robbin thus constructed of leather and india-rubber will not
wear rapidly as is the case with the ordinary robbins, and will, moreover, prevent
any rattling at the junction of the aforesaid side and cross springs, and affords a
secure, strong, and flexible connection between the said springs.
Another part of my Invention relates to improvements in "perch-bolts" to be
employed in private carriages and other wheeled vehicles to connect the top and
bottom bed of the under-carriage, and which serve as the pivot upon which the
under carriage turns.
Perch-bolts as heretofore constructed consist of a pin or bolt which is provided
at its upper end with a head and with a square portion which is fitted from above
into a correspondingly shaped hole in the top bed to prevent the said bolt from
turning in the same. The lower part of the said bolt is cylindrical and is provided
with a screw nut which is screwed up against the lower surface of the bottom bed,
a key being employed in connection with the said screw nut to prevent the
loosening of the same. With this construction of bolt, however, rain and grit
freely enter between the head and the upper surface of the top bed, and pass in
between the said bolt, and the hole in which it is inserted causing the same to
rust, and the bearing surfaces of the same to wear away, and also causing rattling,
and it is, moreover, also impossible to keep the said perch bolt lubricated.
In connecting the top and bottom bed of the under carriage according to my
Invention I insert within the said bottom bed a bush or box, which is preferably
provided with a collar on its upper extremity which rests upon the upper surface
of the bottom-bed, or the said bush is passed through the said bottom bed and
also through plates arranged upon the upper and lower side of the same when the
latter are required to give additional strength. The aforesaid bush or box is
provided at its lower end with a screw thread upon which is fitted a screw nut
which when screwed up against the under surface of the said bottom bed, or against
the plate beneath the same, serves to hold the said bush firmly in position. The
interior of the said bush or box is accurately turned, and within the said bush I
insert the perch-bolt. This perch bolt is provided at its upper end with a square
portion which fits a correspondingly shaped hole in the top bed, and is provided
with a screw thread at its upper extremity upon which is fitted a nut which
screws down upon the said top bed. The said perch bolt is also provided with &
hollow collar or flange which is arranged to be drawn down firmly upon the collar
on the upper end of the aforesaid bush, a leather washer being arranged between
the said parts to ensure a tight joint and prevent escape of oil. The said collar on
the perch bolt is drawn down on to the said bush collar by means of a screw nut

page_text: which fits the lower screwed end of the said perch bolt and is screwed up against
the lower surface of the aforesaid bush or box, and is prevented from turning when
thus screwed up by means of a key or cotter, or in any other suitable manner,
thereby holding the top and bottom beds firmly in position, and at the same time
permitting the bottom bed to turn freely without rattling, as the accurately bored
bush and the aforesaid perch bolt fit closely together.
In order to lubricate the aforesaid perch bolt
form in the collar on the same a
suitable opening through which oil is poured and passes to the interior of the
aforesaid bush, and in order to prevent the escape of the oil at the lower end of
the said perch bolt I employ a screw cap which is screwed upon the lower end of
the bush or box and encloses the lower end of the perch bolt and the nut on the
same, thereby obviating any escape of such lubricant until the said cap is
removed.
.
Another part of my Invention relates to improvements in the roller bolts which
are ordinarily attached to the splinter bar for the connection of the traces. These
roller bolts as heretofore constructed have been formed of a rigid tube or piece of
metal, so that when a horse starts forward.quickly there has been a severe and.
injurious jerking action produced upon the traces and the collar upon the horse,
but according to my Invention I obviate this sudden jerk or strain. For this
purpose I surround the roller bolt with a tube of india rubber over which the
traces are passed, and which on account of its elasticity takes up the sudden jerk
without having an injurious effect upon the animal as heretofore.

page_text: .
JOSEPH OFFORD, of 79, Wells Street, 67, George Street, and 92, Gloucester Road,
in the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVED DEVICES FOR USE IN CONNECTION
(WITH THE SPRINGS AND OTHER PARTS OF CARRIAGES, ALSO APPLICABLE FOR
OTHER LIKE PURPOSES."
My Invention relates partly to improvements in the construction of springs for
private carriages and.other wheeled vehicles, the said improvements being designed
to provide better means than have heretofore existed for connecting the ends of the
two parts which together form an ordinary elliptic spring, or for connecting the ends
of a semi-elliptic spring to their points of support. My Invention also relates to
improvements in other parts of private carriages and other vehicles, as hereinafter
described.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1 is a plan of an elliptic spring shewing the two parts of the same.
connected at their ends according to my Invention, and
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same.
Figures 3 and 4 are longitudinal and transverse sections of the said spring on the
lines x, x, Figure 1, and x², x', Figure 2, drawn to an enlarged scale.
Figure 5 is a front view of a portion of the top and bottom bed of the under
carriage of a road vehicle, shewing the same connected by my improved form of
perch bolt.
Figure 6 is a vertical section of the same on the line y, y, Figure 5, and
Figure 7 is a front view of the said perch bolt detached.
Figure 8 is a front view of a splinter bar with my improved roller bolts applied
to the same, and
Figure 9 is an elevation partly in section of one of the said roller bolts detached
and drawn to an enlarged scale.
Like letters indicate the same parts throughout the Drawing.
The main object of the first part of the said Invention is to provide a firm and
durable.connection at any and all points where one portion of a spring is jointed to
another portion of the same or to some other part, in order to avoid the rattling or
"chattering" which frequently occurs in springs as heretofore made.
The method usually adopted in making elliptical springs is by bending over.each
end of the longest plate of one of the halves of the said spring in such a manner as
to form tubular pieces of the same width as that of the said plate. Each end of the
corresponding plate in the other half of the spring is made with two projecting pieces
or lugs, in each of which there is an aperture or eye, and the end so formed is called
an "open head," or each end is provided with what is termed a "cup-head." The
aforesaid tubular piece fits in the space between the said eyes in such a manner that
a bolt can pass through both the eyes and the tubular piece, thus securing the two
parts of the spring together; but it is found in practice that it is very difficult to
obtain an even and regular internal surface in the said tubular piece, consequently
however true or accurately shaped the bolt may be there is always some portion
of the internal surface of the tubular piece which does not perfectly fit the circum-
ference of the said bolt, and this defect in the.connection between these parts causes
unequal wearing of their surfaces when the springs are in use, the result being
that the latter soon become to some extent loose, and there is more or less rattling
or "chattering."
According to my Invention I obviate this defect in construction as shewn in
Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Drawing which illustrate my improvements as applied

page_text: to an elliptic spring, and which I will now proceed to describe. a represents the
spring, constructed of a series of plates; a¹, a², and b, b, represent the bolts for
securing the ends of the same together, as hereinafter described. In carrying my
said Invention into practice I turn over the ends of the longest of the spring plates a
in the same manner as above described, but with a greater curved radius than here-
tofore, thus providing a tube a³ of increased diameter. I then fit into this tube a
solid and accurately turned bush c, made preferably of case-hardened steel, and
which is preferably longer than the tube a³, and projects somewhat on either side,
as shewn in Figure 4, so as to provide a greater extent of bearing surface for the
bolt b. The ends or heads of the longest of the plates a' of the other part of the
said spring are formed with lugs a' and eyes, as hereinbefore described, and the ends
a³ provided with the bushes c are fitted into the space between the said eyes so that
the bolt 6 may pass through the latter and through the said bush. By forming the
bush c of greater length than the end a³ the ends of the said bush will fit closely
against the internal face of the lugs a³. Washers d, of brass, gun metal, phosphor-
bronze, or other suitable metal, which will be reduced by wear but slightly when in
contact with iron or steel, are fitted over the projecting ends of the bush c and. lie
between the turned over portion a³ of the spring-plate and the lug or projecting
piece a on both sides. These washers prevent rust at a part where rust ordinarily
occurs, and tend to prevent the escape of oil or other lubricant. The washers & may,
if desirable, be made of leather, india-rubber, or any material suitable for the purpose
for which they are designed, but I prefer to use metal as above described.
In the turned-over portion a³ of the longest spring-plate a³, and in the bush c, I
provide an aperture a* for the purpose of introducing oil or other lubricant, and this
aperture may be closed by a screw e or otherwise. I prefer to make the bolt b of
case-hardened steel, and with a screw thread at one end adapted to screw into
corresponding threads provided in one of the eyes of the lugs a, as shewn in
Figure 4, the said end of the bolt being further secured by means of a nut f which
screws upon the end of the said bolt projecting through the outside of the said eye.
The other end of the bolt is provided with a square, hexagonal, or other suitably
shaped head b¹ to permit the employment of a spanner for screwing the said bolt
into the lug at. In some cases I dispense with the threads in the aforesaid lug or
eye aand secure the two parts of the spring together by the nut f alone, and in
order to prevent the turning of the said bolt in the bush and the lugs or eyes, I some-
times provide the head of the said bolt with a stud projecting from the latter and
fitting into a corresponding aperture in the adjacent lug. I prefer to cut a longitu-
dinal groove b* in the bolt b to serve as a reservoir for oil or other lubricant, or the
groove may be cut in the bush c or in both the bush and bolt, as found most
desirable.
I may modify the above described construction in several particulars, the main
feature of my Invention however being always retained, that is to say, the
provision of a metal bush within the tube which is formed by turning over the
metal of the spring. For example, in some cases I divide the said bush in the centre
thus forming practically two bushes, one of which projects at one end of the tube
and one at the other end thereof, and these two parts may meet in the centre of
the tube, or there may be a space left between their internal ends to serve as a
reservoir for oil. When in two parts as above described I prefer to make the bush
of phosphor-bronze. Or the said bush may be made in three parts with the two
outer parts projecting into the lugs or eyes at. In some cases the outer ends of the
bush may be flush with the ends of the tube instead of projecting therefrom.
I also in some cases employ two bolts instead of one only, and when this con-
struction is adopted the outer end of each of the said bolts will be screw-threaded,
and will screw into the corresponding eye or lug, both of the eyes being furnished
with screw-threads for this purpose. When the two bolts are employed as above
described, I sometimes screw the two internal ends of the same together, and
provide for this purpose a male screw on the end of one of the said bolts, and a
female screw in the end of the other bolt so arranged that when screwed up the

page_text: bolts will present an even surface throughout; I may in some cases make the bolt
hollow.
It will be understood that although the above description has been confined
chiefly to the ordinary elliptical carriage-springs, the said Invention is equally
applicable to other shaped springs of the class herein referred to, and in all cases
where it is desirable to provide a secure and firm connection of the parts, whether
such connection is between the separate parts of one spring, or between a spring
and some fixed point or piece.
The spring-robbins which are employed to connect the cross and side springs
of carriages or wheeled vehicles, as heretofore constructed have been formed of a
circular piece or ring of iron, and in some cases have been covered with leather.
Spring-robbins have also been constructed of a ring of iron lined with india-rubber,
but both of these constructions have been too rigid to afford comfort or ease to
the occupant of the carriage or vehicle, as the spring robbins wear rapidly and are
a source of great annoyance owing to the rattling of the same. In constructing a
spring-robbin I employ a piece of leather firmly secured together at its ends by
sewing or by rivets, or in any any other suitable manner, so as to constituto a
leather ring. Within this ring I arrange a lining of india-rubber which may be
attached to the said leather if desired in any suitable manner. A robbin thus
constructed of leather and india-rubber will not wear rapidly as is the case with the
ordinary robbins, and will moreover prevent any rattling at the junction of the
aforesaid side and cross springs, and afford a secure, strong, and flexible connection
between the said springs.
Another part of my Invention relates to improvements in "perch-bolts" to be
employed in carriages or vehicles to connect the top and bottom bed of the under-
carriage, and to serve as the pivot upon which the under carriage turns.
Perch-bolts as heretofore constructed consist of a pin or bolt provided at its
upper end with a head, and with a square portion which is fitted from above into
a correspondingly shaped hole in the top bed to prevent the turning of the said bolt
in the same. The lower part of the said bolt is cylindrical, and is provided with a
screw-nut which is screwed up against the lower surface of the bottom bed, a key
being then passed through the said bolt to prevent the loosening of the said nut.
With this construction of bolt however rain and grit freely enter between the head
and the upper surface of the top bed, and pass in between the said bolt and the
holes in which it is inserted, causing the same to rust, and the wood to rot, and the
bearing surfaces to wear away, and also causing or permitting rattling of the parts.
It is moreover impossible to keep the said perch-bolt lubricated.
In connecting the top and bottom bed of the under carriage according to my
Invention I employ the devices represented in Figures 5, 6, and 7, in which g
represents the top bed, and h, the bottom bed to be connected. For this purpose.
I insert within the bottom bed h a bush or box i preferably provided with a collar
on its upper extremity, which rests upon the upper surface of the bottom bed;
or the said bush is passed through the said bottom bed and also through plates j, j³,
arranged upon the upper and lower sides of the same, when the latter are employed
to give additional strength, the collar being preferably formed with lugs i² to
permit the same to be attached to the top plate j; or the said top plate may be
dispensed with, and the lugs i² secured by bolts directly to the said top bed. The
bush or box i is provided at its lower end with a screw-thread upon which is fitted
a screw-nut k, which when screwed up against the under surface of the bottom bed
h, or against the plate j', beneath the same, serves to hold the bush firmly in
position in addition to the lugs 2 when the same are employed. The interior of
the said bush or box is accurately turned, and within the said box I insert the
perch-bolt. This perch-bolt is provided at its upper end with a square portion l'
which fits a correspondingly shaped hole in the top bed g, and is provided with a
screw-tbread at its upper extremity whereon is fitted a screw-nut m, which screwз
down upon the said top bed. The said perch-bolt is also provided with a hollow
collar or flange 12, which is arranged to be drawn down firmly upon the collar i' on

page_text: the upper end of the bush i, a flexible washer n being arranged between the said
parts to ensure a tight joint and prevent escape of oil. The collar is drawn down'
upon the said bush collar by means of a screw-nut o, preferably provided with a
bevelled or inclined upper surface; and which fits the lower screwed end of the
perch-bolt, and is screwed up against the lower inclined or bevelled surface of the
bush or box i; its turning when thus screwed up being prevented by means of a
key or cotter p, or in any other suitable manner. By these means the top and
bottoni beds are firmly held in their proper relative position with regard to each
other, and at the same time the bottom bed is permitted to turn freely without
rattling, as the accurately bored bush and the perch-bolt fit closely together.
In order to lubricate the said perch-bolt I form in the collar 2 on the same a
suitable opening through which oil is poured and passes to the interior of the bush 2,
and in order to prevent the escape of the oil at the lower end of the said perch-bolt
I employ a screw-cap q; which is screwed upon the lower end of the bush or box i,
or upon a screw-threaded portion of the nut k, and encloses the lower end of the
perch-bolt and the nut o on the same, thereby preventing any escape of such
lubricant until the said cap is removed.
Another part of my Invention relates to the roller-bolts which are ordinarily"
attached to the splinter-bar for the connection of the traces. These roller-bolts' as
heretofore constructed have been formed of a rigid tube or piece of metal, which
when a horse starts forward suddenly produces a severe and injurious jerking action'
upon the traces and the horse's collar, but according to my Invention I obviate this
sudden jert or strain by surrounding the roller-bolts with a tube or sleeve't of
india-rubber, as shewn in Figures 8 and 9, over which tube the traces are passed;
this india-rubber tube or sleeve by reason of its elasticity takes up the sudden jerk
or strain, and prevents the injurious' effect thereof upon the traces or upon the
animal, as heretofore.
:
Having thus fully described my said. Invention: and the manner of performing
the same, I wish it understood that I claim,―
First. The improvements relating to devices for connecting the ends of springs to
each other. or to their points of support, substantially as set forth and for the
purposes specified.
Second. The improvements relating to perch-bolts for connecting the top and
bottom beds of the under-carriage of wheeled vehicles, substantially as above set
forth and for the purposes specified.
•
Third. The improvements relating to roller bolts, as above set forth and for the
purposes specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Offord, have hereunto set- my hand
and seal, this Tenth day of March, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty
'