A Novel Combination of Spring Draught Appliance and Draught or Collar Plate for Use with a Cart or Waggon Hame.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Apr., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 13 h Jan., 1896-Accepted, 22nd Feb.,
1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
A Novel Combination of Spring Draught Appliance and Draught or
Collar Plate for Use with a Cart or Waggon Hame.
We, PARKES AND GNOSILL, LIMITED, of Regent Street, Walsall in the
County of Stafford, Hame Manufacturers, and JOHN PARKES, Works Manager
to the said company, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention has for its object the use, in combination, in a very compact and
portable form, with draught or collar plates of cart or waggon hames, of spring
appliances through which the pull of the horses or other draught animals shall be
transmitted to the loads which are being drawn, whereby the shoulders of the
horses or other animals, and also the traces or draught chains, may be relieved
from much of the shock or sudden strain experienced when no spring draught
appliance is used, and whereby the longitudinal axes of such appliances may adapt
themselves to the lines of force without such appliances rubbing, as they move up
and down, against the collars of the horses or other animals.
The novel combination of spring draught appliance and draught or collar plate,
forming the subject of this invention, has a spring formed by coiling steel wire, or
a light steel rod, of suitable section, around a longitudinal axis, which is carried
by the draught plate in a manner which permits of such longitudinal axis assuming
auy line of direction either horizontal or at an inclination therefrom to adapt itself
to the line of tractive force. This spring is combined with a draught hook, loop,
or ring, in position at its outer end for connection with the draught chain or trace,
such hook, loop, or ring, being in lieu of the draught hook or equivalent device
usually employed. The connection of the hook, loop, or ring, with the spring may
be such that the spring is compressed by the pull of the draught chain or trace, or
it may be such that the spring is distended thereby. In the former case the
pressure of the end of the spring which is the more remote from the hame is
resisted by an abutment formed with or fixed to or pivotally connected with the
draught plate, and a shank or bar is carried from the hook, loop or ring, to the
other end of the spring and provided with a head which bears against such end of
the spring; and, in the latter case, the end of the spring which is the nearer to the
hame is connected by a suitable pivot attachment with the draught plate. Suitable
means are provided to prevent the distended spring from being pulled unduly
outwards. Any upward and downward movement of the spring appliance is
prevented from causing wear of the collar by the draught plate, which or a portion of
which is interposed between such appliance and the collar. When an arrangement is
adopted by which the spring is compressed, rubber may be used around the shank of
the appliance in lieu of a coiled spring.
According to a convenient application or modification of the invention, a draught
hook is formed with a shank or bar which is somewhat thin from side to side but
correspondingly deep to give it ampie strength. This shank is surrounded by a
spring coiled to a size and shape which makes it just an easy fit around the shank.
A loose washer is interposed between the hook and the end of the spring which is
the more remote from the hame, and bears as hereinafter more fully described
against an abutment carried by the draught plate. A head at the other end of the
shank transmits the pull of the hook to the other end of the spring, so that as the

page_text: hook is pulled the spring is compressed. The draught plate is formed as a boxing
within which the shank of the draught hook and its surrounding spring is placed,
and the boxing is open at its hinder end to allow of the passage therethrough of the
shank. The head of the shank bears, when there is no pull upon the hook, against
the inner or forward end of the boxing, and the hinder side edges of the washer
around the shank resist the pressure of the end of the spring which is the more
remote from the hame by bearing against inward ledges formed one at each side
of the open end of the boxing. The boxing is formed of a somewhat quadrantal
or fan shape as seen in side elevation, but the side thereof which comes against
the collar may be of the usual shape of a draught plate or other desired shape,
the inner end of the boxing being of a size to allow of the head of the shank, which
is suitably shaped therefor, to turn sufficiently to permit of the axis of the shank
assuming any direction in a vertical plane necessary to adapt itself to the line of
draught, the boxing enlarging in depth backwards to permit of the corresponding
movement of the shank and surrounding spring. In order to prevent any tendency
of the sides of the boxing to open out in relation to one another at the back, the
bearing surfaces between the washer and ledges aforesaid may be inclined in
a direction in transverse section which will cause the washer to have a tendency
to hold the sides together. It is preferred that the spring shall be under sufficient
compression, even when there is no pull upon the draught hook, to ensure that the
shank will be held, by the frictional bearing of the washer against the ledges, in
the position it had assumed immediately before the pull ceased. The side of the
boxing which comes against the collar is pivoted to the hame in the same manner
as an ordinary draught plate, and the other portion of the boxing is made separately
therefrom and is subsequently fixed thereto, such arrangement being adopted partly
for convenience in manufacturing such boxing and partly for convenience in putting
the combined appliance together.
According to a further application or modification of the invention, the spring
and shank and head of the shank may be carried within a casing which is pivoted
to the draught plate in a manner which allows it to vibrate in a vertical plane.
In such case, the end of the spring which is the inore remote from the hame bears
against a ledge formed around the hinder end of the casing which is, of course,
open to allow of the passage of the shank. A guard plate or shield fixed to the
draught-plate prevents the casing from being wrenched from the plate by any
sideway strain. In this modification, also, the spring is compressed by the pull of
the hook.
According to a further application or modification of the invention, the end of the
spring which is the more reinote from the hame is connected direct with the hook
and the other end of the spring is pivoted to the draught-plate. A guard plate or
shield is placed outside the spring and is fixed to the draught-plate, and suitable
stops are provided to prevent the spring, which in this case is distended by the pull,
from being over strained.
In either application or modification above described a loop, ring, or other device,
may be substituted for the hook, if desired; and in whatever form the invention is
used the ordinary draught-plate is, of course, dispensed with.
It is preferred, in all cases, to make the coiled draught springs, employed
according to this invention, with the transverse diameter of the coils less than
the vertical diameter thereof, to avoid unnecessary projection from the side
of the collar..
An important advantage arising from the use of this invention consists in the fact
that the hooks, loops, or rings, of the spring draught appliances, need not project
Eeyond, or very greatly beyond, that point to which the ordinary hooks of
draught-plates would project, if such were used.
-Dated this 10th day of April 1895.

page_text: A Novel Combination of Spring Draught Appliance and Draught or
Collar Plate for Use with a Cart or Waggon Hame.
We, PARKES AND GNOSILL, LIMITED, of Regent Street, Walsall in the
County of Stafford, Hame Manufacturers, and JOHN PARKES, Works Manager
to the said company, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
This invention has for its object the use, in combination, in a very compact and
portable form, with draught or collar plates of cart or waggon hames, of spring
appliances through which the pull of the horses or other draught animals shall be
transmitted to the loads which are being drawn, whereby the shoulders of the
horses or other animals, and also the traces or draught chains, may be relieved
from much of the shock or sudden strain experienced when no spring draught
appliance is used, and preferably also, whereby the longitudinal axes of such
appliances may adapt themselves to the lines of force and do so without rubbing, as
they move up and down, against the collars of the horses or other animals.
The novel combination of spring draught appliance and draught or collar plate,
forming the subject of this invention, may have a spring formed of steel wire, or
light steel rod, of suitable section, coiled around a longitudinal axis, and such
spring is carried by the draught plate in a manner, preferably, which permits of its
longitudinal axis assuming any line of direction, either horizontal or at an
inclination therefrom, to adapt itself to variations in the direction of the line of
tractive force. This spring is combined with a draught hook, loop, or ring, in
position at its outer end for connection with the draught chain or trace, such hook,
loop, or ring, being. in lien of the draught hook or equivalent device usually
employed. The engagement or connection of the hook, loop, or ring, with the
spring may be such that the spring is compressed by the pull of the draught chain
or trace, or it may be such that the spring is distended thereby. In the former
case, the pressure of the end of the spring which is the more remote from the hame
is resisted by an abutment formed with or fixed to or pivotally connected with the
draught plate, and a shank or bar is carried from the hook, loop, or ring, to the
other end of the spring and provided with a head which bears against such end of
the spring; and, in the latter case, the end of the spring which is the nearer to the
hame is connected by a suitable pivot attachment with the draught plate. Suitable
means are provided to prevent the distended spring from being pulled unduly
outwards. Any movement of the spring appliance is prevented by the draught
plate from causing wear of the collar, the draught plate, or a portion thereof being.
interposed between such appliance and the collar.
When an arrangement is adopted by which the spring is compressed, india-
rubber, such as in the form of rings or washers interposed between thin metal
plates or washers, may be used around the shank of the appliance, in lieu of a
coiled spring.
Springs may be used for the purpose of this invention in other forms than those
above described; but springs of the character described are probably best adapted
for the purpose as they combine the property of considerable elasticity with the
advantage of occupying small space and affording great facility of application.
A very convenient application or modification of the invention is illustrated by
Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings herewith, of which Figure 1 is a longitudinal
section, taken in a vertical plane (except that the shank and hook are shewn in
side elevation), of a combined spring draught appliance and draught plate =
Figure 2 is a sectional plan thereof taken at the level indicated by the broken
line of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan; and Figure 4 is a vertical transverse

page_text: section taken at the point indicated by broken line y y of Figure 1. The draught
hook A is formed with a shank a which is somewhat thin from side to side, as
shewn by Figures 2 and 4, but correspondingly deep to give it ample strength.
This shank is surrounded by a spring b coiled to a size and shape which makes it
just an easy fit around the shank. A loose washer c is interposed between the
hook A and the outer or hinder end of the spring, and bears against an abutment
formed by ledges f which are rigid with the draught plate. The tractive force is
transmitted from the abutment, through the spring, to a head d which is riveted to
the inner end of the shank after the spring. has been placed around the shank, and
is thus transmitted through such spring to the hook, the tractive force consequently
acting to compress the spring. The draught plate is formed as a boxing which
consists of an inner plate B, which corresponds to the ordinary draught plate but
is modified in construction to adapt it for the purpose shewn, and a casing C having
flanges e through which it is riveted to the plate. B. The shank of the draught
hook and its surrounding spring are placed within the boxing, which is open at its
hinder end to allow of the passage therethrough of the shank. The ledges f,
against which the washer c bears, project inwards from the hinder end of the sides
of the boxing formed by the plate B and the case C. These ledges thus close in
the hinder end of the boxing except for an opening sufficiently wide to allow of the
passage of the shank a therethrough. When, as is preferred, the shank is to be
permitted to adapt itself to the varying direction, in a vertical plane, of the line of
tractive force, the boxing is formed of the somewhat quadrantal or fan-shape
shewn by Figure 1, while the inner side or draught plate proper B may be very
much of the usual shape of a draught plate, or of other desired shape. In Figure 1
the shank is shewn by full lines in its mid position, and by broken lines in its
extreme position one way.. When no tractive force is exerted, the expansion of
the spring is such as to press back the head d of the shank against the inner end
of the boxing as shewn, thus bringing the point of the hook A near to, or somewhat
within, the hinder end of the boxing, and securely preventing any ring or link
engaged therewith from becoming accidentally detached; and to engage or
disengage a ring or link with or from the hook, it is necessary to move the shank
into the position shewn by broken lines, Figure 1, so as to bring the point of the
hook clear above the boxing. If the point of the hook is normally pulled by the
spring somewhat within the boxing, a notch g is formed in the hinder top edge of
the boxing to clear the point of the hook as it is raised. In order to prevent any
possibility of the sides of the boxing from opening out in relation to one another at
the back or open end, the bearing surfaces between the washer c and curved
ledges may be inclined in cross section in the manner shewn by Figure 2, whereby
the washer c has a tendency to hold the sides of the boxing together. It is
preferred that the spring shall he under sufficient compression, even when there
is no pull upon the draught hook, to ensure that the shank a will be held, by the
frictional bearing of the washer c against the ledges f, in the position it had
assumed at the instant of the pull ceasing. The boxing formed by the plate B and
casing is pivoted through the medium of an eye-piece h, to the hame, in the
manner in which an ordinary draught plate is pivoted thereto, or in any convenient
manner. The eye-piece is conveniently riveted to the forward end of the plate B
by means of rivets i formed solid with the eye-piece, and is formed with flanges j
to the inside of which the inner end of the casing C is brazed.
A further application or modification of the invention is illustrated by
Figures 5, 6 and 7, of which Figure 5 is a view of the outer face of the combined
spring draught appliance and draught or collar plate; Figure 6 is a sectional plan
taken on line of Figure 5; and Figure 7 is a vertical section taken on
line y y of Figure 5. In this modification the shank a and spring bare carried within
a case C¹ which is pivotally carried by the draught plate B'. The forward end k
of the case C is closed, and an opening is formed through the hinder end for the
passage of the shank a therethrough. The case is made in halves for facility in
putting the shank and spring in place therein, and the halves are riveted together

page_text: The
through flanges 1. A thickness-piece m is riveted against the outer face of the
plate B, and the case Cis formed with pivots n, one of which is journalled within
the thickness-piece m, and the other within a bridge-piece o which is riveted at its
ends to the plate B' and acts as a keep to the case, the case being in position
between the thickness piece m and the portion o¹ of the bridge-piece o.
shank cannot move vertically in relation to the case, but the case and shank can
turu partially in a vertical plane upon the pivot axis of the case to adapt them-
selves to the varying direction in a vertical plane of the line of tractive force. pis
a fillet, projecting from the inner face of the hinder end of the case C¹, which
normally bears against the outer face of the plate B', and thus prevents the case
from being strained sideways by any force tending to move its hinder end towards
the plate. The forward end of the plate B' is formed with an eye-piece for
connection in the usual manner with the hame. In this modification, also, the
spring is compressed by the tractive force, as will be obvious.
A further application or modification of the invention is illustrated by
Figures 8, 9 and 10, of which Figure 8 is a corresponding view to Figure 1,
Figure 9 a corresponding view to Figure 2 or Figure 6, and Figure 10 a vertical
transverse section taken at a point indicated by line y y of Figure 8. In this
modification a case C³, corresponding to the case C', within which the shank a and
spring 6 are placed, is pivotally connected at its forward end with the draught
plate B. The pivot pin a¹ passes conveniently through a snug 9 formed with or
fixed to the forward end of the case C, through the forward end of the plate B³,
and through the sides rs of a jaw formed with the eye-piece by means of which
the plate is connected with the hame. The portion of the jaw is brazed alo
to the plate to give it rigidity of fixture thereto. The case C is made in halves and
the halves are fixed together by rivets passing through flanges l. The outer half
of the case is omitted in Figure 8, as the section is taken along the plane of the
joint between the halves. The case and shank together can turn partially in
a vertical plane upon the axis of the pivot pin a to adapt themselves to the
varying direction of the line of tractive force.
In each of the modifications above described a spring has been shewn as coiled
around the shank of the draught hook, but indiarubber in the form of washers,
such as those lettered t, and shewn by Figure 11, may be placed around the shank
and interposed between thin metal plates u, in lieu of a spiral spring.
An application or modification of the invention, in which the spring is distended
by the tractive force, is illustrated by Figures 12 and 13, of which Figure 12 is an
elevation of the outside of the combined spring draught appliance and draught or
collar plate, and Figure 13 a sectional plan thereof. The spring 6' is pivoted at
its forward end to the forward end of the draught plate B³, as shewn, and is
pivoted at its hinder end to the draught hook A. The hook passes through
a guarde which prevents it from being drawn away from the plate sideways, but
allows the longitudinal axis of the spring to adapt itself to the varying direction,
in a vertical plane, of the line of tractive force; and such guard also prevents the
spring from being unduly extended.
In either application or modification above described, a loop, ring, or other
device may be substituted for the hook, if desired. As above described, in the
application or modification shewn by Figures 1 to 4 inclusive, the arrangement with
regard to the hook may be such that the draught chain or trace is prevented from
accidentally becoming detached; but of course any other form of safety hook, such
as a curled hook, may be used if preferred. For convenience in illustration, a plain
hook is shewn in each of the other applications or modifications; but any form of
safety hook, such as a curled hook, may be used to prevent the draught chain or
trace becoming accidentally detached therefrom.
An important advantage arising from the use of this invention consists in the
fact that the hooks, loops, or rings, of the spring draught appliances, need not
project beyond, or very greatly beyond, a point to the rear of the hames to which
the ordinary hooks of draught plates would project, if such were used.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inveu-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
-claim is :-
1. A novel combination of spring draught appliance and draught or collar plate
for use with a cart or waggon hame, which consists of a plate, which, when the
appliance is in use, is immediately alongside the collar, and of a hook, ring, or
equivalent device, in lieu of the draught hook or equivalent device usually
employed for attachment to the trace or draught chain, so arranged and combined
with the other portions of the complete appliance, that the tractive force is trans-
mitted from the hame to the hook, ring, or equivalent device, through an elastic
medium such as a spring or buffer, the parts forming the complete appliance being
permanently connected together, and forming a single indivisible or not readily
divisible article which constitutes an improved substitute for the ordinary draught
or collar plate, substantially as described.
2. A novel combination of spring draught appliance and draught or collar plate
for use with a cart or waggon hame, which comprises a shauk and surrounding
spring or buffer within a case, the complete appliance being adapted to be pivotally
connected with the hame, and forming a single indivisible or not readily divisible
article which constitutes an improved substitute for the ordinary draught or collar
plate, substantially as described.
3. A novel combination of spring draught appliance and draught or collar plate
for use with a cart or waggon hame, which comprises a shank and surrounding
spring or buffer within a case, and means which permit of the axis of the shank
adapting itself in a vertical plane to variation in the direction of the line of tractive
force, the complete appliance being adapted to be pivotally connected with the
hame, and forming a single indivisible or not readily divisible article which
constitutes an improved substitute for the ordinary draught or collar plate,
substantially as described.
4. A novel combination of spring draught appliance and draught or collar plate
for use with a cart or waggon hame, which comprises a shank and surrounding
spring or buffer within a case of a quadrantal or fan-shaped character which
permits of the axis of the shank adapting itself in a vertical plane to variation in
the direction of the line of tractive force and is adapted to be pivotally connected
with the hame, substantially as described.
5. The several applications or modifications of novel combination of spring
draught appliance and draught or collar plate for use with a cart or waggon hame,
substantially as described and shewn by the drawings herewith.
Dated this 10th day of January 1896.
STEPHEN WATKINS,
Wolverhampton, Agent for the Applicants.