Improvements in Bits for Bridles.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Apr., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 18th Jan., 1892-Accepted, 20th Feb., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Bits for Bridles.
1 STANLEY ESKELL CLIFFORD of 34 Thurloe Square South Kensington in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
The object of this invention is to construct bits for bridles so that the pull on
the bit is automatically adjusted by the movement of the animal.
According to my invention, I provide on each side of the bit a spring or springs
of suitable elastic material. These springs are affixed at one end to projecting
rings or other suitable fastenings formed on the side bars of the bit and at their
opposite ends to rings running on the said bars to which rings the reins are
attached the bit being provided with the usual curb chain.
When the horse or
other animal is being ridden or driven with a slack rein, the bit acts as an ordinary
snaffle and the horse or other animal may be guided in the usual way, but if the
rider or driver wishes to stop the horse or other animal, or if the pull on the reins
is increased, the rings to which the latter are attached slide down the bars increase
the leverage and put on the curb. The greater the pull on the reins the greater
will be the leverage.
ERNEST SALAMAN,
61 & 62, Chancery Lane, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Bits for Bridles.
I STANLEY ESKELL CLIFFORD of 34 Thurloe Square South Kensington in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, 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 :-
The object of this invention is to construct bits for bridles so that the pressure
of the curb is automatically adjusted by the pulling of the animal.
According to my invention I provide on each side of the bit a spring or springs
of suitable elastic material. These springs are affixed at one end to projecting
rings or other suitable fastenings formed on the side bars of the bit and at their
opposite ends to rings running on the said bars which rings have eyes to which the
When
reins are attached the bit being provided with the usual curb chain.
the horse or other animal is being ridden or driven with a slack rein the bit acts
as an ordinary snaffle and the horse or other animal may be guided in the usual
way but if the pull on the reins is increased for any purpose such as controlling
a restive animal or stopping the rings to which they are attached slide down the
bars and put on the curb.
The greater the pull on the reins the greater will be the leverage at which the
reins act relatively to the curb and the greater will be the pressure of the latter on
the animals jaw thereby enabling the rider or driver to retain complete control
over the most restive animal.
And in order that my said invention may be the better understood I will proceed
to explain the same with reference to the accompanying drawing in which
Fig. 1 represents a bit for bridles constructed according to my invention.
Figs. 2. 3 and 4 are details hereinafter referred to..
a is the bar which goes into the animals mouth are the check bars on which

page_text: run rings cc with eyes c'c' see Figs. 2, and 4 to which latter the reins are
attached dd are springs preferably of nickeled steel terminating in hooks e fat
each end thereof the hooks e engage with rings g g attached to the cross pieces h h
and the hooks f take into eyes on the rings cckk are the usual hooks for
attaching the curb-chain are knobs to prevent the rings c c from leaving the
bars bb.
A horse driven with this bit is enabled to pull just sufficiently to suit. its own
mouth and if necessary the pull may be different on each side of the mouth without
interference from the driver.
In case of the springs d d breaking they can easily be replaced by any person in
a few seconds.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is
1. In bits for bridles automatically regulating the pressure of the curb by means
of springs substantially as set forth."
II. In bits for bridles the use of a spring or springs for regulating the distance
of the rein rings from the mouth bar substantially as set forth.
III. The improved bit for bridles substantially as described and shewn.
Dated this Eighteenth day of January 1892.
ERNEST SALAMAN,
61 & 62, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for Applicant.