IMPROVEMENTS IN CARRIAGES FOR COMMON ROADS
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Maxwell Mochluff Ben-Oliel at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th September 1883.
MAXWELL MOCHLUFF BEN-OLIEL, of 5, Cromwell Residences, South Kensington,
in the county of Middlesex, Clerk in Holy Orders "IMPROVEMENTS IN CARRIAGES
FOR COMMON ROADS "
This invention relates to improvements chiefly applicable to two wheeled
carriages for common roads, the object of the improvements being to provide a
vehicle of the Hansom cab class, but which shall be more comfortable and
convenient as it can be used either as an open or a closed vehicle which is provided
with a moveable third seat for use when required and which is provided with a
more convenient and suitable arrangement for the conveyance of luggage.
In carrying out my invention I construct the body, wheels and springs of the
carriage on the same principle as that of a Hansoin cab but without a roof and
with the sides and back much lower than usual; the usual doors are also dispensed
with.
I provide a folding hood of the required shape which is suitably jointed to the
body of the carriage, so that it may be partially or wholly opened and closed at
pleasure.
In place of the usual doors I provide suitable coverings or aprons fixed to the
sides of the carriage and adapted to be fastened or booked either from one side to
the other or to the splashboard.
Instead of the windows usually employed in this class of vehicle, I employ a
glazed frame hinged to the splash board which is adapted to receive the same; when
the hood is closed the glazed frame is raised and one side thereof fastened to the
front of the hood so as to form a closed carriage.
I place the seat higher than usual thereby providing a larger space at the back
of the carriage above the axle, in which space I attach a box, or a moveable tray
or receiver for luggage or parcels. The front portion of the footboard is formed
lower than the back part thereof so as to forin a step.
The driver's seat is placed at a convenient distance from the back of the carriage
to allow of the bood being manipulated.
•
To prevent the reins being in the way of the occupants I provide a standard in
the centre of the splash board the top of which standard carries rings or eyes

page_text: through which the reins pass; this standard also serves to carry the lamp or
lamps; or the lamp or lamps may be attached to any suitable part of the carriage
as hitherto.
To meet a long felt want in two wheel and other carriages having only a seat
for two persons facing the horse I provide a moveable third seat. This third seat
may be constructed in various ways; it may be adapted to slide under the usual
seat; to be attached to a socket or hinged to a standard fixed to the foot board.
In the latter arrangement which I find to be convenient I provide a block or
rod fixed to the edge of the upper portion of the footboard and serving to carry a
folding seat consisting of hinged flaps, one of the flaps forming an inclined back;
such a seat can also serve as a desk or table when not required as a third seat.
Or the third seat may fold into a depression in the foot board.