CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN APPLYING INDIAN-RUBBER OR OTHER SIMILARLY ELASTIC SUBSTANCE AS SPRINGS FOR CARRIAGES
Year: 1852

page_text: TTERS PATENT to William Coles Fuller. of Bucklersbury, in the
City of London. Patent Spring Manufacturer, and George Morris
Knevitt, of New York, in the United States of America, but now
residing at Argyll Street, New Road. in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman, for the Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN
APPLYING INDIAN-RUBBER OR OTHER SIMILARLY ELASTIC SUBSTANCE AS
SPRINGS FOR CARRIAGES."
Sealed the 16th March 1858, and dated the 6th October 1852.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Coles
Fuller and George Morris Kievitt at the Office of the Commis-
sioners of Patents, with their Petition, on the 6th October 1852.
We, WILLIAM COLES FULLER and GEORGE MORRIS KNEVITT, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN, IMPROVE
MENTS IN APPLYING INDIAN-RUBBER OR OTHER SIMILARLY ELASTIC, SUBSTANCE
AS SPRINGS FOR CARRIAGES" to be as follows, viz. :-
The improvements aforesaid consist in the use of indian-rubber or
other similarly elastic substance in any of the following methods, viz. :

page_text: 1. The first improvement consists in keeping the axle of a carriage
in its proper position by means of upright bolts acting as axle guards,
on which an indian-rubber ring or rings work as a spring, the bolts
being made to pass through sockets of wrought or cast iron. or hard
wood, which are firmly bolted or secured to the axle or axle bed.
2nd. In keeping the axle in its proper position by means of a front
stay ironi working in a lug or scroll iron, and a tie rod behind-working
in a similar scroll iron; the indian-rubber being applied to work on a
perpendicular bolt or bolts."
3rd. In keeping the axle in its proper position by incans of an elliptic
bow or stay iron with double tie rods and a joint or joints in the centre;
the indian-rubber rings being applied perpendicularly as aforesaid.
4th. In keeping the axle of the fore carriage in its proper position
by means of four or more upright bolts, on which the indian-rubber
rings work as aforesaid.
5th. The next improvement consists in a jointed lever spring, with
the indian-rubber rings placed horizontally over the axle.
6th. A jointed lever spring, with the indian-rubber rings placed hori-
zontally below the axle.
17th. A jointed. lever spring having compensating power, with the
indian-rubber rings placed horizontally above the axle.
8th. A jointed lever spring, with the indian-rubber rings placed per-
pendicularly above the lever.
9th. An improved lover spring, with the india-rubber rings placed
perpendicularly below the lever.
10th. An improved check spring consisting of one or more rings of
indian-rubber with iron guides, to be used in combination with steel
springs or other side springs.
11th. An improved elastic shackle with one or more indian-rubber
rings, to be used in combination with steel springs or stay irons.
12th. An improved suspension spring consisting of indian-rubber
bands, to be used separately or combined with the iron work described
as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, for the purpose of securing the axle in its proper
position..
The foregoing is a general statement of the nature of the said in-

page_text: vention, being further improvements on those specified under former
Letters Patent granted to said William Coles Fuller on 23rd Oct.
1845.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,.
filed by the said William Coles Fuller and George Morris
Knevitt in the Great Seal Patent Office, on the 4th April
1858..
.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we,
WILLIAM COLES FULLER, of Bucklersbury, in the City of London,
Patent Spring Manufacturer, and George Morris Knevitt, of New
York; in the United States of America, but now residing at Argyll
Street, New Road. in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, send
greeting.
"
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing late the Sixth day of October, in the year
of our Lord One thousand cight hundred and fifty-two, in the six-
teenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,"
give and grant unto us, the said William Coles Fuller and George
Morris Knevitt, Her special licence that we, the said William Coles
Fuller and George Morris Knevitt, our executors. administrators, and
assigns, or such others as we, the said William Coles Fuller and
George Morris Knevitt; our executors, administrators; and assigns.
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and
at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and
lawfully might; make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and
Isle of Man, an Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN APPLYING
INDIAN-RUBBER OR OTHER SIMILARLY ELASTIC SUBSTANCE AS SPRINGS FOR
CARRIAGES," upon the condition (amongst others) that we, .the said
William Coles Fuller and George Morris Knovitt, by an instrument
in writing under our hands and seals, or under, the hand and seal of
one of us, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the
-
1

page_text: "said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed,
and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within
six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
Letters Patent.
''
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said William Coles Fuller and
George Morris Knevitt, do hereby declare the nature of our said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the-following statement
(that is to say):
.
(COPY OF PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.)
Our improvements aforesaid consist in the use of india-rubber or
other similarly elastic substance in any of the following inethods, viz.:
First. In keeping the axle of a carriage in its proper position by
means of upright bolts acting as axle guards on which an india-rubber
ring or rings work as a spring, the bolts being made to pass through
sockets of wrought or cast iron, or hard wood, which are firmly bolted
'or secured to the axle or axle bed.
Second. In keeping the axle in its proper position by means of a
front stay iron working in a lug or scroll iron, and a tie rod behind
working in similar scroll iron; the india-rubber being applied to
'work on a perpendicular bolt or bolts.
Third. In keeping the axle in its proper position by means of an
eliptic bow or stay iron with double tie rods and a joint or joints in the
centre; the india-rubber rings being applied perpendicularly as afore-
said:
:
.
Fourth. In keeping the axle of the fore carriage in its proper
position by means of four or more upright bolts, on which the india-
rubber rings work as aforesaid.
Fifth. A jointed lever spring, with the india-rubber rings placed
horizontally over the axle.
Sixth. A jointed lever spring, with the india-rubber rings placed
horizontally below the axle.
Seventh. A jointed lever spring having compensating power, with
the india-rubber rings placed horizontally above the axle.
'

page_text: Eighth: A jointed lever spring, with the india-rubber rings placed
perpendicularly above the lever.
Ninth. An improved lever spring, with the india-rubber rings placed
perpendicularly below the lover..
•
Tenth. An improved check spring consisting of one or more rings
of india-rubber with iron guides, to be used in combination with steel.
springs or other side springs.
Eleventh. An improved elastic shackle, with one or more india-
rubber rings, to be used in combination with steel springs or stay.
irons.
Twelfth. An improved suspension spring consisting of india-rubber.
bands, to be used seperately or combined with the iron work described
as the first, second, and third, for the purpose of securing the axle in its.
proper position.
-
The whole being farther improvements on those specified under
former Letters Patent granted to said William Coles Fuller on the
Twenty-third day of October One thousand eight hundred and forty-
five.
.
(COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.)
In Sheet 1. Figure 1. represents a side view of a spring for a cart,
waggon, or dray, constructed according to the first of the improvements
aforesaid. A. is part of the side framing. B. is a stay iron fixed by
bolts at each end, and passing under the axle C. D, D, are two up-
right bolts which pass through the framing A, and are secured by nuts
to the stay iron B, at their lower extremity. E, E, is a plate of wrought
or cast iron (called the axle plate) which clips the axle or axle bed, and is
firmly bolted thereto. This plate (of which a plan view is shewn at Figure
1 A.) forms an important part of the present spring, and must be care-
fully made with two paralell sockets to receive the upright bolts D, D,.
so as to work freely upon them, and thereby keep the axle in its proper
position, allowing a perpendicular motion to the body of the carriage.
In heavy vehicles, where a wood axle bed is used, cast iron is preferable
for the sake of economy, and may be made sufficiently true from the
mould to require no boring. In lighter carriages, where more accuracy
is required. these sockets may be bushed with brass or other metal, and

page_text: in some cases lignum vitae or some other hard wood may be advantage-
ously used. F, F, represents the india-rubber rings placed between
the body and the axle plate E, and are kept in their position by the
bolts D, D. In some cases it may be best to employ with this form of
ironwork a single block or ring of the whole depth placed in the centre
as shewn in Figure 20, the shape of the axle plate being adapted
thereto.
- Figure 2, represents a side view of another form of improved spring
constructed according to the second of the improvements aforesaid.
A, is the side framing as before. B, is a front stay iron secured to the
framing A, by a lug or scroll iron C, and bolted to the axle E, by clips
as a steel spring usually is. D, is a tie rod working on a similar sroll
iron behind, and passing through. the upturned end of the stay iron
B, is secured thereto by a nut and screw, with a thin ring of india-
rubber G, which allows of the requisite motion upwards and downwards.
The spring is formed of a single or double ring of india-rubber F.
Where a double ring is used witth thiss tay iron the seperating plate
should be fixed to the centre pin or bolt (see Figure 2 A), which will
then work upwards and downwards as the compression takes place; the
object being to give greater freedom of motion than if the bolts were
fixed, and to correct the slight deviation there would otherwise be from
a. perpendicular action.
Figure 3, represents another improved form of spring constructed
according to the third of the improvements aforesaid. A, is the side
framing as before. B, an eliptic stay iron fixed thereto by bolts at each
end, and passing under the axle E. C, C, are two jointed tie rods
secured at each end by means of a nut and screw. D. D, are two
small rings of india-rubber, which by their elasticity tighten the
rods and allow of a flexible motion upwards and downwards, and also
to a slight extent laterally. E, is the axle which is botted to the centre
parts of the tie rods C, C. The weight of the body is suspended to the
axle E, by means of the perpendicular bolt F, which passes through the
stay iron and india-rubber rings G, G, terminating with a nut and
serow. The situation of the rings G, G, may be sometimes varied with
advantage, as for instance, by placing them above the axle and on each

page_text: side of it, using two lighter columns instead of one. It may also be
adviseable in some cases to use instead of the tie rods C, C, a strong
leather strap of the whole length, which by its flexibility will supersede
the necessity of joints, the tension being regulated as before by. the
compression of the india-rubber rings at each end.
Figures 4, and 5, represent another improved form of spring (con-
structed according to the fourth of the improvements aforesaid) adapted
to the under carriage of a van or omnibus. A, is a side view of part
of the framing. B. a strong cross plate botted to the axle C. D, is a
stay iron which secures the lower end of the upright bolts E, E, to the
splinter bar G, and which may, if needful, be continued under the axle
as in Figure 1. Figure 5, is a plan view of the under carriage,
shewing the position of the india-rubber rings F, F, as scen vertically.
Figure 6, represents another improved form of spring which acts. by
leverage, constructed according to the fifth of the improvements afore-
said. A, is part of the side framing. B, 13, are two scroll irons similar
to those used in steel springs. C, C, are two wrought arms or levers
made with a hinge or joint in the lower part near the axle E, and act
by leverage upon the rings of india-rubber D, D, the weight being
sustained on the extreme end as in steel springs.
Figure 7, represents another form of lever spring constructed accord-
ing to the sixth of the improvements aforesaid. The difference in this
case is, that the rings are situated below the axle. and are acted upon
from above on the extreme points of the lever C. C. The rings may
either be placed midway (as shown in the Drawing) between the above
points C, C, and the axle, or in any more convenient part, so that the
action on them by compression is preserved.
Figure 8, represents a lever spring with compensating action con-
structed according to the seventh of the improvements aforesaid. The
rings are situated in the present case above the axle E, horizontally as
in Figure 6, the load being sustained at the extreme ends of the arms
or levers C. C. The compensating power consists in the increaścil
leverage obtained over the india-rubber rings D, D, as they descend
with the action of the spring: thus the more obtuse the angle formed
by the levers C. C, and the nearer they approach to a line with each

page_text: other, the greater will be the amount of action obtained in proportion to
the compression of the rings D, D.
Figure 9, represents another improved form of lever spring con-
structed according to the eighth of the improvements aforesaid. A, is
part of the side framing as before. C, is a jointed lever secured in the
centre to the axle E, and working at each end in scroll irons B, B,
'same as Figure 6. The india-rubber springs are placed midway (or
any more convenient distance) between the aile and the scroll irons, so
as to take the compression between the lever and the framing A, and to
give a greater amount of action to the spring than when the rings are
placed directly over the axle.
Figure 10, is another improved form of lever spring constructed
according to the ninth of the improvements. aforesaid (the same letters
refer to the same points as in Figure 8) The only difference between
this and the foregoing Figure 8,' is. that the india-rubber rings D, D,
instead of being placed between the lever and the framing, arc situated
below the lever, and upon a plate or bar of iron F, sccured to the
axle E.'
Figure 11, is an improved check spring constructed according to the
tenth of the improvements aforesaid, designed to be used in connexion
-with steel or other side springs, so as to assist then when the weight of
the load is greatest. A, represents part of the holster plate fixed inme-
diately over the axle of a van or waggon. 13, is a cast iron plate with a
socket and round face (as shown.11 A). C, is the plunger which has
a round head at the lower extremity, and a nut on key at the upper
extremity, where it passes through the socket at B. D, D, are the
india-rubber rings forming, the spring. These springs should be fixed
with the head about an 1 inch or 2 inches from the axle, so as to allow
the side springs to take the lighter load, and only come into action
when the body of the carriage is depressed by a full load. The shape
of this spring may be varied in different ways to suit different kinds of
carriages, first liy using a single ring of the whole depth, and next by
reversing the socket inwards so as to occupy less space in its action, the
diameter and depth of the ring being regulated accordingly, see Figure
11 B, (Sheet 2.) Another variation of this check spring which may be

page_text: used with advantage in some cases is shewn at Figures 11 C, and D.
The upper plate B, and the head or plunger C, are in this case each cast
with a cylinder working in each other, by which greater steadiness is
obtained, and the india-rubber is more perfectly protected. A column
of rings may also be used as a check spring situated between the upper
and lower plate of a double cliptic or nut cracker spring. The rings
being kept in position by a centre rod (as shewn Figure 1).
.
.
A, represents
Figure, 12, represents an improved elastic shackle (constructed
according to the eleventh of the improvements aforesaid) consisting of
one or more rings of india-rubber to connect the hind part of a steel
spring with the cross spring or with the carriage itself.
the eye of an ordinary steel spring as seen from behind. B, is the eye
of the cross spring usually connected by the shackles with the upper
spring. C is the shackle suspended by the bolt to the eye of the
spring A, and is provided at the lower end with a round plate for the
expansion of the india-rubber ring .E. Where it is intended to connect
two springs together, as at Figure 12, an inverted shackle, exactly
similar to the one before described. is used, the round plate being upper-
most, and the lower end attached to the eye of the cross spring B; by
means of the bolt the india-rubber ring is kept in place by a pin
passing thro' the centre; the elasticity of the material producing great
ease and freedom from vibration.
Figure 12 A, shews the application of an elastic shackle where the
india-rubber serves as a substitute for the cross spring. The principal
difference is that the bolt B, which passes through the centre is
provided with a round head resting on the india-rubber, and projects
below sufficiently to receive the cross stay or span iron D, terminating
with a nut and screw.
Figure 12 B, shews the manner in which the same shackle may be
used in combination with an ordinary scroll iron to impart greater case.
In certain parts of these shackles (as also the check springs and scroll
irons) it may be desirable, for economy's sake, to use malleable cast iron,
taking care to have sufficient strength of metal in the parts liable to
strain or wear.
In Sheet 2, Figure 13. represents an improved suspension spring

page_text: (to be constructed according to the twelfth of the improvements afore-
said) used as a bearing spring for carriage bodies. .A, A, represents a
series of straps of vulcanized india-rubber, each strap about an inch
in thickness, the length and width according to strength and situation of
the spring required. The extreme ends of the india-rubber are secured
to each other, and also to the fixings hereafter described, by means of
thin plates B, B, (see Figure 13 A,) of brass, iron, or other suitable
metal, each strap being placed between two such plates of metal, and
screwed tightly together by means of small bolts and nuts (as shown
at Figure 14 A,) which pass through the rubber and plates alternately.
In order, however, to prevent the straps from shifting it is necessary to
insert pieces of canvas or other suitable material into that part of the
india-rubber which is compressed by the plates B, B, and longitudinal
threads of canvas are also continued a short distance beyond the plates
as (shown Figure 13), the object being to prevent the tearing or injury
of the material from sudden jerks; and it will be found that the clastic
part of the material when so protected will wear for a lengthen'd period,
and form a perfectly easy spring. The metal plates may be made of
any convenient shape to receive a bolt or other necessary fastening to
connect the spring with the framework or body of the carriage. In
those cases where carriage bodies are now suspended from steel springs
by means of leather straps, these suspension springs may be employed
instead of the leather straps. either in connection with the steel springs
impart greater ease, or to supersede the steel spring by an orna-
mental iron stay of much less cost and weight. In order to protect the
spring when so used it may be provided with leather cases or covers
'sliding one into the other, as shewn at thirteen B, or by a gusseted
cover of any convenient material.
.
Figure 14, represents another form in which the suspension spring
is applicable for supporting the bodies of carriages. A, A, represents the
straps as before, with canvas insertions at each end and across the centre,
held together with the plates and nuts as before described (sec 14 A).
D, D, (Figure 14 B, and 14 C.) is an angular box or frame, which may
be made of any convenient shape, either of cast or wrought iron (or, if
preferred, of wood), across the open end of which the straps A, A, arc

page_text: fixed by means of the screws before inentioned. E, E, is a T piece or
standard of wrought iron, the upper part of which is fixed by the plates
and screws to the centre of the strap A, and the lower part firmly bolted
to the axle. The spring is formed by the pressure or deflexion of the
india-rubber straps (as shewn at 14 B). The strength of this spring
may be increased at pleasure by adding first to the number or thickness
of the straps, and next by lengthening the angular box or frame. It
may also in some cases be continued crossways the whole length of the
axle. In the use of this spring it will be necessary to keep the axle in
its proper position by one or other of the plans shewn at Figures 1, 2,
and 3, or those hereafter described as Figures 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and
20, which are slight modifications of the same.
Figure 15, represents another form of suspension spring with scroll
irons suitable for a gig, cart, or other light vehicle (the letters cor-
respond with previous descriptions).
.
Figure 16, represents another form in which a dumb iron A, is used at
top, and is suitable for cabs and other four-wheel vehicles where double
cliptics are used. In both these Figures (15, & 16,) the same plan is
described as in Figure 3, of keeping the axle in position by tic-rods and
joints C, C, but a strong leather strap, as before described, may be used
with advantage, especially in light vehicles. Also the suspension spring
may be exchanged in some cases with advantage for a column of small
rings, as shewn Fig. 22 (inverted).
Figure 17, represents another form of spring adapted for a gig, in
which the bearings are carried out by means of a bracket resting on the
axle. The spring being placed at each end instead of in the centre..
Figures 18, and 19, represent a side and end view respectively of
the spring (Figure 14.) as applied to an omnibus with a front stay iron.
as shewn in Figure 2. The tie-rod, instead of being continued length-
ways, may be fixed across (as shewn Figure 19), which will prevent
undue oscillation laterally, and admit of a free perpendicular action of
about four to five inches.
Figure 20, represents a spring suitable for an omnibus with single
ring in the centre, being a slight modification of that before described
at Figure 1 The same letters apply in the description as in Figure 1.

page_text: .:Having now described the nature of the said Invention, and the various
modes of applying the same to the purposes aforesaid, it should be.
further observed, that although thin straps of india-rubber for the sus-
pension springs as before described; held together with bolts and nuts,
are generally preferred, the same object may be attained by using
thicker straps, and inserting the metal as well as the canvas in the body
of the india-rubber, and we do not wish to confine ourselves to either
method.
So also in the use of the india-rubber rings we do not restrict our-
selves to the use of any particular shape or form, but employ such
depths, thicknesses, and shapes as may be found most effective for the
purpose intended, always taking care to provide a surface of sufficient
diameter for the expansion of the rings.
"
And again the exact situation of the rings themselves may be varied
according to circumstances, being placed in some cases on each side
near to the axle, in others at a greater distance (as in Figures 4, and 5),
and again in other instances directly over the axle (as in Figures 2, and
20). extending, if necessary, at intervals along the axle to give greater
sustaining power, care being taken wherever the rings are placed to
. secure the axle in its position by one or other of the methods before
described.
The only exception to this rule is where a van, waggon, or other
four-wheel vehicle is built with a perch, and in this case the upright
bolts should be fixed to the axle or bed, and work upwards through the
sockets into the bolster. instead of downwards as hefore described; and
one column of rings may generally be used with advantage round the
main pin resting on the axle.
"
And further, in the use of check springs in aid of steel or other side
springs (see Figures 11, 11 A, 11 B), although it is generally preferred to
fix them as before described distinct from the axle and at a distance of 1
or 2 inches therefrom, yet in some cases they will answer equally well or
better if fixed without any such space, and so as to work simultaneously
with the steel springs throughout their whole action, and when used in
the latter form deeper rings of india-rubber should be employed.
And we claim under the Letters Patent granted to us as aforesaid

page_text: as the present Invention, not the said rings or straps of india-rubber or
other clastic material separately or apart from the various kinds of iron-
work and other arrangements herein-before described; but we do claim
as follows, viz.:--
First, the different modes of constructing and combining ironwork
and other apparatus (as shewn in the annexed Drawings) with india-
rubber rings (or any other elastic substance answering a similar purpose)
for the springs of carriages, as herein-before described.
Second, the mode or moles of supporting and assisting steel or other
side springs by means of check springs, as hercin-before described.
Third, the mode or modes of constructing and applying elastic shackles
in connection with steel springs, as herein-before described.
Fourth, the mole or modes of constructing and applying a series of
india-rubber straps, with metal plates and insertions of canvas, for the
purpose of forming springs of carriages, as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I. the said William Coles Fuller, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Fourth day of April, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
W. C. FULLER. (L.S.)
Signed and sealed in my presence,
F. W. CAMPIX,
Patent Agent, Strand.