Improvements in or relating to Raising, Lowering, and Brake Mechanism for Burial Apparatus and other purposes.
Year: 1897

page_text: Improvements in or relating to Raising, Lowering, and Brake
Mechanism for Burial Apparatus and other purposes.
A communication by the NATIONAL BURIAL DEVICE COMPANY, of the City of
Coldwater, in the County of Branch, and State of Michigan, United States
of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both
in the County of Lancaster, 118, New Street, Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, and 322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for lowering coffins or
caskets into graves.
The objects of this invention are first, to simplify the construction of such
apparatus; second, to provide an improved brake mechanism for controlling the
lowering apparatus; third, to provide improved gearing and connections for
controlling and operating the lowering apparatus; fourth, to provide improved
means for releasing the lowering straps or ropes; fifth, to provide improved
means of winding the lowering ropes and guiding the same; sixth, to provide
improved connections for the opposite sides of the device; seventh, to provide
improved means and arrangement of parts to permit of folding the halves of the
same together. Further objects will definitely appear in the detailed description
to follow.
These objects of this invention are accomplished by the devices and means
described in the following specification, and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, in which:-
Figure is a top plan view of this improved apparatus with portions of the
casing broken away to show details of construction.
Figure 2 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1,
showing the details of construction of one of the windlasses and guiding means
for the rope.
Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view on line 3-3 of Figure 1, showing the
connections and arrangement of parts between the two sides of the machine.
Figure 4 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken on a line corresponding to
line 4-4 of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is an enlarged detail view of the operating wheel ".
Figure 6 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the brake mechanism in position
in the frame, taken on a line corresponding to line 6-6 Figure 7.
Figure 7 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the same taken on a line corre-
sponding to line 7-7 of Figure 6.
Figure 8 is an enlarged detail view showing the means of applying the crank

page_text: to wind up the lowering ropes, the hub to which the crank is applied being
shown in section on line 8-8 of Figure 7.
Figure 8 is an enlarged detail plan view of one of the windlasses of the machine
showing the guides for the rope thereon.
Figure 10 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the same taken on line
1-10 of Figure 9.
Figure 11 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the releasing device for the
ends of the lowering ropes taken on line 11-11 of Figure 1.
Figure 12 is an enlarged end elevation of the part shown in Figure 11.
Figure 13 is an enlarged detail of the gauge for locating the coffin or casket
when placed on the same, being a sectional view taken on line 13-13 of Figure 1.
Figure 14 is an enlarged detail rear elevation of the same.
Figure 15 illustrates a means of controlling the brake mechanism when it is
desired to control the same by the hand instead of by the foot, showing con-
nections to the controlling shaft J, for that purpose.
In the drawing all of the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of
the little arrows at the end of the section lines, and similar letters of reference
refer to similar parts throughout the several views.
Referring to the lettered parts of the drawing,
A represents the casing for the apparatus and its supporting frame. This
consists of two symmetrical halves hinged together on the under side of the centre
so that they can be folded upon each other. The sides and ends of the frame
are made up of a rectangular casing which contains the operating mechanism,
which is concealed from view by the said casing with the exception of the
parts which project for manipulation and operation of the same.
Shafts C, C extend longitudinally of the frame on each side within the casing.
On the ends of these shafts is secured small sprocket chain G which of course
operates the same in opposite directions. Toward the centre of the frame, near
the hinge, are blocks which project between the two parts of the chains and
prevent their rubbing against or catching on to each other, as clearly appears in
Figures 3 and 4. To the under side of the frame at this point are secured sheets
of leather or similar materials o opposite slots in the casing which permit the
chain to sag and rub without rattling. A loop f is also secured to one of the
halves to serve as a support for the chain when the frame is folded.
On shafts C C are supported windlasses D, two on each side of the frame,
which control and operate the lowering cords H. These windlasses are the same
on each side, so only the two on one side are illustrated in Figure 3. These
windlasses are provided with spiral grooves for the reception of the cord or rope
and the two windlasses on each side are oppositely threaded so that as the rope
is wound up or unwound,, it moves from or to the centre. The windlasses
opposite each other in the case are also oppositely threaded so that their motion
carries the lowering rope parallel and evenly to prevent any uneven motion of
the same. On each windlass is a guide E, which embraces the same so that it
engages the spiral grooves which act upon it like the threads of a screw on a
nut and carry it along. An eye is provided on this guide through which the
rope extends so that the rope is carried along and distributed evenly in the
grooves making the winding and unwinding of the same positive and even.
Secured to the side of the casing toward the inside from the windlass are small
shafts of rods F' carrying guiding sheaves F, which engage and carry the lowering
ropes or cords H, and move back and forth with the same to prevent strain and
friction in winding and unwinding. The rods F¹ are supported by any suitable
means preferably the brackets a
On the inner ends of the cords H, are links or loops m m as clearly appears in
Figure 11. The small plate I is provided having projecting wings g, to each
side at one end to retain the same in the upright position when the burial case
is placed upon it. Pins U U joined together by a top plate I', which has a
depending portion I" having a foot T at the bottom, engage the links m m at

page_text: the centre. When a coffin is placed upon the plates I and the links m m are
engaged by the pins U U the same will be supported until it is lowered to the
bottom of the grave, or in the rough box at the bottom. When the foot T strikes
the bottom the weight of the coffin or load presses down the plate I, which carries
down the links m m past the bottom of the plates U U thus releasing the ends
of the ropes or cords H H which can then be withdrawn. It will be observed
that this releases the ends of the lowering ropes automatically when the load
reaches the bottom. When the ropes are released they are wound up by the means
hereinafter described.
At the head of the frame A a gauge is provided consisting of the bracket V,
secured thereto by insertion in loops having an adjustable head with the
contact plate n for guiding the coffin to be placed on the apparatus as clearly
appears in Figures 1, 13 and 14. Because the shafts C C" are connected together
positively by a sprocket chain G, it is only necessary to control one of them and
apparatus and brake mechanism are only provided for controlling one of them.
On the end of the shaft C is a bevelled gear P¹. A shaft L extends vertically
and is supported in frame B which carries the gearing inside the casing. The
shaft L bears the bevelled gear P which meshed with the gear I" on the end
of shaft C. On the upper end of shaft L is secured a gear M by a suitable key
or other means. Another shaft N is parallel thereto and carries
M¹.
gear
The
gear M meshes with the gear M' on the shaft N. On the shaft N is supported a
plain pulley N to which the brake is applied. The upper end of the shaft N
contains a socket to receive a crank S for winding the same. A metal band 1)
with a leather or similar facing (1 extends around, the plain pulley N¹ which is
the brake wheel. The band and a facing of yielding material form the
brake shoe.
On the ends of the band O are small brackets R R¹. The bracket R¹ is screw
threaded. A shaft extends through the same having a screw thread on its
end which fits into the bracket R'. A suitable collar on the rod or shaft J¹ engages
outside the bracket R, so that when a shaft is rotated, it operates either to close
or open the bracket R R¹ and apply or release the brake. A link Q is pivotted
on the link Q' and extends around the bracket R' and fits loosely over the screw
thread of the shaft J between the brackets R R¹ so that it merely supports the
brake N in this position without preventing its free action, and allows the
brake wheel N to rotate within the brake, but affords the resistance against its
tendency to revolve when the brake is applied to resist the load. As the link Q
plays freely on the rod J, the operation of the rod or shaft has no effect upon the
even application of the brake 001 on the wheel N¹. On the end of the rod J
an actuating rod Jis secured by suitable sleeve K. On the end of the rod J1
is an operating wheel Ju, see Figures 1 and 5, which extends outside the frame
and affords the means of applying or releasing the brake. This can be done by
the foot of the operator which is a very convenient and inconspicuous means.
Where it is desired, however, an additional connection with rod J can be pro-
vided as appears in Figure 15, by means of the intermediate bevelled gears or
any other suitable connection to operate the same by hand.
Having thus described the various parts and the arrangement of this improved
burial apparatus, the method of its operation will now be briefly indicated. In
the complete frame as it appears in Figure 1 it is placed above the grave with the
lowering rope connected with the means illustrated. The gauge n is set at the
right point at the head, the coffin is placed upon the plates II which are retained
in their proper position by the wings gg. When the whole is in readiness the
operating wheel J is turned until the weight of the load operates the wind-
lasses DD and begins to descend. Owing to the intermediate gearing and the action
of the brake of wheel N it will descend gradually to the bottom of the grave.
When it reaches the bottom of the grave, or the usual rough box, the foot T of
the detaching device strikes the bottom and the upper portion is pressed down
over the same, releasing the links m m.
When this is done the ropes are easily

page_text: and quickly drawn back by means of a small crank or key S inserted into the
socket of the shaft N and the apparatus can then be removed as its work is
done.
My correspondents having thus described their improved burial apparatus, they
desire to state that their improved windlasses and guiding can be successfully
used in other connections than they have here illustrated. They also desire to
state that it is not an absolute necessity that the frame be a folding frame though
it is a great convenience and the structure accomplishes Results which they
consider valuable. The gauge at the head of the frame is not an absolute necessity,
though very desirable. They are aware that other connections and gearing could
be used in connection with their improved brake to make up a brake mechanism,
though the exact brake structure they have produced is also of great advantage.
Other variations would, no doubt, readily suggest themselves to those skilled in
the art to which their invention pertains.
T
1 Danamh 10077
Improvements in or relating to Raising, Lowering, and Brake
Mechanism for Burial Apparatus and other purposes.
A communication by the NATIONAL BURIAL DEVICE COMPANY, of the City of
Coldwater, in the County of Branch, and State of Michigan, United States
of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both
in the County of Lancaster, 118, New Street, Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, and 322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer,
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 follow-
ing statement;
This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for lowering coffins or
caskets into graves.
The objects of this invention are, first, to simplify the construction of such
apparatus; second, to provide an improved brake mechanism for controlling the
lowering apparatus; third, to provide improved gearing and connections for
controlling and operating the lowering apparatus; fourth, to provide improved
means for releasing the lowering straps or ropes; fifth, to provide improved
means of winding the lowering ropes and guiding the same; sixth, to provide
improved connections for the opposite sides of the device; seventh, to provide
improved means and arrangement of parts to permit of folding the halves of the
same together. Further objects will definitely appear in the detailed description
to follow.
These objects of this invention are accomplished by the devices and means
described in the following specification, definitely pointed out in the claims, and
illustrated in the drawings accompanying the Provisional Specification, in which:-
Figure 1 is a top plan view of this improved apparatus with portions of the
casing broken away to show details of construction.
Figure 2 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1,

page_text: showing the details of construction of one of the windlasses and guiding means
for the rope.
Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view on line 3-3 of Figure 1, showing the
connections and arrangement of parts between the two sides of the machine.
Figure 4 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken on a line corresponding to
line 44 of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is an enlarged detail view of the operating wheel 1.
Figure 6 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the brake mechanism in position
in the frame, taken on a line corresponding to line 6-6 Figure 7.
Figure 7 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the same taken on a line corre-
sponding to line 7-7 of Figure 6.
Figure 8 is an enlarged detail view showing the means of applying the crank
to wind up the lowering ropes, the hub to which the crank is applied being
shown in section on line 8-8 of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is an enlarged detail plan view of one of the windlasses of the machine
showing the guides for the rope thereon.
Figure 10 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the same taken on line
10--10 of Figure 9.
Figure 11 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the releasing device for the
ends of the lowering ropes taken on line 11-11 of Figure 1.
Figure 12 is an enlarged end elevation of the part shown in Figure 11.
Figure 13 is an enlarged detail of the gauge for locating the coffin or casket
when placed on the same, being a sectional view taken on line 13-13 of Figure 1.
Figure 14 is an enlarged detail rear elevation of the same.
Figure 15 illustrates a means of controlling the brake mechanism when it is
desired to control the same by the hand instead of by the foot, showing con-
nections to the controlling shaft J, for that purpose.
In the drawing all of the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of
the little arrows at the end of the section lines and similar letters of reference
refer to similar parts throughout the several views.
Referring to the lettered parts of the drawing,
A represents the casing for the apparatus and its supporting frame. This
consists of two symmetrical halves hinged together on the under side of the centre
so that they can be folded upon each other. The sides and ends of the frame
are made up of a rectangular casing which contains the operating mechanism,
which is concealed from view by the said casing with the exception of the
parts which project for manipulation and operation of the same.
Shafts C, C, extend longitudinally of the frame on each side within the casing.
On the ends of these shafts is secured small sprocket chain G, which, of course,
operates the same in opposite directions. Toward the centre of the frame, near
the hinge, are blocks which project between the two parts of the chains and
prevent their rubbing against or catching on to each other, as clearly appears in
Figures 3 and 4. To the under side of the frame at this point are secured sheets
of leather or similar materials c, opposite slots in the casing which permit the
chain to sag and rub without rattling. A loop f is also secured to one of the
halves to serve as a support for the chain when the frame is folded.
On shafts C C are supported windlasses D, two on each side of the frame,
which control and operate the lowering cords H. These windlasses are the same
on each side, so only the two on one side are illustrated in Figure 1. These
windlasses are provided with spiral grooves for the reception of the cord or rope
and the two windlasses on each side are oppositely threaded so that as the rope
is wound up or unwound, it moves from or to the centre. The windlasses
opposite each other in the case are also oppositely threaded so that their motion
carries the lowering rope parallel and evenly to prevent any uneven motion of
On each windlass is a guide E, which embraces the same so that it
engages the spiral grooves which act upon it like the threads of a screw on a
nut and carry it along. An eye is provided on this guide through which the
the same.

page_text: rope extends so that the rope is carried along and distributed evenly in the
grooves making the winding and unwinding of the same positive and even.
Secured to the side of the casing toward the inside from the windlass are small
shafts of rods F¹ carrying guiding sheaves F, which engage and carry the lowering
ropes or cords H, and move back and forth with the same to prevent strain and
friction in winding and unwinding. The rods F1 are supported by any suitable
means, preferably the brackets a.
On the inner ends of the cords H, are links or loops m m as clearly appears in
Figure 11. The small plate I is provided having projecting wings g g, to each
side at one end to retain the same in the upright position when the burial case
is placed upon it. Pins U U joined together by a top plate I', which has a
depending portion I having a foot T, at the bottom, engage the links m m at
the centre. When a coffin is placed upon the plates I and the links m m are
engaged by the pins U U, the same will be supported until it is lowered to the
bottom of the grave, or in the rough box at the bottom. When the foot, T, strikes
the bottom the weight of the coffin or load presses down the plate I, which carries
down the links m m past the bottom of the plates U U, thus releasing the ends
of the ropes or cords H H, which can then be withdrawn. It will be observed
that this releases the ends of the lowering ropes automatically when the load
reaches the bottom. When the ropes are released they are wound up by the means
hereinafter described.
At the head of the frame A, is provided a gauge consisting of the bracket V,
secured thereto by insertion in loops hh, having an adjustable head i with the
contact plate n for guiding the coffin to be placed on the apparatus as clearly
appears in Figures 1, 13 and 14. Because the shafts C C¹ are connected together
positively by a sprocket chain G, it is only necessary to control one of them and
apparatus and brake mechanism are only provided for controlling one of them.
On the end of the shaft C is a bevelled gear P'. A shaft L, extends vertically
and is supported in frame B, which carries the gearing inside the casing. The
shaft L, bears the bevelled gear P, which meshed with the gear P¹, on the end
of shaft C. On the upper end of shaft L is secured a gear M, by a suitable key,
or other means. Another shaft N is parallel thereto and carries a gear M¹. The
gear M meshes with the gear M on the shaft N. On the shaft N, is supported a
plain pulley N¹ to which the brake is applied. The upper end of the shaft N
contains a socket to receive a crank S for winding the same. A metal band O
with a leather or similar facing O' extends around the plain pulley N¹ which is
the brake wheel. The band and a facing 01 of yielding material form the
brake shoe.
On the ends of the band 0) are small brackets R R¹. The bracket R₁ is screw
threaded. A shaft J extends through the same having a screw thread on its
end which fits into the bracket R'. A suitable collar on the rod or shaft J¹ engages
outside the bracket R, so that when a shaft is rotated, it operates either to close
or open the bracket R R and apply or release the brake. A link Q is pivotted
on the link Q and extends around the bracket R and fits loosely over the screw
thread of the shaft J between the brackets R R so that it merely supports the
brake wheel N', in this position, without preventing its free action, and allows the
brake wheel N¹ to rotate within the brake, but affords the resistance against its
tendency to revolve when the brake is applied to resist the load. As the link Q
plays freely on the rod J, the operation of the rod or shaft has no effect upon the
even application of the brake 0, 0 on the wheel N¹. On the end of the rod J
an actuating rod J is secured by suitable sleeve K. On the end of the rod J
is an operating wheel J", see Figures 1 and 5, which extends outside the frame
and affords the means of applying or releasing the brake. This can be done by
the foot of the operator which is a very convenient and inconspicuous means.
Where it is desired, however, an additional connection with rod J¹ can be pro-
vided as appears in Figure 15, by means of the intermediate bevelled gears or
any other suitable connection to operate the same by hand.

page_text: Having thus described the various parts and the arrangement of this improved
burial apparatus, the method of its operation will now be briefly indicated. In
the complete frame as it appears in Figure 1 it is placed above the grave with the
lowering rope connected with the means illustrated. The gauge n is set at the
right point at the head, the coffin is placed upon the plates II which are retained
in their proper position by the wings g g. When the whole is in readiness the
operating wheel J" is turned until the weight of the load operates the windlasses
DD and begins to descend. Owing to the intermediate gearing and the action
of the brake of wheel N¹ it will descend gradually to the bottom of the grave.
When it reaches the bottom of the grave, or the usual rough box, the foot T of
the detaching device strikes the bottom and the upper portion is pressed down
over the same, releasing the links m m. When this is done the ropes are easily
and quickly drawn back by means of a small crank or key S inserted into the
socket of the shaft N and the apparatus can then be removed as its work is
done.
My correspondents having thus described their improved burial apparatus, they
desire to state that their improved windlasses and guiding can be successfully
used in other connections than they have here illustrated. They also desire to
state that it is not an absolute necessity that the frame be a folding frame though
it is a great convenience and the structure accomplishes results which they
consider valuable. The gauge at the head of the frame is not an absolute necessity,
though very desirable. They are aware that other connections and gearing could
be used in connection with their improved brake to make up a brake mechanism,
though the exact brake structure they have produced is also of great advantage.
Other variations would, no doubt, readily suggest themselves to those skilled in
the art to which their invention pertains.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondents, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In a burial apparatus, the combination of a suitable frame work; longitudinal
shafts C C on the side of said frame; a crossed sprocket chain G, connecting
the same; a block b between the parts of the chain to prevent their engaging and
rubbing upon each other; windlasses D D D D, two on each shaft opposite each
other formed with right and left hand spirals facing each other; lowering ropes H
to rest on said spirals; guides E engaging said spirals to be carried thereby and
having eyes for the passage of the ropes; the rods F¹ towards the inside of said
frame carrying sheaves to receive the lowering ropes; a detaching device between
the ends of the ropes; and suitable brake mechanism to apply to one of the
shafts all co-acting together substantially as described for the purpose specified.
2. In a burial apparatus, the combination of a suitable frame work longitudinal
shafts C C¹ on the side of said frame; a crossed sprocket chain G connecting
the same: a block between the parts of the chain to prevent their engaging
and rubbing upon each other; windlasses D D D D two on each shaft opposite
each other formed with right and left hand spirals facing each other: lowering
ropes to rest in said spirals; guides E engaging said spirals to be carried thereby
and having eyes for the passage of the ropes; the rods F1 towards the inside of
said frame carrying sheaves F to receive the lowering ropes.
3. In a burial apparatus, the combination of a suitable frame; shafts to each
side thereof; windlasses on said shafts situated opposite each other; the windlasses
on each side containing right and left hand spirals: lowering ropes adapted to be
received by said spirals: guides engaging the spirals on said windlasses to be
carried thereby having suitable eyes for the passage of the ropes: suitable means
of detaching the lowering ropes and means for controlling the shafts for the
purpose specified.
4. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination of a windlass D,
containing a suitable spiral groove; a rope or cable therefor; guide E, engaging

page_text: said spirals to be carried thereby having a suitable eye for the passage of the rope
to deliver the same into the spirals for the purpose specified.
5. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination of a windlass D), con-
taining a suitable spiral groove a rope or cable therefor; guide E, engaging said
spirals to be carried thereby containing a suitable eye for the passage of the rope to
deliver the same into the spirals; a shaft extending longitudinally of said windlass
bearing a suitable guiding roller adapted to slide over the same to receive and
guide the rope for the purpose specified.
6. In a burial apparatus, the combination of lowering ropes; a separate releasing
device between the ropes consisting of a plate I, with laterally projecting wings G,
containing pins U, U, joined together by a plate I' having a depending portion Il
with a foot T, at the bottom to engage loops upon the lowering ropes so that when
a load is lowered the plate will press down the loops below the pins and release
the same, for the purpose specified.
7. In a burial apparatus the combination of suitable shafts carrying windlasses,
ropes adapted to extend therefrom across a grave; a brake mechanism consisting
of a pinion M¹ on one of said shafts, parallel shafts I, and N, gear P, on said shaft L,
meshing with the pinion P¹ the gear wheels M, M¹, on said shafts I and N, respec-
tively meshing with each other, a brake wheel N¹ a metal band O, having facing 01
of leather or similar material embracing the wheels N¹ brackets R, R¹, containing
screw thread on the end of said band Ö, rod J, with a screw thread for adjusting
said brackets R, R¹, to apply and release the brake; a link Q. supported on link Q¹
and loosely surrounding the rod J, between the brackets R R to support the same
and suitable means of rotating the shaft J' to apply and release the brake, co-acting
for the purpose specified.
8. In a burial apparatus the combination of suitable shafts with windlasses
thereon for actuating and controlling the lowering ropes; a brake wheel with a
band O, having a facing 01 of leather or similar material round the same to form
a brake; a suitable rod with a screw at its end extending through brackets at the
ends of said bands for applying and releasing the brake; a link connecting the
same with the supporting case and a train of gears between the brake wheel and
the controlling shaft for the purpose specified.
9. In a burial apparatus, the combination of a suitable frame; lowering ropes;
means of controlling the same and a suitable gauge consisting of a bracket V,
with an adjusting rod i therein having a guide plate n at its end to locate the coffin
or casket in position for the purpose specified.
10. In a burial device a rectangular frame of suitable size to rest around a grave,
and made up of suitable casing divided at the ends and hinged together; cords or
straps projecting from the opposite sides to support a burial case; and means of
controlling the cords to lower the casket into a grave for the purpose specified.
11. In a burial device a suitable frame adapted to fit around a grave, cords or
straps projecting from the opposite sides to support a burial case; means of con-
trolling the cords or straps to lower the same: an independent device connecting
the ends of the cords containing a pin with a projecting portion to strike the
bottom and release the cords automatically.
Total h
...
J
1000