Improvements in Apparatus or Means for Locking and Unlocking Hooks, but more especially Carriage Pole Hooks.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 27th Sept., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 25th May, 1891-Accepted, 5th Sept., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus or Means for Locking and Unlocking
Hooks, but more especially Carriage Pole Hooks.
We JOHN WEEKES of 9 Old Street London E.C. Coach Body Maker and
WILLIAM ROBSON and THOMAS ROBSON Wagon Builders both of 60 Farringdon
Road in the County of Middlesex do hereby declare the nature of this invention to
be as follows:-
-
Our invention consists in the novel construction of a lock, and its application to,
or combination with a hook, or hooks, for the purpose of attaching and securing
from being jolted or shaken off, and also of the detaching and releasing, of anything
that may have to be connected to, or released from the said hook or hooks.
We construct our lock after the manner of constructing locks for room doors and
for other purposes, in the following particulars which are old.
We make the outside case or box of our lock in any way that is common, and of
any suitable metal, and make it so as to fix it by means of screws, or any other
suitable fastening, in any required position, we make the interior of the aforesaid
box to contain a bolt which has indentations and projections, the aforesaid box of
the lock having answering projections and indentations.
We make the interior of the aforesaid box to contain a spring which presses the
aforesaid bolt down and sets it fast from sliding when it is locked, by means of the
consequent interlocking of the aforesaid projections and indentations.
We may make the lock so that the bolt shall be operated on to lock or unlock
also to slide and lift, by means of a key, or knob, or handle, or in any way that is
common to locks.
The following we believe to be new :- -The bolt of our lock is made to lift up like
a latch as well as to move horizontally, and instead of having a handle, or a key to
operate on the bolt, the said bolt is operated on to lock or unlock by the application
of the hand or hands to one or both ends of the bolt, which is simpler and better
for the purpose required, though we may as before said make it to be operated on
by a key, or handle, or in any other way that is common to locks. The aforesaid
bolt when locked in its place is set, so that one, or both of its ends as required,
touch, or nearly touches the hook, or hooks, so as to prevent any thing that is
hooked from being shaken off.
If the bolt is to lock only one hook, we may make the bolt to project at one end,
and make the projecting end to lift like a latch, and to lift high enough to allow,
that which is hooked on, to be taken off.
If it is required to make that which is hooked, more secure against being shaken
off, which is better, we make the bolt to lift high enough to disengage the said bolt,
so that it can slide, but not high enough to clear the hook, which must be done by
first raising the bolt like a latch, and then sliding it clear away from the hook.
If it is required to make that which is hooked still more secure against being
shaken off, which is better still, we make the bolt long enough, so that when it is
locked, both ends protrude, both of which ends must be operated on at the same
time by the hands, to raise the bolt so as to disengage it, and then slide it till its
end is clear away from the hook.
If a bolt is to lock a hook at each end of the said bolt, as in the case of pole
hooks we secure the lock in front of the pole hook, and make the ends of the bolt
protrude beyond the lock on both sides, so as to touch or nearly touch both hooks,
and thereby secure the attachment of both animals to the pole.
But we may make our lock and the hook or hooks in the solid of one piece of

page_text: metal, and we may also make our lock, and the hooks, and our pole cap, and pole
bottom plate in the solid, of one piece of metal, by having them wrought, or which
is better, having them cast in malleable iron.
We may make our lock so, that if it is required by purchasers, as it is possible
in the case of its application to harness hooks, the animal may be made, in falling
to release itself, this is done by constructing the hooks with their points directed
downwards, at a suitable angle, and chamferring at the ends of the bolt their
bottom parts, where contiguous to the points of the hooks, this being done the
horse in falling would release itself, by overpowering the resistance of the spring,
and driving the bolt of the lock out of the way, after the manner of slamming a door.
As all we have herein before described is fully contained in our combination of
lock, pole cap, pole hooks, and pole bottom plate, the bolt of which lock must be
operated on by the application of both hands, and for which we desire, in the
Complete Specification to introduce a general claim to the entire machine as a
combination, and then separate claims to the new minor combinations and the new
parts, we will proceed to explain our invention with the aid of references to the
accompanying drawings in outline, of the various parts of the aforesaid combined
lock, pole cap, pole hooks, and pole bottom plate. Fig. 1. is the plan of the bottom.
The position of the bolt B when locking the points of the hooks H. H. is shown by
the dotted lines. The aperture A is for assisting in safely locking the bolt B.
W is a in. bolt hole. Fig. 2 is an elevation of the offside, showing the aperture P
made just the size to admit the bolt B (as shown in Figures 1. and 4.) to pass freely
through.
Fig. 4. is an elevation of the front, looking at it from the open back, the dotted
lines show 1st the outlines of the bolt B. in the position it would be when locking
the points of the hooks H. H. 2nd. The spring S. which is pressing on to a metal
slide s. in. wide, which is pressing on the bolt B. and setting it fast from sliding
by means of the projections p. p. p. being caught by the outsides of the box of the
lock at a. and b. as well as by the two sides of the aperture A. in the bottom of the
box of the lock as shown in Fig. 1. The spring $ is made of one length of steel
wire the middle of which rests on the slide s. as shown in Fig. 4.
In making the spring, the wire is bent in the middle, like a hair pin, but with
rectangular corners, so that the straight limbs lie parallel to each other at a
distance of in. between, so as to fit over the slide s, the limbs are then both bent
simultaneously and given two turns round a half inch mandrel at S and are then
brought out parallel to each other with their extremities at æ, the wire coils at S.
are then set close together side by side so as to be not more than in. over.
spring need not be made stiffer than sufficient to keep the bolt B from rattling by
the jolting of the pole.
This
Fig. 3. is a plan of the top showing in. square bolt hole W. which is made for
the purpose of driving a bolt down through it, and through a hole in the front end
of the pole and through the hole W in Fig. 1.
A carriage maker can now from the drawings construct in wood, a model of our
invention, by attending to the following instructions.
Cut out of a planed up board in. thick and dress up to the outlines shown
in Fig. 4. 1st the bolt B., 2nd the slide s., 3rd the two hooks as shown in Fig. 1.,
round up the hooks.
Out of a planed up board in. thick cut to the straight outlines, one piece
like Fig. 1. two like Fig. 2., one like Fig. 3., and one piece like Fig. 4., and number
them 1. 2. 2. 3. 4.
Make the aperture A., and bore the in. hole through number 1.
Make the aperture P in both the pieces marked number 2.
Plane all the edges of number 4. to a mitre bevel.
Plane the front and the two side edges of all the other pieces to a mitre bevel,
taking care to make the two pieces marked number 2. to pair with each other.
Now glue all the mitred edges together, as follows:-The edge a. b. number 4 on
to the edge a. b. number 1 the edge d. b. number 2 on to the edge d. b. number 1,

page_text: the edge j. g. number 3 on to the edge j. g number 4 gluing on the remaining side
number 2. so as to pair with the other number 2.
Glue a hook H. on to each side of the box, in the place shown by the shaded
part on Fig. 2 and with their points directed as shown in Fig. 1. We now proceed
to show the practical application of our invention when completed in metal, and put
in to the hands of the carriage maker.
The pole is fitted and driven in to the pole cap till its front end is flush with the
line m. n. Fig. 1., and is secured to the pole cap by means of a in. bolt driven
down through the hole W as before mentioned, it is also further secured by the
means of bolts and screws as required, to the pole bottom-plate D.
The part of the box filled by the pole, is the pole cap, the part in front of the
pole is the box of the hook lock, the front end of the pole answering in lieu of
the metal back to the box of the hook lock, the extension behind the pole cap
marked D. and shown short of its full length is the pole bottom plate.
When the workman has finished off his pole he turns it upside down, as shown
in Fig. 4 by looking at the drawing upside down, he then inserts the spring S. and
the slides through the aperture P. in either side, and places them in the positions
shown in the drawing, he then takes the bolt B and forces it, in to the aperture P.
in either side of the box, and out through the corresponding aperture in the other
side, till it snaps into its place.
By now turning the drawing, the right way up, it will be seen, that as soon as
the bolt B. is pushed far enough to reach the position to lock the hooks, it is
pressed down with a sudden snap by the spring and secured in its place.
The workman now turns a screw which is tapped into the front of the box Fig. 4.
and turns it home, when the end of the screw protrudes in. into the interior of
the box, into a groove made in the bolt B. full in. deep and sufficiently wide so
that the end of the screw cannot interfere with the bolt B. except at either
extremity of the groove, which groove is made of the proper length to stop the
bolt from passing either way further than required.
Having explained our invention, we proceed to show the manner of using the
same.
The horses being placed in their usual proper position to be attached to the pole,
a man stands in front of the pole, and applies a hand to each end of the bolt B.,
which he raises, and then pushes it with his right hand as far as it will slide to
the left, he then puts the large round link of the pole chain connected with the near
side horse, on to the hook, then with his left hand pushes the bolt to his right,
when it snaps into its place and the near side horse is securely attached, he again
raises the bolt slides it to his right, slips on the off side pole chain link pushes the
bolt with his right hand, and both horses are secured, and can be as quickly released,
whether standing or fallen down.
There is now no accident that can occur in the using of the vehicle, that can
possibly slip these links off the hooks, which can only be done by the simultaneous
application of two hands directed by human intelligence.
September 27th 1890.
JOHN WEEKES.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus or Means for Locking and Unlocking
Hooks, but more especially Carriage Pole Hooks.
We, JOHN WEEKES of 9 Old Street, London, E.C., Coach-body Maker,
WILLIAM ROBSON, and THOMAS ROBSON, both of 60 Farringdon Road in the
County of Middlesex, Wagon Builder, 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 :-
Our invention embraces the application to or combination with a hook or hooks

page_text: of a lock for the purpose of securing anything that may have to be connected to
the said hook or hooks.
This invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying
drawings which show the device adapted for use upon the pole of a carriage, and
which will serve as a general explanation of the invention, as applications to other
purposes would embrace the same salient features.
Fig. 1 is an inverted plan or underneath view of the complete apparatus as
applied to the pole of a carriage, and
Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same.
Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section of the apparatus and pole being otherwise a
similar view to Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is an end view of the apparatus when in position on the pole, with the
end of the casing removed so as to show the interior, and
Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 of a slightly modified arrangement.
Like letters represent like parts throughout the drawings.
A is the pole of the carriage and B the casing which may be made of any
suitable material, say for example cast iron or malleable cast iron. C are the
hooks or loops one at each side of the apparatus and D is the lock-bolt which is
adapted to be moved longitudinally either way in the direction of its axis, and may
also be turned obliquely as indicated in Fig. 4. The casing B which in the
illustration may be described as a hollow cube with one side missing and provided
with an extension or lug B' by which it is secured to the pole, has two opposite
openings B2 through which the bolt D extends; it has also another opening B³
through which the projection D' of the bolt extends preferably to about the level
of the outer face of the casing. The bolt D may have a hollow or recess D2 into
which extends the screwed pin E for the purpose of preventing the bolt from
falling out or being withdrawn from the casing.
Upon the side or face of the bolt opposite to that upon which is the projection Di
any suitable spring F is adapted to bear; in the drawing F is shown as a helical
or coiled spring taking into a block or piece G to obtain a good hold upon the
bolt, while allowing proper freedom to its movement and position. The operation
of this apparatus is as follows:-
It will be seen that as shown in Fig. 1 the hooks C are closed by the ends of
the bolt D so that enclosed spaces H are left in which a loop chain-link or the
like I will be securely retained. To liberate the link from the hook C the
projection D of the bolt may be pushed in until it is clear of the opening B³ in
the casing when the bolt can be longitudinally moved to either side so as to liberate
whichever of the links I is required. Thus to release the link I of Fig. 1 the bolt
would be moved to the bottom of that figure till the projecting end was moved
entirely clear of the link and into the casing. The link in the other space H
during this operation would not be released and to release the second link the
bolt D would have to be moved in the opposite direction during which time the
link in the top of Figure 1 would be imprisoned. In pushing in the projection D'
it is not necessary to force it bodily in against the spring so as to clear the edges
of the opening B³, all that is required being to clear its leading edge (whichever
that may happen to be) when the bolt can easily be forced along as required; it
is also not necessary to push directly upon the projection D' as the necessary
movement may even more easily be effected by operating upon one or both of the
ends of the bolt. Upon returning the bolt to its central or normal position the
spring F will force the projection D into the opening B³ and lock the bolt in
its place. If desired the ends of the bolt D may be so shaped as to facilitate
the grasping of it and it may also be formed with projections D³ as shown
in Fig. 5.
We may make the lock so that the bolt shall be operated on to lock or unlock
also to slide and lift by means of a key, knob or handle or in any way that is
common to locks.
If the bolt is to lock only one hook we may make the bolt to project at one

page_text: end and make the projecting end to lift like a latch and to lift high enough to
allow that, which is hooked on, to be taken off.
We may make the lock so that if it is required as it is possible in the case of
its application to harness hooks, the animal may be made in falling to release itself,
this is done by constructing the hooks with their points directed downwards at a
suitable angle and chamfering at the ends of the bolt their bottom parts where
contiguous to the points of the hooks; this being done the horse in falling would
release itself by overpowering the resistance of the spring and driving the bolt
of the lock out of the way after the manner of slamming a door.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. In a hook closing or locking device the combination with a pair of hooks such
as C of a sliding bolt such as D adapted normally to close or to be moved
longitudinally so as to clear either one of said hooks but not both together sub-
stantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
2. In a hook closing or locking device a bolt such as D adapted to normally
close both hooks but only capable of unclosing or freeing one hook at a time sub-
stantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
3. In a hook closing or locking device the combination with a casing such as B
having openings such as B2 B3 of a spring controlled sliding bolt such as D having
a projection such as D' substantially as described and illustrated in the accom-
panying drawings.
4. In a hook closing or locking device a spring controlled sliding bolt such
as D having a projection such as D' and a recess such as D2 in combination with
a casing such as B and pin E substantially as described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
5. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting the complete hook
closing or locking device substantially as described and illustrated in the accom-
panying drawings.
DaLcd mis 2ard day oi
JOHN WEEKES.
WILLIAM ROBSON.
THOS. ROBSON.
W. P. Thompson & Boult,
Agents for the Applicants.