Improvements in the Construction of the Axles and Axle Boxes for the Wheels of Common Road Carriages, and in the Method of and Means and Appliances for Lubricating the same.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 15th July, 1887
Complete Left, 31st Mar., 1888
Complete Accepted, 11th May, 1888
Improvements in the Construction of the Axles and Axle Boxes for
the Wheels of Common Road Carriages, and in the Method of
and Means and Appliances for Lubricating the same.
I, THOMAS FREEMAN NOTT FINCH, of Sidbury Works, Worcester, in the County of
Worcester, Button Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of my said invention
to be as follows:
The objects of my invention are to strengthen the axles of wheels of vehicles of all
descriptions, where strength is most required; to provide improved and expeditious
means of lubricating the axles and boxes of such wheels, reducing the consumption of
oil or other lubricants; to impart greater steadiness and stability to the wheels, while
running; to prevent oscillation or rocking of the wheel through wearing away of
the axle and box at the back of the same, and consequently preserving the framework
of the vehicle from premature destruction; and also to prevent the wear of the
leather washer at the base of the hub.
I construct my improved hub and box of metal (preferably of malleable cast iron),
or partly of metal and partly of other suitable material; but the following description
is, for the sake of clearness, confined to metallic hubs and boxes only.
Inside the hub, and between the hub and the box or between the outer case and
the box, I provide a number of chambers, which form receptacles for oil or other
lubricants.
The "box" consists of two short cylinders, or one long cylinder, which are or is
inserted into the central portion of the hub from the back end.
If preferred, the hub and the box may be cast in one, the chambers for the lubricant
being cored out.
At the front end of the hub an inside flange is provided against which the front
end of the box abuts. This flange has two holes made therein, one for pouring in oil
or other lubricant, and the other for permitting the exit of the air.
A leather washer is provided at the back of the hub, and means are provided for
preventing the same from turning round, or becoming displaced, consisting of pro-
jections on the hub and a grub screw in the cap or back cover. This cap or cover is

page_text: made to screw over or upon and to form part of the back end of the hub, and encloses
a metallic washer and a leather washer, the latter being secured in position by the
aforesaid grub screw in the back end of the cap.
The front end of the "box" is made solid, and provided with washers of metal and
leather. The outer end of the box passes beyond the internal flange of the hub. A
screw is cut upon the outer front end of the box; a leather washer is fitted to the
same, and the usual brass cap is added, which presses the leather washer home, covering
the holes, and making the box oil and dust proof.
The front end of the axle is made cylindrical for a short distance; it is then enlarged,
and a collar or shoulder is formed near the back end of the hub, against which the
back metallic washer abuts. The front side of this shoulder is preferably made conical,
and fits into a corresponding conical recess in the back end of the box.
In forming the hub of metal, the spaces or recesses for the spokes are provided by
coring or other ordinary means.
Oil or other lubricant is poured into the chambers from the front end, after removing
the cap and washer; and the wheel can be moved from the axle by first removing
the grub screw from the back cover, and then unscrewing the back cover with a "pin"
spanner, the pin of which is inserted in the hole for the screw, which at once releases
the hub from the axle.

page_text: Improvements in the Construction of the Axles and Axle Boxes for
the Wheels of Common Road Carriages, and in the Method of
and Means and Appliances for Lubricating the same.
I THOMAS FREEMAN NOTT FINCH, of Sidbury Works, Worcester, in the County
of Worcester, Button Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The objects of my invention are:-To strengthen the axles of wheels of road
vehicles, where strength is most required: To provide improved and expeditious means
of lubricating the axles and boxes of such wheels, reducing the consumption of oil or
other lubricants: To distribute the oil equally to all parts of the axle arm : To prevent
the escape of oil or other lubricant from the boxes, and the entry of dust and dirt into
the same: To impart greater steadiness and stability to the wheels while running: To
prevent oscillation or rocking of the wheel through the wearing away of the axle and
box at the back of the same, and consequently preserving the framework of the vehicle
from premature destruction, and to prevent the wear of the leather washer at the base
of the hub.
I construct my improved hub and box of metal (preferably of malleable cast iron),
or partly of metal and partly of other suitable material.
And in order that my said invention may be particularly described and ascertained,
reference is hereby made to the accompanying drawings, in which similar letters of
reference indicate corresponding parts.
Fig. 1 is an elevation of a metallic hub constructed according to my invention.
Fig. 2 is a view of the front end of the same. Fig. 3 is a back view. Fig. 4 is a
longitudinal section. Fig. 5 is a section on the line xx of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a view of
the back end of the box, with the cap c removed. Fig. 7 is another sectional elevation
of a metallic hub, shewing another form of box h, and the axle in position in the hub.
Fig. 8 is a separate view of the box h. Fig. 9 is a view of the front end of the same.
Fig. 10 is a sectional elevation, shewing the method of adapting my invention to hubs
formed of wood or other suitable material. Fig. 11 is a front view of the box. Fig. 12
is a sectional elevation, shewing another method of applying my invention to a
wooden hub. Fig. 13 is a front view of the box with the cap n removed. Fig. 14 is
a back view of Fig. 12. Fig. 15 is an elevation of the internal box shewn in Fig. 12.
Fig. 16 is a front view of the same. Fig. 17 is an elevation of the casing g, which is
sometimes used to enclose the box, and Figs. 18 to 24 are further details.
Referring to Figs. 1 to 6, a is the metallic hub, bb are the sockets for the spokes, his
the front portion of the box, and h' is the back portion; the box being, in this arrange-
ment, made in two halves, and driven into the metallic hub. The hub is cast with
ribs kk, leaving spaces for 11, and is bored out to fit the box hh. In Fig. 4 the box his
shown in elevation, and 'in section, both being in position in the hub. h³ h² are holes

page_text: formed in the box whereby the oil contained in the annular space ii and I can obtain
access to the axle and circulate freely. m is a screw at the front end of the box h,
upon which the cap n is fitted. o is a leather washer which is pressed against the face
or flange a¹ of the hub a. pp (shewn in dotted lines in Fig. 2) are two holes, one
for pouring in the oil, and the other for letting the air escape at the same time.
When the washer o and the cap n are in position, as shewn in Fig. 4, the holes p p
are covered and rendered perfectly oil and dust proof. c is a cap at the back of the
hub, the inside screw thread of which fits a corresponding thread upon the hub. o¹olis
a leather washer, forming an oil and dust proof joint. ġ is a steel washer, which
prevents the leather washer o¹ being worn away. rrare two grub screws with chisel
heads; the leather washer being pressed upon these sharp chisel heads, they enter
the washer, and prevent it from turning round in its place.
A screws is also fitted in the back plate of the cap c, (as shewn in Figs. 3, 7, 10
and 12). The inner end of this screw is hollowed out, whereby a sharp outer edge is
formed which enters the leather washer, and prevents it from turning, and also acts as
a set screw to prevent the cap c from unscrewing.
The oil spaces are sometimes formed by coring out in the centre of the cast hub or
box; the two ends being left solid, the oil spaces being separated by ribs left in the
casting. The edges of the ribs are thereby cleaned off at the same time that the hub
is bored out. These spaces contain the bulk of the lubricant, from whence it flows to
the axle arm, and along the same to the two ends of the box.
I also sometimes dispense with the external or internal screwed back cap or bush,
and attach a cap by means of studs with T heads let into corresponding recesses cored
into the circumference of the hub. These studs pass through the cap, which is then
secured by external nuts. In this arrangement a bush is inserted in the cap, formed
in two parts, for convenience of fitting.
The front end of the axle e is made cylindrical, as shewn in Fig. 10. A conical
enlargement e¹ and collar e' are formed next to the larger end of the axle e³, the collar eª
working against the steel washer
In forming the hub of metal, the spaces or recesses bb for the spokes are provided
by coring or other means.
Oil or other lubricant is poured into the chambers from the front end after removing
the cap n and washer o.
The wheel can be removed from the axle, by first removing the screws from the back
cap c, and then unscrewing the cap c with a "pin" spanner, the pin of which is inserted
in the hole of the screw s, which at once releases the hub from the axle.
Fig. 7 is a sectional elevation of a metallic bub, having the box h formed in one
piece. This box is furnished with longitudinal ribs d d and flange d', as shewn in
elevation in Fig. 8 and front view in Fig. 9.
In this arrangement the ribs d d fit the bore of the hub, and spaces for oil are
thereby provided, in addition to those between the ribs d d, and the annular space i i.
hare holes formed in the box to allow free passage of the oil to the axle.
The screw m¹ and head n', in Fig. 7, are formed in one, the screw m¹ passing
through the face or flange a¹, and pressing against the leather washer t herein after
mentioned.
Fig. 10 is a sectional elevation of a wooden hub. This is bored out as shewn and
fitted with a bush u, which is driven in and held by wedges vv. Fig. 11 is a front
view of the bush u, with the cap n and washer o removed. ³ ³ are the holes for the
passage of the oil.
Fig. 12 is a sectional elevation of another modification of the wooden hub; Fig. 13
being a front view of the bush u with the cap n and washer o removed. Fig. 14 is
a back view of the hub. Fig. 15 is a longitudinal elevation of the box h. Fig. 16 is
a front view of the same, and Fig. 17 is a longitudinal elevation of the bush u.
In the modification comprised in Figs. 12 to 17 the cap c¹ has a male screw which
screws into a corresponding internal screw in the bush u; and a screw plug m³ is fitted
in the front end of the same.
In Figs.
and 7 (in dotted lines) and in Figs. 10 and 12 (in full lines) the washers t

page_text: and w are shewn; t being a leather washer and wa steel one.
The washer w pro-
tects the leather washer from wear, and the leather washer prevents noise, rattle, and
vibration.
The longitudinal tightening up is effected (see Figs. 4. 7. & 10) by means of the
cap c. Referring to Fig. 12 the tightening is effected by means of the screw plug m²,
or by that and the cap c', or either of them.
In some cases I keep the axle against the back washer by means of the screw plug
and leather washer described in my former Specification No. 6617.
Figs. 18. 19 and 20 illustrate another method of forming the box, with shortened,
central ribs k, leaving openings or recesses to form oil reservoirs. Fig. 18 is
an elevation, Fig. 19 a longitudinal section on the line 3-4 of Fig. 20, and Fig. 20 is
a section on the line 1-2 of Fig 19.
In Figs. 18 and 19 T headed screw studs 5, 5, are shewn as another method of
securing the cap c.
A shallow groove, or other channel, is formed in each of the ribs kk, to allow the oil
to circulate from one receptacle to another, as the wheel revolves.
Figs. 21 to 24 illustrate another method of forming the box, the ribs being carried
back to 12-12, thereby forming extensions of the oil spaces ll. p¹ is a groove and
channel for the oil leading to the spaces 1 1.
Fig. 21 is a longitudinal section, on the line 9-10 of Fig. 22. Fig 22 is a back
view of the box. Fig. 23 is a section on the line 5-6 of Fig. 21, and Fig. 24 is a
section on the line 7-8 of Fig. 21.
Although I have shewn the cap c at the back of the hub, secured by internal and
external screws, as shewn in Figs. 1, 4, 7, 10 and 12, I wish it to be understood that
I do not claim such methods of securing the cap c, as they are not new.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said Invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is:-
1. In combination with metallic hubs as aforesaid, the application and use of the
metallic box h h¹, formed in two parts, provided with ribs dd, and having holes h³, to admit
oil to the axle from the surrounding spaces; the portion h having a screwed end m to
receive the cap n; and the portion ¹ being coned to fit the shoulder of the axle;
severally operating substantially as hereinbefore described and shewn in Figs. 1 to 6
of the drawings.
2. In combination with metallic hubs as aforesaid, the application and use of the
metallic box h (Figs. 7, 8 and 9) formed in one piece, provided with ribs d d, and oil
holes to admit oil to the axle, substantially as hereinbefore described and shewn on
drawings.
3. In combination with wooden hubs for the purpose aforesaid, the application and
use of the metallic bush u, carrying the metallic box h, such box having flanges dd,
oil holes h², and screwed end m to receive the cap n, substantially as hereinbefore
described, and shewn in Figs. 10 and 11 of the drawings.
4. In combination with wooden hubs as aforesaid, the application and use of the
metallic bush u, bored and tapped to receive the screwed plug m², the bush u carrying
the metallic box h (Figs. 12 to 17) formed with ribs d d and oil holes h³, substantially
as hereinbefore described and shewn on the drawings.
5. In combination with hubs constructed as aforesaid, the application and use of the
leather washer t and steel washer w, substantially as and for the purposes herein before
described and shewn on the drawings.
6. In combination with hubs constructed as aforesaid, the application and use of oil
and air holes p p, substantially as and for the purpose herein before described and
shewn on the drawings.
7. In combination with hubs constructed as aforesaid, the application and use of the
steel washer and leather washer o¹, either with or without the chisel ended grub
screws r, and with the screws and cap c, for preventing the leather washer o¹ from
turning in the hub, and rendering the back end oil and dust proof, substantially as
herein before described and shewn on the drawings.

page_text: .8. In combination with hubs constructed as aforesaid, the application and use of the
leather washer o, covering the holes p p, and rendering the front end oil and dust
proof, substantially as hereinbefore described and shewn on the drawings.
9. In combination with hubs constructed as aforesaid, the method of tightening
up the axle to prevent vibration, and securing the washers o' and q in position,
by means of the cap c, substantially as hereinbefore described and shewn on the
drawings.
10. In combination with hubs constructed as aforesaid, the application and use of
the screwed plug m² for the purpose of tightening up the axle, substantially as herein-
before described and shewn in Figs. 12 and 13 of the drawings.
11. The improved construction of axle, having a shoulder e, flange e³, and enlarged
end e³, substantially as hereinbefore described and shewn on the drawings.
12. The general construction, arrangement and combination of the several and
respective parts, together forming my improvements in the construction of the axles
and axle boxes for the wheels of common road carriages, and in the method of and
means and appliances for lubricating the same, substantially as hereinbefore described
and shewn on the drawings.
GEO. DOWNING,
Agent for Applicant.