IMPROVEMENTS IN CRADLES
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Kendrick, of Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, Manufacturer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN CRADLES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Kendrick at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th November 1879.
THOMAS KENDRICK, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Manufacturer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN CRADLES."
This Invention has for its object the construction of an infant's cradle capable of.
a steady and regular almost perpendicular oscillation from head to foot without
shaking or jerking, and with but little attention, the slightest movement of the
child being sufficient to put it in action, and to produce a gentle and soothing
movement. With this view I mount the cradle upon C springs, attached by one
end to the underside of the foot of the cradle, and by the other end to a frame or
carriage upon wheels or castors, the end attached to the frame being fixed in
bearings, by which the length of the spring and consequently its strength also may
be graduated to the weight of the child. The head of the cradle may also be con-
nected to the frame by a coiled spring or length of elastic or a cord, or if preferred
a rigid rod or standard by which the action of the C springs may be controlled or
even suspended as desired.
I can employ other springs than those named if preferred, such for instance as
helical, coil, eliptic, or india rubber.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Thomas Kendrick in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 28th May
1880.
THOMAS KENDRICK, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick Manufacturer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN CRADLES.”
This Invention has for its object the construction of an infant's cradle capable of
a steady and regular almost perpendicular oscillation from head to foot, without
shaking or jerking, and with but little attention, the slightest movement of the
child being sufficient to put it in action and to produce a gentle and soothing
movement. With this view I mount the cradle upon (C) springs, as shewn at (a)
Figure 1, attached to one end at (b) to the underside of the cradle at the foot end,
and by the other end to a frame or carriage (c), with or without wheels or castors,
the end attached to the frame being fixed in bearings (d), by which the length of
the spring and consequently its strength also may be graduated to the weight
of the child by the adjusting thumb screws (e). The head of the cradle may also
be connected to the frame by a coiled spring (f), Figure 2, or length of elastic or
a cord, or if preferred one or more rigid rods or standards, as at (g) Figure 3, may
be used. These rods are attached to the frame (c) by rivets, and constructed to
catch upon a button hook or other fastening at (h), and may be folded down on to
the frame (c) when not in use.
The object of the spring (f), Figure 2, being to controll the action of the (C)
springs, and that of the rods (g) to suspend their action.
I can employ other than (C) springs, if preferred, such for instance as helical,
coil, eliptic, or india rubber.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and the manner in
which the same is to be performed, I claim, without limiting myself to the precise
details herein illustrated and mentioned, the several improvements in cradles
herein named, with the object and for the purposes herein more fully set forth and
specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Kendrick, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twenty seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty.
THOMAS KENDRICK. (L.S.)