IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ELASTIC STEPS, CHIEFLY DESIGNED FOR RAILWAY AND OTHER CARRIAGES
Year: 1878

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LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ELASTIC STEPS, CHIEFLY
DESIGNED FOR RAILWAY AND OTHER CARRIAGES." A communication from
abroad by Francis Asbury Sawyer, of Boston, Massachusetts, United States of
America Gentleman
Sealed the 26th July 1878, and dated the 8th June 1878.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th June 1878.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF
ELASTIC STEPS, CHIEFLY DESIGNED FOR RAILWAY AND OTHER CARRIAGES." A
communication from abroad by Francis Asbury Sawyer, of Boston, Massachusetts,
United States of America, Gentleman.
This Invention has for its object the construction of carriage and other elastic
steps, as herein-after described, and the said Invention comprises,-
First. Methods of securing or fastening the pad to an unfinished shank which is
adapted to be welded to an arm or bracket depending from a carriage.
Second. Various means for fastening or securing an elastic plating to a metal
foundation plate, herein-after more fully described.
Third. An india-rubber covered step and shank in which the shank and
metal foundation plate are united before the india-rubber is vulcanized to said
foundation plate.
Fourth. Providing the surface of carriage and other steps with resilient letters for
advertising, for denoting ownership, or for other purposes.
Fifth. Various modifications in the construction and shaping of the metal
foundation plate whereby any suitable formative composition may be used in place
of an elastic plating, or whereby when used with an elastic plating an improved
result is obtained.

page_text: .
Figure 1 shews in plan the method heretofore employed for securing a detachable
pad to an unfinished shank.
Figures 2 and 3 shew my improved method of fastening a pad to an unfinished
shank.
Figure 4 is a cross section of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a cross section of Figure 2.
Figure 6 is an elevation of Figure 4, showing the surface.
Figure 7 is a plan of the portion of the shank and the metal foundation plate in
one piece.
Figure 8 is a plan of a detachable pad with the shank unattached.
Figure 9 is a plan of the upper portion of my improved foundation plate herein-
after described; Figure 10 is a modification of the same.
Figure 11 is a plan of the under portion of the plate, Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a transverse section of Figure 9, shewing the canvas vulcanized
between the rubber covering and the metal plate.
Figure 13 is a transverse section shewing modifications in the construction of the
said Invention.
Figure 14 is a transverse section shewing a metal foundation plate and shank in
one piece before the rubber is vulcanized to the said foundation plate.
Figure 15 is a plan of an improved railway carriage step with resilient letters
vulcanized thereon.
Figures 16 and 17 shew portions of such steps detached.
Figure 18 is a transverse section of Figure 15.
It is intended that the metal foundation plate and the india-rubber tread which
is secured thereto shall be herein understood as constituting a pad. In some instances
it is desirable that the pads shall be detachable from the end of the carriage arm or
bracket supporting the same, and in others that the pad and the arm or bracket, or
a portion of said arm or bracket shall be a complete rigid article adapted to be
immediately applied or fastened to the carriage body or to a short bracket depending
therefrom.
To secure the first-named construction, or that in which the pad is detachable, it
is necessary to supply the said pad with a short intermediary unfinished shank,
which shall support at one end the said detachable pad, and at the other end is so
shaped as to be readily welded to a short arm or bracket hanging from the carriage,
in which case the metal foundation plate A must be so cut or formed upon its under
surface as to fit readily the end of the unfinished shank B which is shaped to
receive it.
.
In some instances this object may be accomplished, as shown in Figure 4, by
providing the plate with an angular downwardly projecting stud a, which shall
have the screw thread b formed on its end; and shall fit into a hole of like
shape c, in the end of said short shank, to which it is locked by the nut e; or
the said foundation plate may be provided with wedge-shaped projections d, which
project in a converging direction from the bottom of the plate, and which fit
upon the wedge-shaped end of a short shank, to which it is locked by puncturing
the sides of the ribs upon the wedge-shaped end of the shank, or by keying the
same by means of the key f.
Other modifications for accomplishing this purpose could be named, but such
details in the construction of the Invention herein set forth may be left for the
practise of the blacksmith or the manufacturer.
It is preferable for many reasons to provide the under portion of the plate
with re-inforcing ribs g, which may radiate from the stud or from the wedge-
shaped ribs to the circumference of the plate in order that a less quantity of

page_text: metal may be used, and a stronger and more desirable construction obtained for
the foundation plate.
When the complete pad and shank are made as an article of manufacture, the
keying or bolting, or the particular formation of the end of the shank to
receive, and the under portion of the plate to fit, will be obviated, and the ictal
foundation plate and shank may be either curved and finished, or unfinished or
welded, forged, or cast into a complete shape before the rubber plating is
vulcanized thereto, and this construction may be preferable to the above-named for
new work.
In order to securely and effectually unite the rubber plating or other treading
surface, which is moulded to the metal foundation plate, I prefer to provide the
same with holes h, around or near the circumference of the plate, which may be
enlarged at their lower ends if desirable, and may be connected with the channels
m. And where the rubber is vulcanized over the edge of the plate, as shown in
Figure 14, it is preferable to incline the edge of the metal plate from the top
outwardly and downwardly, and to cause the rubber edge to correspond in inclina-
tion thereto, so that no part of the horizontal surface of the "tread" is unsupported
by the metal foundation plate.
It is also desirable in some instances to apply a strip of canvas n, around
the edge of the foundation plate, or upon any particular portion thereof, where
it may be desirable to strengthen the edge of the rubber "tread" to prevent it
from yielding under an oblique thrust, and to vulcanize the rubber surface over
said canvas, thereby, as it were, causing the canvas to bite the edge of the step,
and by its combination with the rubber (which is prevented by its attachment
to the canvas from yielding in any direction) effecting a very permanent and secure
union of the rubber "tread" to the foundation plate.
It will be observed that in this method of fastening, the rubber which passes
through the holes is knit with the rubber that passes over the edge of the
foundation plate, thereby increasing the solidity of the construction.
In some instances, and notably for carriage steps intended for heavy wear, liko
coaches and carriers' waggons, drays and locomotives, it is desirable to form the
metal foundation plate with an exterior wall o, somewhat rounded or chamfered on
its outer surface, and enclosing a channel p, preferably perforated on the upper
surface of the said foundation plate. This channel p may surround an inner
portion, in height not quite equal to the height of the retaining wall, and provided
with grooves or otherwise roughened, so that the rubber may more firmly adhere
thereto. The outer wall o, is used to protect the edge of the rubber vulcanized to
the foundation plate inside said wall when the pad is subjected to very severe use,
or when it is placed in a position where the edge of the rubber is liable to be
exposed to undue wear unless thus protected.
When a foundation plate of this character is used the rubber is not carried over
the edge of the plate, but is confined within the retaining wall, and preferably
projects somewhat above the same, as shown in Figure 13. The rubber passes
through the perforations while under pressure in the vulcanizing process, and into
the lower channel m, whereby it is knit to the foundation plate. A strip of canvas
may be used in this case for strengthening the attachment of the rubber to the
plate, by passing the same alternately through the perforations and vulcanizing.
thereto. This re-inforces the rubber, and renders it less liable to be torn from the
plate by its resiliency changing in its position in relation to the base of the plate.
In this case the rubber is vulcanized very firmly to the channels and roughened
surface of the plate, and any oblique or lateral thrust is prevented by the exterior
metal wall. By forming the foundation plate in this manner, any suitable.
formative composition may be employed in lieu of the rubber plating, and among.
those which may be used is mentioned, rubber and any earthy or mineral matter,.
papier maché, paper pulp, and any gritty material, diatite, bitumen and celluloid,
and sand, or finely pulverized mineral or earthy matter, or in fact any composition
which is capable of being moulded or packed upon the plate inside the retaining

page_text: wall possessing a suitably frictional property, combined with easily moulded com-
pressible cement.
It is preferable for many reasons to form the surface, where resiliency in the
plating is required, for ice breaking purposes as well as for drainage, into alternate
elevations and depressions; the depressions should connect with each other, and
extend to the edge of the pad.
The elevations may have any particular figure or design.
By this formation of the surface of the step, as above stated, dirt and sediment
easily escape, an increased frictional bearing is given, and the property of breaking
ice is provided; the rubber to an increased extent, as the pressure of the foot upon
the ice and rubber, causes a compression of the rubber and a breakage of the ice;
and when the foot is removed, the rubber bounding back, frees the step from the
ice or snow which had lodged thereon.
Two or more kinds of stock may be used in forming the plating; the interior
portion may be of rubber stock possessing more fibre and less rubber than the
exterior, which should be of purer stock, and possess greater resiliency.
As above stated, it is desirable to mould upon step surfaces, and preferably upon
railway carriage steps and steps of large size, letters or characters denoting owner-
ship, for the purpose both of advertising the business of the person using the same,
and as a guide for direction. And for these reasons it is very essential that car
and carriage steps should be so formed as by a simple inspection of the step, the
passenger may be guided to the proper car. It is common in iron and other metal
work to mould or strike up raised letters on the surface, and the broad application
of the above-described feature is not claimed, but I apply it to steps covered with
resilient vulcanizable gum, where it is necessary to mould the surface in a peculiar
way to protect the letters or other characters employed from undue wear, and also
from the accumulation of dust or dirt around them, which from the clinging nature
of the resilient material is liable to happen when no provision is made for its escape.
This object is accomplished by forming the panel 8 at or near the centre of the
step, depressed when desirable, and by connecting it with the step edge by a net-
work of open channels t surrounding projections or extended ridges u, forming a
border round the panel. This is only one mode of construction, numerous others
may be easily devised for carrying out what is deemed essential in this Invention.
Upon this panel is moulded raised letters of resilient material, and for some reasons
it will be desirable that they be of less weight than the projections surrounding the
panel, in order that the wear may be more upon the projections than upon the
letters, thus protecting them from injury.
Another feature of this Invention is the making of the letters or projections of
a color contrasting with the base upon which they are moulded, that the distinctive
character of the step may be discerned at dusk. This object is accomplished
preferably by cutting out the letters and projections employed from sheets of colored
packing, placing the same in corresponding depressions in the mould, then covering
them with the stock destined to form the base, and uniting the same by vulcanization
and compression.
the
This application of rubber for "treads" may be as successfully employed upon
surface of roller bolts, or upon any other surface which is used as a "tread where
dirt, mud, ice, or snow are apt to accumulate, and render the surface slippery and
unstable.
In some instances, the holes h in the channel on the metal foundation plate can be
dispensed with by inclining the outer wall inwardly at its top, as shewn in Figure
13, causing the inner edge to overhang. It will be observed that the roughened
surface of the pad is filled with the plating material constituting the "tread," and
acts to receive the strain of a lateral or oblique pressure direct from the surface of
the plating, thereby preventing any thrust from extending beyond the particular
portion of the plating subjected to that strain.
The centre of the foundation plate, when cored to facilitate the casting of the

page_text: wedge-shaped ribs, is covered with a thin metal plate to prevent the plating
material from filling the space between the wedge-shaped ribs while under pressure.
The advantages of this Invention are too manifest to need comment, it being
sufficient to say that an improved and superior article is produced by its employ-
ment; that the "tread" is firmly united to the foundation plate by its use; that
easy and efficient means for fastening a pad to a shank or carriage arm, or bracket
are provided; and that the surface is made to perform another function than that
of ice breaking, and preventing accidents by slipping in its indicative character.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,-
First. The carriage step consisting of a metal plate formed upon its under surface
with the wedging ribs, as and for the purpose set forth.
Second. The carriage step provided with wedging ribs suitably stayed or rein-
forced, as shewn and described.
Third. The combination of a shank provided with a wedge-shaped top, as shewn,
with a step provided with wedging ribs designed to fit upon the head, and to be
fastened thereto in any desirable manner, as above described.
Fourth. The step shank provided with a head, wedge-shaped in cross section and
plan, as above set forth.
Fifth. The carriage step and shank consisting of a metal foundation plate, plated
with rubber or other composition upon its upper surface to form a "tread," and
having a partly finished shank projecting therefrom to any suitable arm or bracket
without injury to the "tread," as and for the purposes set forth.
Sixth. In a carriage step, the metal foundation plate bevelled, chamfered, or
rounded along its upper edge, recessed inwardly from the lower edge, and with or
without the aforesaid grooves and perforations, as above set forth.
Seventh. In an elastic carriage step, the combination of a metal foundation plate,
a resilient plating of rubber, and fibrous reinforcing strips arranged between the
said rubber and foundation plate, all united by vulcanization under pressure, as
above set forth.
Eighth. In an elastic carriage step, the combination of a metal foundation plate
bevelled or rounded along its upper edge with a rubber plating bevelled or rounded
at its edge, substantially coincident with the bevel or curvature of the plate edge,
as and for the purpose described.
"
Ninth. A carriage step consisting of a metal foundation plate completely covered
with india-rubber or other composition forming a "tread on its upper surface and
edge, having its flat upper surface not extended beyond the edge of the foundation
plate, as above described.
Tenth. The combination of a carriage shank and foundation plate, forged or
shaped from or into one piece of metal in combination with a treading surface of
india-rubber or of suitable composition united thereto by heat and pressure, or by
either, as and for the purpose described.
Eleventh. A carriage step consisting of a metal foundation plate provided with
an exterior retaining wall, and a plating of india-rubber or other suitable formative
composition for the treading surface, secured to the plate within the said wall, as
above set forth.
Twelfth. In a carriage step, the combination of a metal foundation plate provided
with an exterior retaining wall, with a plating of india-rubber or other suitable
formative material vulcanized or moulded by heat or pressure, or by either, to the
plate within the said retaining wall, as described.
Thirteenth. In a carriage step the combination of a metal foundation plate
provided with alternate grooves and ridges or other roughened surface with a
plating of india-rubber or other formative material moulded thereon by heat and
pressure, or either, as above described.
Fourteenth. The combination in a carriage step of a metal foundation plate
provided with perforations open from the surface of the plate or from a channel

page_text: enlarged on the under side of said plate, as shown, with or without connecting
channels, with a plate of india-rubber or other formative material united thereto by
heat and pressure, or by either, and filling said holes and channels, or either, as and
for the purpose set forth.
Fifteenth. In a carriage step in which the treading surface of india-rubber or
other composition is not extended over the edge of the metal foundation plate, the
combination of the metal foundation plate provided with perforations, and the said
plating, as above described.
Sixteenth. In a carriage step the combination of a metal foundation plate
provided with an exterior retaining wall and the perforations, with a plating or
tread" of india-rubber united thereto by heat and pressure, or by either, as and
for the purpose described.
Seventeenth. In a carriage step the combination of a metal foundation plate
provided with perforations and a roughened surface with a plating of india-rubber
or other suitable formative material united thereto by heat or pressure, or by either,
as above described.
Eighteenth. The combination in a carriage step of a metal foundation plate
provided with perforations, with a strip of fibrous material woven in and out of
the said holes, and a plating of india-rubber or other suitable formative material
united to said strip, and incorporated with the said strip by heat or pressure, or
either, as and for the purpose described.
Nineteenth. The combination of a metal foundation plate provided with ribs
recessed, a shank recessed on its upper surface, and a key for locking the said plate
to the shank, as above set forth.
Twentieth. In a step plated with soft vulcanizable gum, the surface of open
channels, projections, and ridges surrounding a panel, upon which are moulded
resilient letters or other characters, as and for the purposes described.
Twenty-first. The step consisting of a plating of soft vulcanized gum, upon
which are moulded raised resilient letters or projections of a color contrasting with
the base, as and for the purposes described.
Twenty-second. In a step, the combination of a metal foundation plate, a layer of
interior stock or filling immediately above said foundation plate, and a finishing
plating of more resilient stock united to the said plate under pressure by vulcaniza-
tion, as above described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Eighth day of June, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.