Improvements in Carts and other similar Vehicles.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 21st Sept., 1888
Complete Specification Left, 20th July, 1889-Accepted, 24th Aug., 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Carts and other similar Vehicles.
1 JOHN FURNISS of Moorhay, in the parish of Brampton, in the county of Derby, :
Farmer and Stone Merchant lo hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention has for its object the automatic adjustment of the load in ascending"
or descending inclines, and the automatic application of a break or breaks when
descending or stopping; also a means, under control of the driver of checking the
said automatic actions.
The automatic adjustment of the load is attained by making the body of the vehicle
free to move backwards and forwards in relation to the axle and wheels, and by
applying a spring or springs to transmit the drawing, propelling or backing force
from the body of the vehicle to the axle which spring or springs yielding pro-
portionally to the force applied shall thereby regulate automatically the position of
the body in relation to the axle and wheels. To facilitate this automatic action, the
axle is made free to revolve as the body travels over it, and to prevent the body being
lifted off the axle, a metal bar is carried from the body underneath the axle at each of
the bearings, thus forming a slot in which the axle travels. Instead of this arrange-
ment with revolving axle, the body may be made to move upon wheels or segments of
wheels between the body and axle or axletree.
The automatic application of the break is attained by connecting each break with a
spring fixed to body of vehicle in such uianner that the backward movement of the
body shall draw the break upon the wheel with an elastic pressure proportionate to
the distance the body has moved backwards from its normal position.
The means for checking the automatic movements of body and break, are, in the
case where the body moves upon a revolving axle, attained by a triangular-shaped
collar fitted loosely on the axle behind each bearing. One angle of the collar hangs
downward and may be weighted to keep the upper side of triangle nearly horizontal.
At each of the upper angles is a projection or tooth pointing upwards, and above this,
fixed to body of vehicle, is a horizontal rod having teeth on one side' which can be
turned down by the driver so as to bring them into gear with the teeth on the
triangle, which then holds the axle in position and prevents further movement.
When the body of vehicle moves upon wheels, and the axle or axletree does not
revolve, the checking arrangement consists of a toothed rail fixed across each end of
the axletree on its upper side, and a revolving rod attached to underside of vehicle
body, this rod having a tooth or projection on one side, which the driver can turn into
gear with the teeth on the axletree, thus holding it in position and preventing further
movement.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Carts and other similar Vehicles.
I JOHN FURNISS of Moorhay in the parish of Brampton in the county of Derby,
Farmer and Stone Merchant 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 :-
My invention has for its object the automatic adjustment of the load in ascending
or descending inclines, and the automatic application of a brake or brakes when

page_text: descending or stopping; also a means, under control of the driver, of checking the
said automatic actions.
The automatic adjustment of the load is attained by making the body of the
vehicle free to move backwards and forwards in relation to the axle and wheels, and
by applying a spring or springs to transmit the drawing, propelling, or backing force
from the body of the vehicle to the axle, which spring or springs, yielding pro-
portionally to the force applied. shall thereby regulate automatically the position of
the body in relation to the axle and wheels.
To facilitate this automatic action the axle or axle-tree is provided with rollers or
wheels free to revolve upon it; as the body of the vehicle moves over the axle these
rollers or wheels travel upon suitable paths fixed to it; guards, provided with slots in
which the axle moves, may be used to prevent the body being drawn or lifted off the
wheels.
Instead of this arrangement a toothed segment may be used, so shaped as to incline.
the body to the desired position, and thus avoid the necessity for using the regulating
springs.
The automatic application of the brake is attained by connecting each brake with a
spring, fixed to the body of the vehicle, in such a manner that the backward move-
ment of the body shall draw the brake upon the wheel with an elastic pressure
proportionate to the distance the body has moved backwards from its normal
position.
The means for checking the automatic movements of body and brakes consists of
toothed racks fixed across each end of the axle or axle-tree on its
upper sidé, and
catches or palls, free to fall into the racks, fixed to the body of the vehicle: a hand-
lever attached to a revolving rod having two arms by which the catches may be placed
in or out of gear with the racks, enables the driver to check the automatic actions at
pleasure.
In applying this patent to spring vehicles a different arrangement is used. The
ends of the springs are connected to the body of the vehicle by rods, one pair of which
rods are attached to suitable arms or brackets fixed to the body of the vehicle, which
arms or brackets may be also made to carry the steps. These rods are made long
enough to allow the body to move sufficiently forward or backward in relation to the
axle, springs being used to transmit the drawing and backing force to the axle, and
to regulate the position of the load.
By attaching the ends of the aforesaid rods to the vehicle, one pair above and the
other pair below the springs, the increasing tendency of the body to fall forwards or
backwards by its own weight, as the rods pass from the vertical position, which exists
when both pairs of rods are pivoted above the springs, is avoided.
If it is preferred, by suitably inclining the rods from the vertical line, when in
their normal position, the body of the cart may be given a tendency to go either
forward or backward, so rendering it only necessary to use springs on one side of
the axle for regulating the motion.
As an alternative method, both pairs of rods may be hung from points below the
springs, being attached to suitable arms or brackets fixed to the body of the vehicle.
By this arrangement of the rods the body of the vehicle is given a tendency to
remain in or return to its central position, thus lightening the stress on the regulating
springs or rendering their use unnecessary.
The automatic action of the brake is attained by lengthening two of the aforesaid
rods, and fixing suitable blocks to the ends, in such a manner that the backward
travel of the body brings the brakes upon the wheels.
To check these automatic actions, as for instance when backing the vehicle, a rod is
placed under the body having two arms connected by chains or otherwise to the axle
or springs a hand-lever working in a rack enables the driver to check the automatic
motion of the body and application of the brakes from his seat in the vehicle.
In combination with either of the arrangements above described, and for the
purposes specified, a method may be adopted by which the drawing and backing force

page_text: of the horse may be transmitted directly to the axle or axle-tree and wheels over
pulleys fixed to the body of the vehicle and to the shafts, thus increasing by a purchase
the force available for producing the automatic adjustment of the load, or application
of the brakes.
This is effected by attaching the ends of the breech band to chains or bands passing
over pulleys on the shafts, and thence carried back and connected to the axle or
axle-tree and in a similar way, by attaching the ends of the traces or drawing chains
to chains or bands passing over pulleys fixed under the body of the vehicle behind
the axle, and thence carried forward and connected to the axle or axle-tree.
Or these chains may be combined, forming endless bands passing over pulleys on
the shafts and on the back part of the body of the vehicle, the axle or axle-tree being
fixed to one part of each chain, while the breech band ends and the traces or drawing
chains are fixed or hooked to them at other convenient points.
The ends of the back-band may also be fixed or hooked to other convenient points
in the same chains or bands, suitable guide bars, which may be provided with wheels
or rollers to reduce the friction, being arranged on the shafts to allow the ends of
the back-band to travel with the horse backwards or forwards in relation to the shafts,
so avoiding the chafing of the saddle on the horse's chine.
Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings show one form of applying this patent to a heavy
cart.
The body of the cart is free to move over the axle A. guides B. being provided to
retain the motion within certain limits. The motion is facilitated by the rollers or
wheels C. travelling on the pathways D.
The drawing force is transmitted to the axle through the springs E. by means of
suitable brackets F. fixed to the body of the cart, and guide rods G. fixed to the axle
or axle-tree.
When going up an incline the increased tractive force exerted by the horse com-
presses the springs E. and causes the body of the cart to travel forward in relation to
the wheels, thus throwing greater weight onto the horse's back.
When descending an incline or stopping, the backing force exerted by the horse,
aided by the springs E. causes the body to travel backwards over the axle, thus
bringing the brake blocks H. into contact with the naves of the wheels, through the
tension thereby put upon the springs I.
The greater the backing force exerted the further back will the body travel over
the axle, so automatically lightening the load on the horse's back and applying the
brakes, proportionally to the steepness of the incline and the backing force exerted by
the horse.
•
To enable the driver to check this automatic action when required, toothed racks K.
are provided into which the catches or palls L. are free to fall. By means of the
lever M. fixed to a rod under the cart to which are attached suitable arms, the driver
is enabled to control the catches, either leaving the body of the cart free to travel, or
allowing the catches to fix it in any desired position.
Instead of rollers or wheels C. travelling on the pathways D., toothed segments
may be used, as shown in Fig. 3 Sheet 1. of the drawings marked N., free to revolve
on the axle and travelling on suitable pathways O. provided with spaces to receive the
teeth.
By striking the curve of the toothed segments with a radius larger than "the
distance to the centre of the axle, or otherwise suitably altering the course, it may be
arranged that the body of the cart shall be in its lowest position when the segments
stand perpendicularly in the centre, being raised gradually as it travels either forward
or backward.
In this way the weight of the cart may be made to regulate or assist in regulating
the automatic adjustment of the load and application of the brakes, thus dispensing
entirely or partially with the use of springs for that purpose.
Fig. Sheet 3. represents a method of applying this patent to spring carts or other
similar vehicles.

page_text: .
In this case the body of the vehicle is swung on the springs by means of the rods P.
and Q., of which the pair marked P. are attached by suitable pins to the body above
the springs, and the pair marked Q are attached to it at points below the springs, by
means of suitable arms R. to which are also attached the steps. The rods P. and Q.
are made long enough to allow the body to travel backwards and forwards sufficiently
in relation to the axle and wheels.
The rods as shown in the drawing are given an inclination backwards, thus
imparting to the body a tendency to move in that direction, this tendency is counter-
acted by the springs S.
The rods P. which move in suitable guides T. are lengthened and to their ends
brake blocks are attached, of the usual type having guards to prevent their slipping
off the tires of the wheels.
As the horse moves forward it exerts a drawing force on the shafts which over-
comes, more or less according to the force exerted, the backward tendency given to
the body by the inclination of the rods P. and Q., thus throwing more weight forward
onto the horse's back..
When descending an incline the action is reversed the backing force exerted by
the horse overcomes the resistence of the springs S. and allows the body to move
backwards over the axle, so automatically lightening the load on the horses back.
At the same time, the body, travelling back wards in relation to the axle and
springs, carries with it the top ends of the rods P. thus bringing the brake-blocks,
which are attached to the other ends of the same rods, into contact with the rims of
the wheels, and pressing them against the tires with a power proportionate to the
steepness of the incline and the backing force exerted by the horse.
As an alternative method the rods P. may also be attached to the body at points
below the springs, by means of suitable arms in a similar way to that shown for the
rods Q.
By this means the body is given a tendency to its central position, which tendency
will increase in power as the body moves further from that position, thus either
materially lightening the strains on the springs S. or rendering their use unnecessary.
To enable the driver to check the automatic motion at pleasure, as for instance when
backing the vehicle, a hand-lever U. is provided, fixed to a rod passing under the
body to which are, also fixed the arms V., the ends of which arms are attached by
chains or other suitable means, either to the springs as shown or directly to the
axle.
By pushing forward the hand-lever U., which is guided in a suitable rack provided
with catches, the chains W. are tightened, and so the body of the vehicle prevented
from going backwards in relation to the axle or wheels.
Fig. 5. Sheet 4. of the drawings represents a method by which the drawing and
backing force of the horse is transmitted directly to the axle or axle-tree of the vehicle
over pulleys fixed to the body and shafts.
The drawing shows the method applied to a heavy cart but it is equally applicable
to all classes of two wheeled vehicles.
In the figure the ends of the back band a. are attached to hooks b. made free to
travel along suitable guides c. rollers or wheels d. being provided to reduce the
friction. To these same hooks b. are attached by means of suitable links e. the ends
of the chains.or bands f. and g. The chains or bands marked g. passing forward over
the pulleys h. are carried back along the shafts, rods being used for part of the distance
if preferred, and the ends are fixed to the axle or axle-tree at i. The chains or
bands are carried back over pulleys k. fixed to the body of the vehicle, the ends
being attached to the axle or axle tree at l.
The chains or bands g. are provided with suitable links into which the traces or
drawing chains may be hooked; in like manner suitable provision is made on the
chains or bands f. to hook, or otherwise conveniently attach, the ends of the breech
band.
As the horse backs, to resist the weight down an incline, stress is put upon the

page_text: links e. and chains or bands g., thus pressing back the body of the vehicle and
drawing forward the wheels, and so automatically lightening the load on the horse's
back.
This arrangement is intended to be used in connection with one of the methods
described above for automatically regulating the load and applying the brakes, and is
for the purpose of increasing, by means of the purchase which the pulleys h. and k.
afford, the power available for producing such automatic actions.
When the horse moves forward, drawing the load up an incline, an opposite move-
ment takes place through the links e. and the chains or bands f., which latter, passing
over the pulleys k. and being attached to the axle or axle-tree, tend to draw the body
of the vehicle forwards while drawing the wheels backwards, thus automatically
throwing the weight again onto the horses back the purchase provided by the
pulleys k. materially increases the force otherwise available for producing this auto-
matic action.
At each forward or backward movement of the horse a corresponding movement of
the hooks b. is brought about, by their being connected through the links e. to the
chains or bands f. and g., thus keeping the back-band always directly over its work
and preventing the chafing of the horse's chine which would otherwise take place.
This movement of the hooks b. is facilitated and the friction reduced by the pulleys
or rollers d., which, together with the guides c, form a suitable means for guiding
the whole motion and keeping it in its place.
If preferred independent chains or bands may be used for transmitting the drawing
or backing force; or either of these forces alone may be transmitted by this means,
the other being transmitted through the shafts as is usual.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:
1. The combinations substancially as shown and described and for the purposes
specified.
2. The use of springs for the transmission of the drawing or backing force from the
body of the vehicle to the axle or axle-tree, and for the automatic regulation or
adjustment of the load and application of the brakes, substancially as described and
for the purposes herein before specified.
3. The use of wheels rollers or segments placed upon the axle or axle-tree so as to
bear the weight of the body and to facilitate its automatic movement backwards &
forwards over the axle, substancially as described and for the purposes specified.
Dated this 19th day of July 1889.
JOHN FURNISS,
Applicant.