IMPROVEMENTS IN MOVABLE INTRENCHMENTS OR SHIELDS FOR MILITARY PURPOSES
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MOVABLE INTRENCHMENTS OR SHIELDS FOR MILITARY
PURPOSES." A communication from abroad by Marion Juliana Wellman, of
the City and State of New York, United States of America, Gentlewoman.
Sealed the 4th April 1879, and dated the 8th October 1878.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th October 1878.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MOVABLE INTRENCHMENTS
OR SHIELDS FOR MILITARY PURPOSES." A communication from abroad by Marion
Juliana Wellman, of the City and State of New York, United States of America,
Gentlewoman.
This Invention relates to that class of military apparatus known as movable
intrenchments or shields, and has for its object the construction of a portable or
movable intrenchment or shield, which can be used in field operations to cover the
advance of troops and protect them from the enemy's fire.
In the accompanying Drawing,-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the said movable intrenchment or shield.
Figure 2 is a side view, showing a horse harnessed to the said apparatus.
Figure 3 is an end view, shewing the upright hinged to the support of the said
apparatus.
Figure 4 is an end view, shewing the effect of a ball striking the flexible
upright.
Figure 5 is a section of one form of the springs of the said apparatus.
Figure 6 is a similar view of another form of such springs.
Figure 7 is a front view of the aforesaiḍ upright detached from the support, and

page_text: Figure 8 is a back view of the said upright, shewing adjustable slides to cover the
said port holes.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the back of the apparatus, shewing the ledge or
seat of the same in position.
Similar letters indicate the same parts throughout the Drawing.
A. designates a stout frame of wood, iron, stone, or other suitable material having
a perpendicular top and scarp-shaped or flaring bottom or base; the latter is in the
form of an inverted Y, and of a suitable length, say 15 to 30 feet, and about 7 to
10 feet in height, and is supported upon suitable wheels, rollers, castors, or sleds, as
the condition of the surface of the ground to be traversed may require.
The outer surface of the said intrenchment may be provided with an additional
armour plate of suitable material, between which and the frame A may be inter-
posed springs a, like those shown in Figures 5 and 6 of the Drawing, or of other
suitable construction. By this arrangement of an additional armour plate having
powerful springs between it and the frame it is thought that the resisting force of
the outer surface of the intrenchment would be so great that shot or projectiles
striking it would glance or be thrown off without inflicting any material injury.
Another modification of my Invention consists in hinging the perpendicular or top
portion to the scarp-shaped or flaring bottom, and securing it in its upright position
by means of a strong flat spring b at the back (as shewn in Figures 3 and 4 of the
Drawing) so that when the perpendicular portion is struck by projectiles it will
yield to such a degree that the resistance will be so slight as to cause the projectiles
to pass or glance over the top of the intrenchment without materially injuring the
same (see particularly Figure 4 of the Drawing). In one form of my Invention (see
Figure 3 of the Drawing) the perpendicular portion of the intrenchment is made
hollow, and provided with suitable springs c in the recess thus formed for the
purpose of resisting the force of the projectiles and the like. Instead of springs
cotton, earth, fibre, or other suitable material may be used for this purpose. The
scarp-shaped or flaring bottom or base may be similarly protected and strengthened.
by filling the space between the front and back portions with cotton, earth, fibre,
or other suitable material, and providing bottom and end pieces to hold the filling
in position. In the light form of intrenchment this space may be utilized to carry
ammunition, food, and the like.
Each platoon or detail of a company, may be provided with one or more of these
intrenchments. They may be pierced with suitable apertures or port holes d
pointing in various directions for the platoon to shoot through (see Figure 7 of the
Drawing), and when intended for use against small-arms the light form shewn in
Figure 1, protected with steel plate armour or other light armour, will be found the
best. When intended for use against artillery the framework of the intrenchment
should be made proportionately heavier, and the armour should be made much
stronger, or one of the several styles of non-resisting perpendicular portions herein-
before described should be adopted. When used agaiust small-armis the weight of
the intrenchment will suffice to steady it; but it would need stout timber braces'
on the rear side to steady it against the force of projectiles thrown against it by.
artillery. When made in a light form and faced with steel plates it can be operated.
by hand and used as a shield for a small body of sharpshooters, who behind it can
advance safely very close to the enemy. When made to resist artillery firo the
intrenchment will be so heavy that it will be necessary to propel it by means of
horse power. Figure 2 of the Drawing shows the means by which I propose to
harness one or more horses to the apparatus, although other means may be here-:
after devised.
I also provide the intrenchment with a wide ledge or seat e on the inner side; as:
shewn in Figure 9, projecting from the point where the upper and lower portions
meet, and extending the full length of the intrenchment, or a part of such length,
as may be desired. One or more of these seats may be adjusted if necessary. The
object of this provision is to enable several men to act as look-outs. 1 also provide

page_text: several adjustable shields at the back of the intrenchment to protect the men so
engaged.
Two or more of these intrenchments may be used to form a line, and a suitable
number can be so combined as to make an enclosed work or fort.
Four or three can be arranged to form a square or triangular room, over the top
of which canvas or boards can be laid, thus forming a shelter superior to a tent, and
safe against attack.
For many purposes this Invention takes the place of earthworks, and when a
number of such intrenchments are combined and covered on the top they constitute
comfortable barracks. They should be constructed in readily adjustable pieces,
secured by dowels or pins, so that they may be readily transported by men or
horses, and be put together rapidly and in the dark.
One of these intrenchments A can be laid upon the top of two others, thus consti-
tuting a "bomb-proof." They may be provided with hooks for convenience in
moving or securing them together.
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. A movable intrenchment or shield constructed and operated as and for the
purpose set forth.
Second. A movable intrenchment having the perpendicular top and scarp-shaped
or flaring bottom or base, the latter in the form of an inverted Y, and mounted
upon rollers, wheels, castors, or sleds, all constructed and operated as and for the
purposes set forth.
Third. A movable intrenchment having the perpendicular top and scarp-shaped
or flaring bottom or base, with the space between the outer and inner portions of
the said flaring bottom or base so arranged as to constitute a receptacle for carrying
food, ammunition, or the like, or filled with cotton, earth, metal fibre, or other sub-
stances to steady the intrenchment and protect the lower part against artillery fire,
as above specified.
Fourth. A movable intrenchment having the perpendicular top and scarp-shaped
or flaring bottom or base, the top being hinged to the bottom, and provided with a
strong flat spring on the rear side, so that when the perpendicular portion is struck
by projectiles it will yield to such a degree that the resistance to the force of the
projectiles will be so slight as to cause such projectiles to pass or glance over
the top of the intrenchment without materially injuring the same, as above
specified.
Fifth. A movable intrenchment having the perpendicular top and scarp-shaped
or flaring bottom or base, the top portion being slotted from top to bottom, and
provided with elliptic springs, or springs of coiled wire, flat bands of metal or india-
rubber for the purpose of resisting the force of projectiles striking the intrenchment,
as above specified.
Sixth. The movable intrenchment provided with an additional armour plate or
facing, and having powerful elliptic springs, or coiled wire, or flat metal bands, or
solid india-rubber interposed between the additional armour facing and the frame
of the intrenchment to resist the force of projectiles striking the same, as above
specified.
Seventh. The movable intrenchment provided with a ledge or seat or a series of
ledges or seats for a number of men at the rear of the intrenchment, and having
adjustable shields secured at the back to protect the riders, as above specified.
Eighth. The movable intrenchment in which the space between its lower portions
are utilized for various purposes, having the entire frame rigid or made flexible by
suitable means, and having its upper portion solid or provided with an inner com-
partment for the reception of suitable resisting devices, and having an armour
plating directly secured to the frame; or an additional armour with elliptic or other
springs between it and the frame, and having the rear of the frame with or without
a ledge or seat, and arranged for the adjustment of additional shields if desired, and

page_text: provided with suitable apertures or port holes pointing in various directions, and
having adjustable slides or caps on the inner side of the intrenchment to close the
said port holes when desired, all as herein described and for the purposes set
forth.
Ninth. The combination of two, three, or more of such movable intrenchments
constructed and operated substantially as herein. described for the purposes set
forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.