Improvements in Breast-Straps.
Year: 1897

page_text: Improvements in Breast-Straps.
We, GILBERT NEVLING, Blacksmith, and JESSE BRUCE DUNLAP, Mechanic, both of
Glen Campbell, in the County of Indiana, and State of Pennsylvania, one of the
United States of America, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be "as
follows:-
The invention forming the subject of this application relates to improvements in
breast straps for harness, having for its object to provide a breast strap which adjusts
itself automatically to the movements of the animal, serves as an attaching device for
the holding back strap from the neck-yoke when used in double driving harness, and
also permits the martingale to pass therethrough, and to allow freedom of breathing
action when pulling up-grade.
The invention consists in making the breast strap in two parts that are separated
or spaced at the front, where they cross the breast of the animal. These separated
portions of the breast strap are connected by a bow that is pivotally connected with
the end portions of the breast strap. This bow stands outwardly and over and away
from the wind-pipe of the animal, so as not to interfere with the breathing action.
The pivotal or hinged connection between the ends of the bow and the ends of the
separated portions of the breast strap, serve as joints which give at every step or
movement of the animal, so as to automatically adjust itself, as is obvious, and to
prevent the breast collar from moving backward or forward upon the animal. The
supporting strap is secured to the sides of the breast strap in the usual manner, and
assists in holding the same in place.
MARKS & CLERK,
18, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., and
13, Temple Street, Birmingham, Agents.
improvements in Breast-Straps.
We, GILBERT NEVLING, Blacksmith, and JESSE BRUCE DUNLAP, Mechanic, both of
Glen Campbell, in the County of Indiana, and State of Pennsylvania, United States of
America, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
saine is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
This invention is a breast strap formed in two sections lying respectively at the
sides of the horse's breast and joined by a pivotally attached, forwardly arched
link, the strap sections being supported by shoulder straps attached to each breast
strap section.

page_text: Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this
Specification, in which similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in
all the figures. _
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the invention; and
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the link and the plates with which it is
connected.
The breast strap sections 3 and 3ª are provided, each at its rear end, with buckles 4
and 4ª, to which are attached the traces. The front end of each section 3 and 3 is
provided with a plate 5, which plates are slightly curved so that their contiguous
ends will project forwardly. The plates are secured in position by rivets or other
fastening devices 6. Each plate 5 is provided with two loops 7, to which are attached
the fastening straps of the usual breast pads (not shown). The plates 5, and
consequently the sections 3 and 3ª of the breast strap, are pivotally joined to each
other by the link 8, which link is connected with lugs 9 attached to the plates 5.
The link 8 is bowed forwardly, so that it projects clear of the horse.
The shoulder straps consist of a main portion 10 passing over the shoulders of the
horse and having bifurcated extensions 11 and 12 at each end. The extensions 12
are respectively connected with loops 14 attached to the respective plates 5, and the
extensions 11 are respectively connected with the rear portions of the sections 3
and 3 of the breast strap. By these means the breast strap is supported properly
in position.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is :-
1. The breast strap, constructed in two sections pivotally joined to each other by a
link.
2. The breast strap constructed in two sections, each provided with a plate
at its forward end, and a link pivotally attached to each plate, the plates having
their contiguous ends turned forwardly, and the link being bowed forwardly.
3. The combination of the breast strap constructed in two sections, the link
pivotally joining the same, and the shoulder straps attached to the sections of the
breast strap to support the same.
4. The breast strap, substantially as herein shown and described.
Dated this 13th day of June 1898