IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY CARRIAGES
Year: 1877

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 RAILWAY CARRIAGES." A communication from abroad by
Eugene Payson Kellogg, of the City and State of New York, United States of
America.
Sealed the 29th September 1877, and dated the 24th July 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th July 1877.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY CARRIAGES." [A
communication from abroad by Eugene Payson Kellogg, of the City and State of
New York, United States of America.]
This Invention relates to railway carriages, and is designed to provide a carriage
which by the adjustment of some of its parts may be adapted either for night or day
travelling.
The said Invention is carried into practice as follows, that is to say:-The
berths are formed by means of removable stanchions or posts in connection with
pedestals which also serve as chair supports, the stanchions and chairs being
interchangeable.
The pedestals are arranged in fixed positions opposite the seat ends which are
arranged in alternate opposite positions, the seat ends on one side being opposite.
the middle of the seats on the other side to leave a free passage way through the
carriage when used with chairs.
The end divisions for the berths are formed by a new device consisting of a wall
curtain adapted to roll and be concealed in a recess in the carriage wall, and to be
drawn therefrom for use in a straight line at right angles to the said carriage wall.
The said curtain is mounted upon and carried by a spring roll which draws it
into place when not in use: It is drawn out for use between the end rails of the

page_text: upper berth, and in a vertical line with the ends of the permanent side seats, and in
connection with detachable or extensible end boards of said seats; such wall
curtain forms the partition for both the upper and lower berths, and is secured in
any suitable way to the berth stanchions, so that the rolling partitions are not only
combined with the carriage wall to receive and conceal them, but with the side seat
ends, their extension boards, the upper berths, and the stanchions, providing a
simple, quick, and compact way of forming end enclosures for the berthis, and
rolling the same straight back in the wall when the berth sections are taken
down.
The lower berths are ventilated by flues formed in the carriage wall, one or
more flues to each section, having its lower end opening at the inner side of the
wall into the lower berth, and provided with a register, and the upper end opening
at the outer side of the wall at or near the top of the carriage. The ventilation of
the lower berths is an important matter.
In forming the berths the stanchions or posts are secured in the pedestal sockets
and to top brackets; and the front and end rails are secured to the stanchions by
dovetail connections. Each upper berth has separate end rails, and all the berths
can be made at once or separately if desired.
A more particular and detailed_description of these several matters will be given
herein-after.
The carriage is constructed with fixed side seats of a length equal to that of a
sleeping berth so as to form sofas, and allow of their being readily converted into
lower berths, the seat frames being adapted for such purpose and for storage of the
parts forming the upper berths.
The manner of arranging these side seats has peculiar relation to the conversion
of the carriage from berth sections into a parlor chair carriage, by means of fixed
pedestals adapted for use alternately with chair seats (with a free passage) and
stanchions or posts for the sleeping sections. The pedestals for this purpose are
arranged opposite the side seat ends, and the ends of the side seats on one side of
the carriage are arranged opposite the middle of the length of the seats on the
other side of the carriage. This relative position of the side seats is obtained by
the extension of the convenience rooms at each end (on alternate sides of the
carriage only) inward, the distance of half a section, or about three feet, which will
bring the inner wall end of such rooms on one side of the carriage opposite to the
middle of the berth on the opposite side of the carriage, and thus bring the lines of
seats or berths at each end of the carriage further inward on one side at one end,
and on the other side at the opposite end of the carriage. By this construction the
sleeping sections are of the usual length in connection with the end rooms, but these
rooms extend at both ends and on alternate sides of the carriage a distance of half
a section further into the carriage than heretofore, to obtain the advantage of
arranging the fixed pedestals opposite the seat ends on both sides of the carriage,
with a free passage way through the carriage when chairs are used. This arrange-
ment also brings the chairs opposite the seat ends, and leaves the long side seats
comparitively free.
The pedestals are secured to the carriage floor by base flanges, and have socket
ends to receive swivel pins of the chairs.
In making up the sleeping sections the stanchions or posts are reared upon the
pedestals, and secured in position at the top by a bracket secured to the roof of the
carriage. The lower ends of the stanchions have shouldered flattened ends, and
shouldered socket ends of the pedestals have side openings, into which the flattened
ends are inserted sidewise and secured by a collar or sleeve fitted to slide over the
junction of the joining parts, and to rest upon the shoulder of the pedestal. The
said collar is held from turning by a screw passing through it into a slot in the
stanchion; and it is also provided with three arms or projections on which the
lower bed and end partitions are supported.
The upper ends of the stanchions are socketted to receive the shouldered ends of
the brackets, and thus the stanchions are held securely at both ends, but any
...

page_text: suitable means may be adapted for joining and fastening them in place and allow of
their easy removal.
Each stanchion or post has near the middle of its length a shoulder formation or
enlargement, upon which the front and end rails of the upper berth are supported.
These shoulder enlargements have vertical dovetail sockets to receive corresponding
tongues on the ends of the front and end rails, and thus form a secure lock to these
parts. The sockets for the front rails are formed on opposite sides of the stanchions,
and those for the outer ends of the end rails are formed on the inner side upon
slightly lower shoulders, and side by side to give separate and independent support
for the outer ends of separate end rails of each berth. The inner ends of these end
rails are also provided with dovetail tongues, which fit into corresponding socket
openings formed in plates secured to the carriage wall. Upper berth bottoms are
supported by cleats or brackets on the inner sides of the end rails. This arrange-
ment of separate and distinct end rails gives the advantage of making up each berth
independent of the other, and at different times, or all at once.
The upper berth is formed by taking the cushions of the said long side seats, and
supporting them upon the cleats or brackets of the separate end rails, while the said
lower berth is formed by a folding bed or mattress supported upon the long seat
frame and projections on the opposite sides of the stanchion collar or sleeve. When
not in use it is stowed away in the said long side seat frame. The ends of the long
side seats are formed with double walls or spaces between the joining ends of said
seats for the reception of a detachable board or panel, which is used in connection
with the side seat ends to close the ends of the lower berth. This panel is made to
conform to the form of the scat end when inserted into the space in said end out of
the way, and when used in making up the section, it is drawn out, reversed, and
inverted, with one end fitted into the seat end space, and the other or straight end
fitted over a pin on one of the said projections on the inner side of the sliding collar
or sleeve of the stanchion. When so secured it forms an extension of the seat end,
and partitions the berths at this point only as high as the seat end. From this line
the end partitions for the lower and upper berths are formed by rolling wall curtains
or partitions, that is to say, a curtain or partition that unrolls outward from the
wall, and forms a junction with one of the stanchions or posts, and is drawn into the
wall out of the way when not required for use, so that these end partitions are
formed and unformed by being operated in straight lines at right angles to the
carriage wall. They are composed of flexible material, and are mounted upon
vertical spring rolls fitted in bearings in recesses in the carriage wall, and suitably
covered, or each curtain may be mounted with its roll in a suitable case or enclosure
on the side of the wall, a vertical slot being only necessary, through which to draw
out and return the curtain.
A hand rod is attached to the outer edge of the curtain, by which to operate it,
and to form a stop to keep it from being drawn into the case, and also by which to
secure it to the stanchion or post when drawn out to cover the end of the berth.
When in use it forms a vertical extension of the seat ends and its adjustable
panel, and closes with the stanchions with which its hand rod is fastened
at its top by a loop or other device, and inserted at its lower end into a hole in
the top edge of the adjustable panel. The roll is so mounted and its spring
connection is such that it constantly tends to wind or roll the curtain, so that it is
only necessary to draw out the curtain in making up the berths, and fasten the hand
rod, and in taking down the berths the curtain rod is simply released from its
fastenings, and it at once returns to its roll by the action of the spring, and is out
of the way.
Now this arrangement admits of using the curtain in the small space
between the end rails of the upper berths, and allows the curtains to be drawn out
after the upper and lower berths are made, and to be rolled up out of the way in
taking down the berths. This construction gives greater convenience and facility in
working, and protects the curtains from liability to be torn and damaged in handling
the several parts by which the berths are formed.

page_text: The roof brackets carry a horizontal rod between them, from which hang a pair
of front curtains for the upper berth, while the front rail carries a rod for curtains
for the lower berth. These curtains are hung by hooks and eyes to be folded and
drawn out upon the rods. The upper berths have the usual top ventilation.
For ventilating the lower berths a vertical flue is formed in the carriage wall
between the windows, and open into the carriage just above the lower bed with a
register. These flues open on the outside at or near the top of the carriage, and the
movement of the carriages draws the air from the lower berths up through the flues.
The registers are closed when desired.
The cushions for the long side seats are formed with separate backs, which are
supported upon broad ledges, and the seats are fitted up against them.
When not
in use the stanchions, front and end rails, and the bed for the lower berth are all
stowed away into the box formed by a frame of the long side seats, and the cushions
which were used for the upper berth and returned to their places to form the side
seats.
Revolving or other chairs are mounted upon the fixed pedestals in positions
opposite the side seat arms, and a parlor day carriage is thus formed for day
travel.
When adapted for sleeping berths the arrangement of the fixed pedestals brings
the half of each sections on one side of the carrige opposite to the half of each
section on the oppoite side of the carriage, and by this means I obtain a fixed
arrangement of chair pedestals on both sides, with a clear passage way through the
carriage.
The parlor chairs, consisting of the seat and back, are removed from the pedestals,
and stowed in any suitable place when converting the carriage for night travel, the
pedestals serving as the chair supports, or as the stanchion base sections in adapting
the parlor chair carriage as a sleeping carriage, as stated.
The stanchions may be made tubular, and the connections of the rails with said
stanchions may be made by lugs and pins or in other suitable manner.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
24th January 1878.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY CARRIAGES." A
communication from abroad by Eugene Payson Kellogg, of the City and State of
New York, United States of America.
In the conversion of a sleeping carriage for night travelling into a parlor chair
carriage for day use, I employ certain new combinations and devices in several
important particulars to obtain advantages in construction and adaptation in using
such carriages.
The berths are formed by means of removable stanchions or posts in connection
with pedestals, which also serve as chair supports, the stanchions and chairs being
interchangeable for use as stated. The pedestals are arranged in fixed positions
opposite the seat ends, which are arranged in alternate opposite positions, the scat
ends on one side being opposite the middle of the seats on the other side to leave a
free passage way through the carriage when used with chairs.
in use.
The end divisions for the berths are formed by a new device consisting of a wall
curtain adapted to roll and be concealed in a recess in the carriage wall and to be
drawn therefrom for use in a straight line at right angles to the carriage wall. It
is mounted upon and carried by a spring roll which draws it into place when not
It is drawn out for use between the end rails of the upper berth and in a
vertical line with the ends of the permanent side seats, and in connection with
detachable or extensible end boards of said seats; such wall curtain forms the
partition for both the upper and lower berths, and is secured in any suitable way to
the berth stanchions, so that the rolling partitions are not only combined with the
carriage wall to receive and conceal them, but with the side seat ends, their extension
boards, the upper berths and the stanchions, affording a simple, quick, and compact
inanner of forming end enclosures for the berths, and rolling the same straight back
in the wall when the berth sections are taken down.
The lower berths are ventilated by flues formed in the carriage wall, one or more
flues to each section having the lower end thereof opening at the inner side of the
wall into the lower berth, and provided with a register, and the upper end opening
at the outer side of the wall at or near the top of the carriage. The ventilation of
the lower berths is an important matter.
In forming the berths the stanchions or posts are secured in the pedestal sockets
and to top brackets, and the front and end rails are secured to the stanchions by
dovetail connections. Each upper berth has separate end rails, and all the berths
can be made at once or separately if desired.
Figure 1 is an interior view of a portion of the carriage showing on one side two
sections of sleeping berths, and on the other side the arrangement of the parlor
chairs and long fixed side seats.
Figure 2 is a horizontal section of a portion of the carriage showing the rolling
wall curtain partitions, out in position between the end of the upper berth and
secured to the stanchions.
Figure 3 is a cross section of the carriage with the berths arranged for night
travelling.
Figure 4 is a similar section showing the arrangement of the chairs and the fixed'
side seats for day travelling.
Figure 5 is a vertical longitudinal section with the berths arranged for night
travelling.

page_text: Figure 6 is a horizontal section showing the rolling wall curtain drawn out anu
secured to the stanchions.
Figure 7 is a similar view showing the wall curtain rolled upon its roll into its
wall recess.
Figure 8 shows one of the end rails of the upper berth.
Figure 9 is a floor plan of a carriage showing the arrangement of the fixed pedestals
in relation to the long fixed side seats by which a free passage way is obtained
through the carriage when adapted for parlor chairs.
Figures 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 shew details of the berth-supporting stanchion and
pedestal.
Figure 15 shews details of the wall sockets for the end rails of the upper berths.
And Figure 16 shews in section details of the chair and pedestal.
The carriage is constructed with fixed side seats A of a length equal to that of a
sleeping berth, so as to form sofas and allow of their being readily converted into
lower berths, the seat frames being adapted for such purpose and for storage of the
parts forming the upper berths. The manner of arranging these side seats has
peculiar relation to the conversion of the carriage from berth sections into a parlour
chair carriage by means of fixed pedestals B adapted for use alternately with chair
seats (with a free passage) and stanchions or posts C for the sleeping sections. The
pedestals for this purpose are arranged opposite the side seat ends D and the ends
of the side seats on one side of the carriage are arranged opposite the middle of the
length of the seats on the other side of the carriage, as shewn in Figure 9. This
relative position of the side seats is obtained by the extension of the convenience
rooms at each end (on alternate sides of the carriage only) inward the distance of
half a section, or about three feet, which will bring the inner wall end D² of such
rooms on one side of the carriage opposite to the middle of the berth on the opposite
side of the said carriage, and thus bring the lines of seats or berths at each end of
the carriage further inward on one side at one end, and on the other side at the
opposite end of the carriage. By this construction the sleeping sections are of the
usual length in connection with the end rooms, but these rooms extend at both ends
and on alternate sides of the carriage a distance of half a section further into the
carriage than heretofore to obtain the advantage of arranging the fixed pedestals
opposite the seat ends on both sides of the carriage, with a free passage way through
the carriage when the chairs E are used. This arrangement also brings the chairs
opposite the seat ends D, and leaves the long side seats A comparatively free.
The pedestals are secured to the carriage floor by base flanges and have socket
ends to receive swivel pins of the chairs, as shewn in Figure 16.
In making up the sleeping sections the stanchions or posts C are reared upon the
pedestals B and secured in position at the top by a bracket F secured to the roof of
the carriage. The lower ends of the stanchions have shouldered flattened ends G,
Figure 11, and the shouldered socket ends B2 of the pedestals have side openings a
into which the flattened ends are inserted side wise and secured by a collar or sleeve
H fitted to slide over the junction of the joining parts and to rest upon the shoulder
of the pedestal. The collar H is held and kept from turning by a screw b passing
through it into a slot in the stanchion, and it is also provided with three arms or
projections c, c, Figuro 14, on which the lower bed I and end partitions J are
supported.
The upper ends of the stanchions are socketed to receive the shouldered ends d,
Figure 10, of the brackets F, and thus the stanchions are held securely at both ends,
but any suitable means may be adopted for joining and fastening them in place and
allow of their easy removal.
Each stancheon or post has near the middle of its length a shoulder formation or
enlargement K, upon which the front and end rails L, M, of the upper berth are
supported. This shoulder or enlargement K has vertical dovetail sockets e, Figure 13,
to receive corresponding tongues f, Figure 8, on the ends of the front and end rails,
and thus form a secure lock to these parts. The sockets for the front rails are

page_text: formed on opposite sides of the stanchions, and those for the outer ends of the end
rails are formed on the inner side, upon slightly lower shoulders, and side by side, to
give separate and independent support for the outer ends of the separate end rails of
each berth, as shown in Figures 2 and 13. The inner ends of these end rails are
also provided with dovetail tongues f, which fit into corresponding socket openings
e formed in plates secured to the carriage wall, as shown in Figures 1 and 15. The
upper berth bottoms N are supported by cleats or brackets on the inner sides of
the end rails M. This arrangement of separate and distinct end rails affords the
advantage of making up the berths independently of each other and at different
times, or simultaneously.
The upper berth N is formed by taking the cushions of the long side seats A, and
supporting them upon the cleats or brackets g of the separate end rails; while the
lower berth I is formed by a folding bed or mattress, supported upon the long seat
frame 12, and projections c² on the opposite sides of the stanchion collar, or sleeve.
When not in use it is stowed away in the long side seat frame I². The ends D of
the long side seats A are formed with double walls or spaces between the joining
ends of the said seats, for the reception of a detachable board or panel J, which is
nsed in connection with the side seat ends D, to close the ends of the lower berth,
as shown in Figure 3. This panel J is made to conform to the shape of the seat
end when inserted into the space in the said end out of the way, and when used in
making up the section it is drawn out, reversed, and inverted, with one end fitted
into the seat end space, and the other or straight end fitted over a pin h, Figure 11,
on the projection c, on the inner side of the sliding collar or sleeve H of the
stanchion. When so secured it forms an extension of the seat end, and partitions
the berths at this point only as high as the seat end. From this line the end
partitions for the lower and upper berths are formed by rolling wall curtains or
partitions P, Figures 2, 3, and 6, that is to say, a curtain or partition that unrolls
outward from the wall Q, and forms a junction with the stanchion or post C, and
is drawn into the wall out of the way when not required for use, so that these end
partitions are formed and unformed by being operated in straight lines at right
angles to the carriage wall. They are composed of flexible material, and are
mounted upon vertical spring rolls i, fitted in bearings in recesses j in the carriage
wall and suitably covered; or each curtain may be mounted with its roll in a
suitable case or enclosure on the side of the wall, a vertical slot / being only
necessary through which to draw out and return the curtain.
A hand rod is attached to the outer edge of the curtain P by which to operate
it, and to form a stop to keep it from being drawn into the case, and also by which
it secures it to the stanchion or post, when drawn out to cover the end of the berth,
When in use it forms a vertical extension of the seat ends D and its adjustable
panel J, and closes with the stanchions, with which the hand rod is fastened at its
top by a loop m or other device, and is inserted at its lower end into a hole n,
Figure 3, in the top edge of the adjustable panel J. The roll is so mounted, and
its spring connection is such that it constantly tends to wind or roll the curtain, so
that it is only necessary to draw out the curtain in making up the berths, and
fasten the hand rod ; and in taking down the berths the curtain rod is simply
released from its fastenings, and it at once returns to its roll by the action of the
spring, and is then out of the way. This arrangement permits the use of the
curtain in the small space between the end rails M of the upper berths, as shown in
Figure 2, and allows the curtains to be drawn out after the upper and lower berths
are made, and to be rolled up out of the way in taking down the berths. This
construction gives greater convenience and facility in working, and protects the
curtains from liability to be torn and damaged in handling the several parts by
which the berths are formed.
The roof brackets F carry between them a horizontal rod R, from which hang a
pair of front curtains S for the upper berths; while the front rail L carries a rod
for the curtains T for the lower berth. These curtains are hung by hooks and eyes,

page_text: to be folded and drawn out upon the rods. The upper berths have the usual top
ventilation.
For ventilating the lower berths a vertical flue U is formed in the carriage wall
between the windows, and opens into the carriage just above the lower bed, with a
register V, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. These flues U open on the outside, at or
near the top of the carriage, and the movement of the carriages draws the
air from the lower berths up through the flues. The registers are closed when
desired.
The cushions for the long side seats are formed with separate backs A¹, which are
supported upon broad ledges q, and the seats are fitted up against them. When
not in use the stanchions, front, and end rails, and the bed for the lower berth, are
all stowed away into the box formed by the frame 12 of the long side seats; and
the cushions which were used for the upper berth are returned to their places to
form the side seats.
Revolving or other chairs E are mounted upon the fixed pedestals B, opposite the
side seat arms D, and a parlor carriage is thus formed for day travelling.
When adapted for sleeping berths, the arrangement of the fixed pedestals brings
the half of each section on one side of the carriage opposite the half of each section
on the opposite side of the said carriage, and by these means I obtain a fixed
arrangement of chair pedestals on both sides, with a clear passage way through the
carriage.
The parlor chairs, consisting of the seat and back, are removed from the
pedestals, and stowed in any suitable place, when the carriage is adapted for night
travelling, the pedestals serving as the chair supports or as the stanchion base
sections in adapting a parlor chair carriage for use as a sleeping carriage, as above
set forth.
The aforesaid stanchions may be made tubular; and the connections of the rails
with the said stanchions may be made by lugs and pins, or by other suitable means.
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. In a convertible sleeping and parlour carriage, the combination with the
opposite side seat ends arranged in fixed alternate positions of the pedestals, fixed
in a line with the alternating seat ends, and the stanchions or berth-posts adapted
for use with the said fixed pedestals, as herein set forth.
Second. In a sleeping carriage the combination with the berth frames of end
partitions arranged upon a revolving roll in a wall recess, and adapted to be drawn
out therefrom to form berth end partitions, and to roll back out of the way when
released, as above set forth.
Third. A wall recess or case, having a vertical slot to permit the travel of a
rolling and unrolling curtain or partitions, retracted by a spring roll within the
recess, and stopped at the slot by a hand rod or stay, as above set forth.
Fourth. The combination of a travelling wall curtain or partition for sleeping
berths, with the ends of the fixed side seats, and berth supporting stanchions or
posts, to which the said curtains are fastened when drawn out, as above set forth.
Fifth. The combination of a travelling wall curtain or partition for sleeping
berths, with the ends of the fixed side seats, the berth supporting stanchions or
posts, and the detachable end boards, or partitions of the lower berths, as above
set forth.
Sixth. The combination with separate end rails for the berths of a travelling wall
curtain, adapted to be drawn out and retracted between, above, and below the said
separate end rails, as above set forth.
Seventh. The lower berth of a sleeping carriage, ventilated by means of a wall
flue between the windows, and having a register opening in the said berth, and an
outlet opening on the outside of the said wall, at or near the top of the carriage, as
above set forth.

page_text: Eighth. The shouldered stanchion enlargement having vertical dovetailed sockets
on three of its sides, in combination with the dovetail tongues of the front and
separate end rails, as above set forth, and for the purpose specified.
Ninth. The stanchion sleeve having the holding pin in combination with the
adjustable end partitions for holding the latter in place, as above set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-third day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
TTYM DAD
TTYM
W. ROB. LAKE. (L.S.)
TY