Improvements in Brake Mechanism for Road Vehicles.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Apr., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 29th Nov., 1893-Accepted, 28th Apr., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Brake Mechanism for Road Vehicles.
1, SAMUEL WALMSLEY NIELD of Ash Parva, Whitchurch, in the County
of Salop, Farmer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
:-
This invention relates to an arrangement of brake mechanism consisting of
levers and accompanying appliances being specially designed for the purpose of
enabling either coachman or inside occupant of any two or four wheel carriage
or vehicle or both from either box or inside to operate upon either fore or hind
wheels or both together by brakes, but preferably and particularly to enable the
inside occupant to apply the brakes whenever it may be necessary to call the
attention of the coachman, or in case of accident to the coachman, or in the event
of the coachman leaving his seat for any purpose or in the event of the horse
becoming unmanageable or beyond the coachman's control, or for enabling either
driver or occupant of hansom cab or both to do the same thing.
For adapting ordinary vehicles to my invention I remove the centre-pin of fore-
carriage viz. the pin which allows the rotation of the fore carriage, and bore a
small hole through its centre, of such a size as not to materially diminish the
strength, through and into the hole so made I fit a steel rod having at the lower
end a swivel joint, capable of turning on it and fitted to a forked lever which I
fasten upon a cross shaft having the ends made of such a shape and form and bent to
carry the brake blocks, this cross shaft I carry by. two brackets firmly attached to
the fore axle.
Upon the
upper end of the rod which passes through the centre pin I fit a swivel
similar in design to that on lower end of it, to which I attach a small racked cylinder
which fits into a bush which has a sliding paul, a spring and a treadle, this is made
as a lever & so arranged that upon placing the foot upon the treadle the spring will
be depressed, the ratchet withdrawn and the rod be at liberty to move up or down,
the release of the treadle allowing the paul to re-engage and prevent the downward
motion of the ratchet and rod.
The ratchet cylinder I carry by a bush which I fit into or upon the floor or bottomi
of box in the centre. The swivel on the upper end of the steel rod which passes
through the centre pin I fit into a forked lever, which is carried by a shaft with
suitable bearings and fitted in any convenient position, in, under or against the
box seat and projecting from the side of the vehicle sufficiently to allow the attach-
ment of a usual brake lever with the ratchet as in ordinary, or it may be preferable
by suitable levers to attach an existing brake lever. The forked lever which holds
the upper swivel I extend in any angular or straight position found necessary and
upon its end I form a spring ratchet capable of being acted upon by the coachman,
also capable of either engaging or disengaging the end of a rod which passes
through, under or over that portion of the vehicle connecting the box with the
body.
In the inside of the carriage I provide a lever standing vertical when not in use
& having a handle suitable for one or both hands. This lever I intend to carry by
a bearing attached to the frame of the carriage with its lower end projecting through
the bottom of the carriage sufficiently to engage a rod which operates the hind
wheel brakes; the before mentioned rod which passes from the box to the inside of
carriage I also provide if desired with a catch and spring or other appliance to the
vertical lever inside, so that the inside occupant may engage or release the coach-
man's brake if desired thus giving coachman and inside occupant power to engage

page_text: or disengage either or both sets of brakes, also giving the coachman power to brake
both sets of wheels before he leaves the box, or by the outside lever after he has
done so, and the inside occupant of the carriage power to increase the effect of the
hind brakes by pulling the vertical lever inside.
To further insure the safety of the carriage occupant I fit if desired a strong
spiral spring in connection with the rod which operates the hind brakes, & by the
vertical inside lever to the fore brakes, so that by detaching a spring catch situate
just under the feet of the inside occupant, this will assist or effect the operation of the
brakes and give increased efficiency, being automatic.
If however it should be desired, or that the vehicle be not suitable to have the
before described apparatus fitted to it I propose to use the automatic spiral spring
arrangement only, and I propose to place the lever which depresses it in any
suitable position in the inside of the vehicle, by which the inside occupant can
apply brake power to the hind wheels by simply detaching a spring catch which
holds it in check. I also provide if desired. the driver with a lever or other suitable
appliance to enable him to liberate the depressing lever inside the carriage and
thereby apply the brake.
In making and fixing my invention to a new vehicle I arrange the fore brake
as before described, but prefer to place the shaft which projects at side, and
lever, under the seat and the spring catch arrangement just in front, in centre
of coachman and to arrange the hind brakes that all rods are in tension.
Dated this 27th day of April 1893.
SAMUEL WALMSLEY NIELD.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Brake Mechanism for Road Vehicles.
I, SAMUEL WALMSLEY NIELD of Ash Parva, Whitchurch, in the County of
Salop, Farmer, 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 :-
This invention relates to an arrangement of brake mechanism consisting of levers
& accompanying appliances, being specially designed for the purpose of enabling
either coachman or inside occupant of any two or four wheel carriage or vehicle,
or both from either box or inside to operate upon either fore or hind wheels or both
together by brakes, but preferably & particularly to enable the inside occupant to
apply the brakes whenever it may be necessary to call the attention of the
coachman, or in case of accident to the coachman, or in the event of the coachman
leaving his seat for any purpose, or in the event of the horse becoming unmanageable
or beyond the coachman's control, or for enabling either driver or occupant of
hansom cab or both to do the same thing.
In order that my invention may be clearly understood I annex drawings.
Fig. 1 shows side elevation of vehicle and mode of operating two sets of brakes,
together or separately.
Fig. 2 shows front elevation of same.
Fig. 3. shows general plan.
Figs. 7 and 8. Sheet 2 show details of forked joint N and D, ratchet cylinder I,
swivels H and C spring catch K, and on Sheet No. 5, there are shown further
details of swivels H and C, also the mode of connecting the levers N and D with
swivels H and C, by Figs. 17 & 18 and on Sheet No. 4 there are shown details
of spring catches for inside and outside vehicle by Figs. 12. 13. 14 and 15.
Fig. 16 Sheet 4. shows end of lever R and slotted hole for rod T and joint for
wedge E¹.
Fig. 10, Sheets 3 and 4 shows side view or section of automatic spring and the
levers connected therewith.

page_text: Fig. 11 shows transverse view of same and arrangements for the rod T and
releasing wedge E¹.
The means by which the brakes are applied is as follows. When it is desired
to apply the brakes from the inside of vehicle, the occupant pulls the lever R
towards him, this applies the hind wheel brake by means of the rod T attached to
the lower end of this lever R, at the same time the fore wheels brake is applied
by means of a rod Q, which is attached near the upper end of lever R being
pulled back with it, thereby acting on a lever N which is carried by a shaft O,
this lever N being forked at one end and fitting a swivel H, which fits loosely on
and raises a steel rod B that passes through the centre pin A of fore carriage, the
steel rod B has also a swivel C at its lower end, to which is attached a forked
lever D, this lever D is fastened upon a cross shaft E having the ends formed and
bent to carry the brake blocks F F.
The coachman can also accomplish the same result with the lever U which is
attached to the end of shaft O and placed at the side of his driving seat.
When there is also a spiral spring arrangement attached, the brakes are applied
by the spring A' pressing forward rod T when the collar B' which has held the
spring in compression, is liberated from contact with the forked catch of lever C¹.
Referring to drawings on Sheets 1 and 2. For adapting my invention to ordinary
vehicles I remove centre pin of fore-carriage situate at about A and provide same
with a hole, slot or groove through or near the centre of such a size as not to
materially diminish the strength; through and into this hole, slot or groove I fit a
steel rod, B, having at the lower end a swivel joint C, held in position and
adjusted by nuts or any suitable contrivance; the swivel has a centre boss and two
side projections for fitting into holes in forked rod as shown by Figs. 7 & 8 Sheet 2.
and Fig. 17. Sheet 5. The swivels C & H. are exactly similar. The swivel C
has a hole through and fits the rod B loosely to allow of free action.
Figs. 7 & 8 show the construction in which the swivel body has projections
passing into forked lever. The lower swivel C. is attached in this manner to
forked lever D. This lever D I fasten upon a cross-shaft E. having the ends made
of such a shape and form and bent to carry the brake blocks F. F.
The cross shaft E. I carry by two brackets G. G. firmly attached to the fore
axle.
Upon the upper end of rod B. I fit a swivel H similar to C. in design &
construction as shown in Fig. 17. Sheet 5 and either forge on or braze or in any
suitable way attach a small ratchet cylinder I. Fig. 7 Sheet 2; this I fit into a
bush J. Figs. 7 & 8 which has a sliding pawl K, a spring L and a treadle Mas
shown in Figs. 7 & 8 above named this is made as a lever and so arranged that
upon placing the foot upon the treadle, the spring will be depressed, the pawl K.
withdrawn and the rod B. at liberty to move up or down; the release of the
treadle M allowing the pawl K. to re-engage and prevent the downward motion of
the ratchet cylinder I. and rod B. see Figs. 7 & 8 Sheet 2.
The ratchet-cylinder I. I carry by bush J, which I fit in coachmans box or seat
in such a position that it is over the centre of the fore axle and in a line with
rod B. The swivel H. I fit into a forked lever N which I carry by shaft O; this
is supported by suitable bearings and fitted in any convenient position in under or
against the box-seat, and projecting from the side of the vehicle sufficiently to
allow the attachment of the usual brake lever with the ordinary ratchet quadrant
or it
may be preferable by suitable levers to attach an existing brake lever.
The lever N forked at one end see Fig. 8. Sheet No. 2. and Fig. 18. Sheet No. 5.
I extend in any straight or angular position found necessary, the upper end shown
on Fig. 12 Sheet 4. is forked for the purpose of engaging a pin passing into rod Q,
this rod QI recess, also shown on Fig. 12, Sheet 4, the recess being curved on the
underside so that the end of the lever may be guided in when the rod Q is
lowered.
This rod it will be seen has a tooth projection and also a handle, the tooth
projection would if the handle upon the end of the rod Q were raised lodge upon

page_text: the projection on spring P thus holding the roď Q out of contact with the end of
lever N and leaving the rod Q at liberty to be moved backwards or forwards
for engaging the lever 'N the contrary action will arise when the rod Q is
disengaged from the spring and projection P and allowed to fall upon the end of
the lever N.
Figs. 12. 13 & 14 on Sheet 4 show also one of the many spring catches that
may be used for holding rod Q out of position and when liberated engaging the
end of lever N.
The spring catch shown in Sketch 14. Sheet 4 is intended to be screwed either
upon or in recess or against any part of the box side, near the coachman, so that
the handle upon the end beyond the spring keeps within reach of the driver or
coachman. The rod Q I pass either through under or over that portion of the
vehicle connecting the box with the body.
To recapitulate. The rod Q is fully described passing from the inside of the
carriage & is made in the form shown by Fig. 12 in elevation and Fig. 13 in plan
Sheet 4 the inside being held as before described for the purpose of separating the
end of lever N or guiding it into contact with the pin when the handle of rod Q
is raised, the spring P may be made either for the edges, edge ways as shown or
suspended, action to be obtained by handle upon end of rod when it is.desired to
move the rod Q and lever N in or out of gearing with the rod Q.,
•
In the interior of the carriage I propose to provide a lever R Figs. 1.4 and 15
Sheets 1. 2 and 4. having a handle suitable for one or both hands. This lever 1.
intend to carry by a bearing S, Figs. 1 & 4, attached to frame of carriage with its
lower end projecting through the bottom of the carriage sufficiently to engage the
brake rod, T & release wedge E¹ for operating on the hind wheel brakes. The
rod Q. I also provide with a catch & spring or other convenient appliance to
lever R, see Fig. 15 Sheet 4, so that the occupant may engage or release the
coachmans brake if desired. Thus both coachman & occupant have the power to
engage or disengage either or both fore and hind -brakes, giving the coachman
power to brake both sets of wheels before he leaves the box or by the outside
lever U after he has done so, and the occupant of the carriage power to increase
the effect of the hind brakes by pulling the lever R, while in the most effective
and safe position. To further ensure the safety of the carriage occupant 1 fit to
the carriage if desired a strong spiral spring to the underside or in any convenient
position, similar in design or varied to suit form of carriage as shown on Sheet 4
and Sheet 3, Fig. 10 in longitudinal & Fig. 11 in cross section the rod T being
jointed at one end to R and at the other to the brake levers, for actuating the hind
brakes. The spring is released by the occupant depressing the lever C¹ Fig. 10
Sheets 3 & 4, thus removing it from contact with collar B' and allowing the spring
to act. This action assists the brake power and is-constant & automatic.
To give either the coachman or occupant the power to disengage the spiral
spring A Fig. 10, the coachman by continuing the application of his brake lever U
moves the wedge E' at the same time as rod T. This movement carries along the
wedge E' in the first instance by reason of the end of lever R being made as
Fig. 16 Sheet 4 which brings the inclined wedge E' in contact with the foot of
lever C', Figs. 10 & 11, and thereby raises the fork catch of lever C' depresses the
treadle and liberates the spiral spring thus performing the same operation that the
occupant of the carriage would do.
In case it is desired or that the vehicle is not suited for the entire apparatus, as
in the case of a two wheel vehicle, I propose to use the automatic spring arrange-
ment and also give the driver power to apply the brakes as well as the occupant.
The spring arrangement I propose to fit either horizontally angularly or vertically
and to construct it according to Figs. 10 & 11 Sheets 3 & 4 in which T will
represent a rod running through the centre of spring A' connected to box or
driver as afterwards described upon which is securely fastened the collar B' and to
the body of the vehicle the stop or bracket H'. The treadle arrangement would
be similar and the clip portion of the treadle lever C' also similar to that proposed

page_text: for a complete & entire arrangement, as Figs. 1 & 4 Sheets 1 & 2; this clip & lever
connected to the treadle plate by either straight or angular levers to suit the form
of the carriage or vehicle. The rod T for actuating brakes and compressing-
spring being connected by levers chain or otherwise to the drivers seat; the release.
wedge E' being connected in a similar way. I also propose if it is so desired in
any two wheel vehicle an internal lever as R. Figs. 1 & 4. with similar arrangements.
and connections to rod T and E'.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said.
invention & in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what [
claim is,
Firstly. The combination and arrangement of levers, catches springs and other
parts as shown on sheet drawings numbered 1 to 5 illustrated by Figures 1 to 18.
inclusive for the purpose of actuating brakes either from the inside or outside of
the vehicle, both together or independently as substantially described.
Secondly. The construction and use of the spiral spring arrangement for actuating
the brakes on one pair of wheels, also for assisting in actuating the two sets of.
brakes on all four wheels substantially as shown and described.
Dated this 28th day of November 1893.
SAMUEL WALMSLEY NIELD..