IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILROAD PASSENGER COACHES FOR DAY OR NIGHT TRAVEL."
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Clarke, of Truro, Nova Scotia, Dominion of
Canada, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILROAD PASSENGER
COACHES FOR DAY OR NIGHT TRAVEL."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Clarke at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th August 1880.
THOMAS CLARKE, of Truro, Novia Scotia, Dominion of Canada.
IN RAILROAD PASSENGER COACHES FOR DAY OR NIGHT TRAVEL."
"
IMPROVEMENTS
My Invention has relation to sleeping cars, and has for its object to construct a
car which is adapted for use during the day time as a parlor or drawing room car
and during the night time as a sleeping car. To this end it consists in the
construction and combination of parts as hereinafter described, by which I attain
great simplicity and durability of construction, the utilization of all available
space, superior ventilation, and the perfect comfort, privacy, and safety of the
traveller.
The sides of the car have, by preference, two windows for each section, each of
which should preferably have two sashes, with meeting rails like an ordinary house
window, so as to open the upper sash from the top and the lower sash from the
bottom, if desired; the inner seat supports or frames should be made of an attractive
design, and suitably ornamented, and are provided with arm rests. Each of the
said frames is connected with the wall or side of the car by parallel partitions, set
some distance apart so as to leave a narrow space or opening between of sufficient
width to receive a sliding partition, the upper end of which has a flanged head or
top piece, the laterally projecting flanges of which rest upon the top edges of the
stationary partitions when the vertically sliding partition is down. This partition
has also a bottom flange or shoulder and an outer or end flange, while one of the
upper head flanges has a downwardly projecting rib, so that the body of the
partition with its several flanges forms a shallow box or recess to receive an
adjustable slat-screen. In practice it is customary to make the sections of a
sleeping car each about six feet long in the clear, and three feet in width and as
[Price 6d.]

page_text: the sliding screens are each of a corresponding width, it follows that when both are
drawn out of their boxes or recesses in their respective partitions they will meet
midway of the berth (that is, of course, when both are drawn out of their full
length). The upper rib is cut away or bevilled at its outer end, and the front or
edge-flange is similarly bevilled to allow the screen to round the corner easily in
pushing it out or in.
The top of each of the stationary partitions has a ledge which is provided with
a rib or flange corresponding to the flange on the head of the sliding partition, and
like this cut off or bevilled at its inner end to permit of the easy operation of the
screens when the partition is drawn up to its full height, in which position it is
locked in place by sliding bolts, one of which projects into the side of the car, and
the other one into a bar which runs longitudinally through the car, one on each
side of the centre aisle, in a line with and some distance above the seat frames.
A bar is grooved longitudinally on its under side to form ways for the sliding
slat-screens, and has pegs or hooks arranged at proper intervals for the accomodation
of hats, bonnets, articles of clothing, and travelling utensils.
Hinged in opposite ends of the said ledges are side arms of the swinging seat-
backs, the inner one of which is grooved longitudinally on its upper and under
side for the purposes hereinafter set forth. The hinged sides are united by a cross
piece, thus forming a complete hinged frame of square or rectangular shape, within
which is hinged in the sides the reversible upholstered back. I prefer to construct
this back of a square metal frame, the ends and sides of which are connected by bands
of webbing or band iron and suitably cushioned and upholstered on both sides, one
end upholstered somewhat thicker than the end opposite to form the head-rest
when the seat is reversed to form part of the upper berth. One side of the reversible
back is covered with brocade, rep, damask, or other suitable fabric of ornamental
pattern, while the other side is lined with ticking or other fabric suitable for
mattrass coverings. The reversible seat is not hinged by its middle part within
the frame, but a little nearer the top than bottom, so that when the back is adjusted
to the seat, its top edge will impinge upon the ledge of the stationary partition
and its bottom-edge move free of the bottom cross bar, which enables the hinged
back to adjust itself to the position of the occupant of the seat, giving him at all
times a comfortable and easy support to the back.
When the two hinged frames of a section are adjusted to form the upper berth
the respective outer ends are secured in the side of the car by sliding bolts or other
suitable fastenings in like manner as the head of the sliding partition, while their
inner meeting ends are locked together by a bolt. The inner ends of the sides
which impinge upon the partitions may have spring catches to interlock with the
partition on its ledge, and in like manner the reversible backs are, after they have
been reversed to form the bottom of the sleeping berth, locked in place within their
respective frames by suitably arranged bolts or spring catches, the outer end of each
reversible back being supported in its reversed position upon its respective ledge;
such fastening devices are required only at the inner or meeting ends of the
reversible backs.
The outer corner of each of the hinged frames with its reversible back is, when
these frames are in their extended position to form a berth, supported upon the arm
rests by rods or braces, the upper ends of which are hinged in their respective
frames, while their lower ends are inserted into sockets provided in the arm rests
for their reception, which said sockets are provided with suitable locking devices.
When the frames are folded down upon the partitions the hinged rods or braces
are inserted into the grooves made in the under (or inner) sides of the arms, so that
these will lie flat up against the partition with their hinged backs reversed to bring
the ticking or berth side towards the partition and the seat back side toward the
outside or facing the inside of the section.
The lower part of the section is provided with seats facing each other, and each
of these consists of a stationary box adapted to contain the pillows, bed-linen,
blankets, and the like, which is covered by a sliding frame, having a reversible
.

page_text: hinged seat constructed substantially like the reversible hinged backs, and like
these lined with some ornamental fabric to match that of the backs on one
side, and with ticking or similar fabric on the opposite side. The sliding seat
frames have front legs or supports, and the stationary partition back of the
seat has a rib or flange corresponding to a rib projecting downwardly from the
stationary ledge forming ways for a slat screen constructed like the corresponding
screens of the upper section, the ribs or flanges being cut off or bevilled at their
outer ends in like manner as the flanges, to enable the screen to turn the cover
easily in pushing it either out or back. Upon the lower flange is hinged an
upholstered board or frame of a width corresponding to that of the seat-box, for
which it forms a covering when the sliding chair section with its reversible seat is
drawn out to form the lower berth.
When both chair sections opposite one another are drawn out and their seats
reversed, they, with the hinged frames, which will fall down in place of their own
accord, will form the complete lower berth, the seats being reversed to bring the
ticking side uppermost and suitably fastened by bolts, spring catches, or other
devices within their respective frames. The side pieces of the stationary seat boxes
as well as of the sliding seat frames are grooved to form channels for the sliding
slat screens, the upper ends of which slide in the grooves or channels in the inner
side of the arms of the upper hinged frames. By drawing out both of these screens
the lower berth may be entirely enclosed, while by drawing out the upper screens
the upper berth of the section may be in like manner enclosed, thus affording
absolute privacy for the occupants of the respective berths. At the same time the
narrow spaces between the wooden slats forming the screens provide for ventilation,
while at the same time the lower screens have another important function, viz.,
that of supporting the frames of the upper berth when drawn out, so that even if
the brace-rods or lock bolt should give way the berth frame would still be supported
upon the lower screens. If a person desire to occupy the entire section he may
by adjusting one of the hinged back frames in a horizontal position only provide
a convenient shelf above his berth on which to deposit articles of wearing apparel
or utensils. It will be observed that when the section is transformed into sleeping
berths both the seats and backs are reversed, so that their facings and trimmings
do not suffer from wear. In the sections of a second class car or emigrant car I
dispense with the upholstery, using plain slat-seats and backs. In this case the
sliding screen partitions may also be dispensed with if desired. A block or frame
hinged to a flat board, which drops into the space between the partitions, may be
raised and turned down to form a head-rest for the upper berth.
The fastening devices by which the outer ends (i.e., the ends nearest the sides of
the car) of the arms are secured to the car should be of such a construction that
they will in a measure yield or give as the car oscillates from side to side, which
prevents tearing of the bolts besides cushioning the motions of the berth. During
the day the hinged frames which form the head and foot end respectively of the
lower berth are turned up against the sliding lower screens at back of the hinged
seat-backs so as to be out of the way.
If desired a mirror may be conveniently framed in each of the partitions at back
of the sliding screens, which will protect them during the day but expose them for
the use of the occupant or occupants of the section when this is transformed into
sleeping berths. The sliding slat screens may be provided with suitable latches or
locking devices, so that they can be opened or closed only by the occupant of the
berth from within. When the car is not in use, by reversing the car-seats and
backs in the manner described, coverings may be dispensed with, and the
upholstery always kept clean and free from dust or from fading by exposure to the
sunlight.
The seat supports facing the middle aisle should at their upper ends be connected
to the side of the car nearest it by flat metal bars or opposite sides of the central
portion, which bars are bolted at one end to the side of the car and at the other
end to the upper part of the seat frames. These bars also serve as hinge-fulcrums

page_text: for the hinged frames, the weight of which, whether in their vertical or horizontal
position, it will thus be seen is not supported by the thin partitions but by bars,
the ends of which are supported in the sides of the car and the seat frames
respectively.
From the foregoing description it will be seen that the parts of my car are so
constructed and combined as to provide great lightness, excellent ventilation,
considerable saving of space between the sections end wise (all the space required
between the dividing partitions being what is needed to admit of the insertion of
the thin adjustable partition with its slat screen), while at the same time the
utmost privacy is secured to the occupants of the berths, and in case of accident
the occupants of both the upper and lower berths may escape through the windows
if other means of exit are barred. Thus a want which has long been felt is supplied
by my car, which is adapted both for day and night service.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Thomas Clarke in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 24th
February 1881.
.
THOMAS CLARKE, of Truro, Novia Scotia, Dominion of Canada.
IN RAILROAD PASSENGER COACHES FOR DAY OR NIGHT TRAVEL."
"IMPROVEMENTS
My Invention has relation to sleeping cars, and has for its object to construct a
car which is adapted for use during the day time as a parlor or drawing room car
and during the night time as a sleeping car. To this end it consists in the
construction and combination of parts, as hereinafter described, by which I
attain great simplicity and durability of construction, the utilization of all
available space, superior ventilation, and the perfect comfort, privacy, and safety of
the traveller.
But to make my Invention better understood I will proceed to describe the
same by reference to the accompanying Drawing, in which Figure 1 is a front-view
representing two sections of the car, one of which is adjusted as a first class upper
and lower sleeping berth and the other as second class berths; Figure 2 is a
longitudinal vertical section of the same; Figure 3 is a vertical transverse section
through line x, x, Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first-class section
adjusted as an upper and lower sleeping berth; Figure 5 is a similar view shewing
the section adjusted as in a parlor or drawing room car; Figure 6 is a vertical
longitudinal section of the view represented in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a perspective
top view of an upper first class sleeping berth; Figure S is a perspective view of
one of the seat-back frames with its reversible back; and Figure 9 is an enlarged
sectional view of one of the sliding seats.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the Figures.
In the Drawing A represents one of the sides of a car which has windows B, B,

page_text: (by preference two for each section), each of which should preferably have two
sashes with meeting rails like an ordinary house window so as to open the upper
sash from the top and the lower sash from the bottom if desired. C, C, are the
inner seat supports or frames, which should be made of an attractive design and
suitably ornamented, and are provided with the arm rests c, c. Each of the
frames C is connected with the wall or side A of the car by parallel partitions a, a,
set some distance apart so as to leave a narrow space or opening 6 between of
sufficient width to receive the sliding partition D, the upper, end of which has a
flanged head or top-piece d, the laterally projecting flanges of which rest upon the
top edges of the stationary. partitions a, a, when the vertically sliding partition D
is down. This partition D has also a bottom flange or shoulder e and an outer or
end flange f, while one of the upper head flanges & has a downwardly projecting
rib d', so that the body of the partition D, with its several flanges d, d, e, f, forms
a shallow box or recess to receive the adjustable slat-screen E. In practice it is
customary to make the sections of a sleeping car each about six feet long in the
clear and three feet in width, and as the sliding screens E are each of a
corresponding width it follows that when both are drawn out of their boxes or
recesses in their respective partitions D they will meet midway of the berth (that
is, of course, when both are drawn out of their full length). The upper rib d¹ is
cut away or bevilled at its outer end, and the front or edge flange f is similarly
bevilled to allow the screen E to round the corner easily in pushing it out or in.
The top of each of the stationary partitions a has a ledge g, which is provided
with a rib or flange corresponding to flange d' on the head d of the sliding
partition D, and like this cut off or bevilled at its inner end to permit of the easy
operation of the screens when the partition D is drawn up to its full height, in
which position it is locked in place by sliding bolts i, i, one of which projects into the
side of the car, and the other one into a bar F, which runs longitudinally through
the car, one on each side of the centre-aisle, in a line with and some distance above
the seat frames C. The bar F is grooved longitudiually on its underside to form
ways for the sliding slat-screens E, and has pegs or hooks k, k, arranged at proper
intervals for the accommodation of hats, bonnets, articles of clothing, and travelling
utensils.
Hinged in opposite ends of the ledges g are the side arms G, G, of the swinging
seat-backs, the inner one of which is grooved longitudinally on its upper and under
side for the purposes hereinafter set forth. The hinged sides G, G, are united by
the cross-piece G₁, thus forming a complete hinged frame of square or rectangular
shape, within which is hinged in the sides G, G, the reversible upholstered back H.
I prefer to construct this back of a square metal frame, the ends and sides of which
are connected by bands of webbing or band iron, and suitably cushioned and
upholstered on both sides, one end upholstered somewhat thicker than the end
opposite to form the head rest when the seat is reversed to form part of the upper
berth. One side of the reversible back H is covered with brocade, rep, damask, or
other suitable fabric of ornamental pattern, while the other side is lined with
ticking or other fabric suitable for mattress coverings. The reversible scat is not
hinged by its middle part within the frame G, G', but a little nearer the top than
the botton, so that when the back is adjusted to the seat, as in Figures 5 and 6,
its top edge will impinge upon the ledge g of the stationary partition a, and its
bottom edge move free of the bottom cross-bar G³, which enables the hinged back
to adjust itself to the position of the occupant of the seat, giving him at all times a
comfortable and easy support to the back.
When the two hinged frames G, G¹, G, of a section are adjusted to form the upper
berth, as in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 of the Drawing, the respective outer ends are
secured in the side of the car by sliding bolts or other suitable fastenings in like
manner as the head d of the sliding partition D, while their inner-meeting ends are
locked together by a bolt . The inner ends of the sides G, G, which impinge upon
the partitions a, may have spring-catches to interlock with the partition or its

page_text: ledge g, and in like manner the reversible backs H are, after they have been
reversed to form the bottom of the sleeping berth, locked in place within their
respective frames by suitably arranged bolts or spring-catches, the outer end of
each reversible back being supported in its reversed position upon its respective
ledge g; such fastening devices are required only at the inner or meeting ends.
of the reversible backs H, H.
The outer corner of each of the hinged frames G, G', with its reversible back H,
is, when these frames are in their extended position to form a berth, supported
upon the arm rests c by rods or braces I, I, the upper ends of which are hinged
in their respective frames, while their lower ends are inserted into sockets pro-
vided in the arm rests for their reception, which said sockets are provided
with suitable locking devices. When the frames G, G', are folded down upon the
partitions a, a, as in Figures 5 and 6 of the Drawing, the hinged rods or braces I, I,
are inserted into the grooves made in the under (or inner) sides of the arms G, G,
so that these will lie flat up against the partition, with their hinged backs H
reversed to bring the ticking or berth-side towards the partition and the seat-
back side towards the outside, or facing the inside of the section
The lower part of the section is provided with seats facing each other; and
each of these consists of a stationary box K, adapted to contain the pillows, bed-
linen, blankets, and the like, which is covered by a sliding frame L, having a
reversible hinged scat M constructed substantially like the reversible hinged
backs H, and like these lined with some ornamental fabric to match that of the
backs on one side, and with ticking or similar fabric on the opposite side. The
sliding seat frames L have front legs or supports m, and the stationary partition a
at the back of the seat has a rib or flauge n¹ corresponding to a rib n projecting
downwardly from the stationary ledge g, forming ways for a slat screen N, con-
structed like the corresponding screens E of the upper section, the ribs or flanges
n, n', being cut off or bevilled at their outer ends in like manner as the flanges d', e,
to enable the screen to turn the corner easily in pushing it either out or back.
Upon the lower flange n is hinged an upholstered board or frame O of a width
corresponding to that of the seat-box K, for which it forms a covering when the
sliding chair section L with its reversible seat M is drawn out to form the lower
berth.
When both chair sections L opposite one another are drawn out, and their seats
reversed, they, with the hinged frames 0, 0, which will fall down in place of their
own accord, will form the complete lower berth, the seats M being reversed to
bring the ticking side uppermost, and suitably fastened by bolts, spring-catches, or
other devices within their respective frames. The side pieces of the stationary seat
boxes K, as well as of the sliding seat frames L, are grooved to form channels for
the sliding slat screens N, the upper ends of which slide in the grooves or channels
in the inner side of the arms G of the upper hinged frames. By drawing out both
of these screens, the lower berth may be entirely enclosed, while by drawing out the
upper screens E, E, the upper berth of the section may be in like manner enclosed,
thus affording absolute privacy for the occupants of the respective berths. At the
same time the narrow spaces between the wooden slats forming the screens provide
for ventilation, while the lower screens N, N, have another important function,
viz., that of supporting the frames G, G¹, G, G₁, of the upper berth when drawn
out, so that even if the brace-rods I, I, or lock-bolt should give way, the berth
frame would still be supported upon the lower screens N, N. If a person desire to
occupy the entire section, he may, by adjusting one of the hinged back-frames G, G',
in a horizontal position only, provide a convenient shelf above his berth, on which
to deposit articles of wearing apparel or utensils.
It will be observed that when the section is transformed into sleeping berths,
both the seats and backs are reversed, so that their facings and trimmings do not
suffer from wear. In the sections of a second-class car or emigrant car 1 dispense
with the upholstery, using plain slat-seats and backs, as shewn in the left hand

page_text: view, Figures 1 and 2 of the Drawing. In this case, the sliding screen-partitions
may also be dispensed with if desired. A block or frame P hinged to a flat
board Q, which drops into the space between the partitions a, a, may be raised and
turned down, as shewn in Figure 2, to form a head rest for the upper berth.
The fastening devices by which the outer ends (i.e., the ends nearest the sides of
the car) of the arms G, G, are secured to the car, should be of such a construction,
that they will in a measure yield or give as the car oscillates from side to side,
which prevents tearing of the bolts, besides cushioning the motions of the berth.
During the day, the hinged frames 0, 0, which form the head and foot ends
respectively of the lower berth, are turned up against the sliding lower screens N
at the back of the hinged seat-backs, so as to be out of the way.
If desired, a mirror may be conveniently framed in each of the partitions a at
the back of the sliding screens, which will protect them during the day, but expose
them for the use of the occupant or occupants of the section when this is trans-
formed into sleeping berths. The sliding slat-screens may be provided with suitable
latches or locking devices, so that they can be opened or closed only by the
occupant of the berth from within. When the car is not in use, by reversing the
car-seats and backs in the manner described, coverings may be dispensed with, and
the upholstery always kept clean and free from dust, or from fading by exposure to
the sunlight.
The seat supports C, C, facing the middle aisle should, at their upper ends, be
connected to the side of the car nearest it by flat metal bars o, o, on opposite sides
of the central portion a, a, which bars are bolted at one end to the side of the car,
and at the other end to the upper part of the seat frames C. These bars also serve
as hinge fulcrums for the hinged frames G, G', G, the weight of which, whether in
their vertical or horizontal position, it will thus be seen, is not supported by the
thin partitions a, but by bars o, the ends of which are supported in the sides of the
car and the seat frames C respectively.
From the foregoing description taken in connection with the Drawing, it will be
seen that the parts of my car are so constructed and combined as to provide great
lightness, excellent ventilation, considerable saving of space between the sections
end wise (all the space required between the dividing partitions a, a, being what is
needed to admit of the insertion of the thin adjustable partition D, with its slat
screen E), while at the same time the utmost privacy is secured to the occupants
of the berths; and in case of accident, the occupants of both the upper and lower
berths may escape through the windows, if other means of exit are barred. Thus a
want which has long been felt is supplied by my car, which is adapted both for
day and night service.
Having thus described my said Invention, and the best means with which I am
acquainted for carrying the same into effect, I wish it to be understood that I do
not confine myself to the precise details herein laid down, as the same may be
varied without departing from the peculiar nature of my said Invention, but what
I do claim is,-
Firstly. The general arrangement and construction of improved railroad passenger
coaches for day or night travel, as hereinbefore described and represented in the
accompanying Drawing.
Secondly. In a sleeping-car, the sliding slat-screen partitions E, E, N, N, for
separating respectively the upper and lower berths from the middle aisle or common
passage-way, as set forth.
Thirdly. In a sleeping-car, the vertically-adjustable partitions D provided with
sliding slat screens E, as set forth.
Fourthly. In a sleeping-car, the longitudinal grooved bars F forming ways for
and in combination with the upper sliding slat-screens or partitions E, as set
forth.
Fifthly. In a railway-car seat, the hinged back frame G, G', G, having reversible
upholstered back H hinged and swinging within the frame, as set forth.
Sixthly. The car seat or couch composed of the stationary frame or box K,

page_text: hinged cover O, sliding extension frame L, having hinged reversible seat M, rigid
back a, and hinged back-frame G, G³, G, provided with the hinged reversible
back H, as set forth.
Seventhly. In a railway-car, the combination with the seats having rigid back-
frames a, hinged back-frames G, G', G, and sliding extensions L, of the slat-screen N
interposed between the rigid back frame a and hinged frame G, G¹, G, as set
forth.
Eighthly. The combination with the seat supports or frames C, and rigid
partitions a, a, of the sliding partition D, provided with the flanged top or head d,
and adjustable slat-screon E, as set forth.
Ninthly. In a railway-car, the combination of the rigid side or wall A longi-
tudinal grooved bar F parallel to the wall, seat frames or supports C, having rigid
partitions a, a, and sliding partition D carrying the sliding slat screen E, and
provided with the flanged top or head piece d, having lock-bolts or fastening
devices i, i, as set forth.
Tenthly. In a railway-car, the combination of the partitions a, a, having
ledges g, g, sliding partition D, having slat-screen E, and provided with fastening
devices for locking it in its extended position, hinged frame G, G¹, G, carrying the
hinged reversible seat backs H, and grooved or channelled on one side to receive
the lower end of the adjustable slat-screen E, when these and the frames G, G³, G,
are in their extended position, as set forth.
Eleventhly. In combination with the hinged and grooved arms G, the sliding
slat-screens E sliding in the upper grooves or channels, and hinged brace rods I
fitting into and concealed by the lower grooves or channels, when the frames of
which the said arms form part are turned down, as set forth.
Twelfthly. In a sleeping-car, the combination with the transverse partitions a, a,
separating the sections endwise of the hinged upper berth-sections, composed of
hinged frames G, G¹, G, G, G¹, G, provided with hinged reversible bottoms H, H,
and devices for locking the said bottoms in place within their respective frames,
with locking devices for fastening their outer meeting ends to the side of the car,
with the inner lock-bolt 7, and with hinged brace-rods I, adapted to be stepped and
locked into sockets in the lower arm-rests c, c, as set forth.
Thirteenthly. In a sleeping-car, the combination with the upper berth, of a
section of an extensible and adjustable slat-screen, adapted to inclose the lower
berth and support, the frame or frames forming the bottom of the upper berth, as
set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Clarke, have hereto set my hand
and seal, this Fifth day of February, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty one.
THOMAS CLARKE. (L.S.)