Improvements in or relating to Portable Pumping Apparatus Applicable for Bathing and other Purposes.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 26th Aug., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 26th May, 1891-Accepted, 15th Aug.;. 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Portable Pumping Apparatus
Applicable for Bathing and other Purposes.
I, DONALD NOBLE; of the Old Wheat Sheaf Hotel, High Street, Manchester in
the County of Lancaster, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in pumping apparatus such as is described
in the Specifications of the present applicant numbered 2449 of 1888 and 11830
of 1889; and its object is to provide more portable apparatus by enclosing the
pumping and actuating mechanism (capable of being worked by the heels or toes or
both of the operator's foot or feet) within a watertight casing which also serves as
a platform upon which the operator stands during the bathing or pumping operation,
and it is capable of being used separately or in combination with or attached to a
bath, bucket or other water receptacle.
According to this invention the casing is made of any desired material, shape,
size, and watertight. It is provided with a hinged or sliding lid, removeable
or folding toe or extension pieces and pedals; or the toe pieces and pedals may be
dispensed with and the lid divided and jointed so as to take their place. The lid
may also be armed with any desired number of pieces of cork or other non-
conducting material upon which the operator stands. The casing may also be
divided into any required number of compartments for the reception of the pumping -
apparatus, actuating mechanism, tubing for bathing or watering purposes, toilet
requisites, and other necessary or desired articles.
Within the casing is mounted and fixed a double acting horizontal pumping
apparatus of any desired shape provided with tubes and end valves, all of which
may be of a similar description and act in like manner to that set forth in the
hereinbefore mentioned Specifications.
A reciprocating motion is imparted to the pump pistons from the pedals or
hinged lid portions through a compound horizontal and vertical lever, or compound
horizontal lever and two bell crank levers In either the lever or levers is or are
jointed to and within the enclosing casing.
The above improved pumping apparatus is applicable for all the purposes named
in my Specification No. 11830 of 1889.
Dated this Twenty-fifth day of August 1890.
DONALD NUBLE.
By W. Fairburn-Hart.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Portable Pumping Apparatus
Applicable for Bathing and other Purposes.
I, DONALD NOBLE, formerly of the Old Wheat Sheaf Hotel, High Street, but
now residing at 9 Nelson Street, Oxford Road, both in the City of Manchester, in
the County of Lancaster, Engineer, 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 improvements in pumping apparatus such as is described
in the Specifications of Letters Patent granted to me Nos. 2449 of 1889 and 11830
of 1889; and its object is to provide more portable apparatus by enclosing the
pumping and actuating mechanism (capable of being worked by the heels or toes or
'

page_text: both of the operator's foot or feet) within a watertight casing which also serves as
a platform upon which the operator stands during the bathing or pumping operation,
and it is capable of being used separately or in combination with or attached to a
bath, bucket, or other water receptacle.
In the drawings:-
:-
Fig. 1. is an elevation with one of the sides of the platform removed;
Fig. 2. an elevation with one of the ends of the platform removed;
Fig. 3. a plan looking at the top with the pedals and top of the platform
removed, of pumping apparatus constructed according to this invention.
Figs. 4 and 5 are respectively an elevation and a plan showing the application
of the pedal arrangement to a bucket or other water receptacle containing
pumping apparatus constructed according to the aforesaid Specification No. 2449
of 1889.
Figs. 6, 7, and 8 are respectively a side elevation (with side of platform
removed), an end elevation (with end of platform removed), and a plan (with portions
of the top of platform and of the pedals removed) of pumping apparatus with cylinder
or pump barrel made in two portions and operated by simple or compound levers.
Like parts in all the views are marked with the same letters of reference.
A is a box like casing or platform (hereafter termed the platform) on which the
bather or operator (hereafter termed the operator) stands. The platform may be
made of any desired material such as sheet brass, copper, zinc, or the like, or of
wood lined when required with thin brass or other material, but I prefer to make
it of thin sheet brass say about one-sixteenth of an inch in thickness and water-
tight. A convenient shape for the platform is rectangular, and its size may be say
about eleven inches long by nine inches wide by three inches in depth, but these
dimensions (as well as the shape) may be altered or varied as circumstances require.
As for instance, when required for military purposes, the platform may be made say
about eight inches long by four inches in width by two inches and three fourths of
an inch in depth-that is, as regards the width, about one half of the size first
mentioned and as shown at Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8 but at the same time possessing
all the advantages (for pumping purposes) of the larger size owing to extension
pieces (folding or fixed) being provided to which pedals D, D¹ (hinged at the toes)
may be attached for operating purposes. The platform A is of such a size or if
preferred it may be divided into any desired number of compartments for receiving
the double acting pump and its actuating mechanism, the valve box, the flexible
tube or tubes which may be packed away without uncoupling it or them from the
inlet and outlet portions of the valve box, the brush or rose or nozzle, toilet
requisites, and any other necessary or desired articles. The platform A is
provided with either a hinged, sliding, or removeable lid. At Figs. 1, 2, 3 (in
dotted lines), 6, 7 and 8 the lid is shown divided into three portions, the central
portion a is removeable, and the two outer portions may be hinged to the side a* of
the platform or jointed to a rod d (running parallel to one of the sides of the
platform and mounted in bearings within the same) so as to form pedals D D¹.
When the portions which form the pedals are disconnected from the levers (to be
hereafter described) employed for actuating the pistons c¹ c², and are closed they
complete the covering portion of the platform.
The pedals D D¹ may also be made in the skeleton form shown at Figs. 4 and 5,
but it is requisite (so far as regards this invention) that they should be hinged at
the toes or ends furthest from the pump barrel, and at any desired angle therewith.
They may or may not be armed with pieces of wood, cork, or other suitable non-
conducting material d*.
The pedals D D' are connected to levers employed for actuating the pistons c¹³
either by pendants 2 fixed to the under side of the pedals as shown at Figs. 1
and 2, or by brackets d³ d (shaped somewhat like an inverted triangle) mounted in
bearings dd respectively formed on or attached to the underside of each pedal 5
as shown at Figs. 6 and 7 and for purposes to be hereafter described.
The pump barrel C (which with the piston actuating mechanism are enclosed

page_text: within the platform) may be either formed in one piece (say about seven inches long
by two inches in diameter) as shown at Figs. 1, 2, and 3 (in section), or in two portions
arranged say about two inches and three-fourths of an inch apart. Each portion
of the barrel may be about two inches and three-fourths of an inch in length by
about two inches in diameter. At Figs. 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 the pump barrel is shown
placed horizontally within the platform A parallel, or nearly so, with the side a¹,
but in some cases when the barrel is made in two portions it may be found
advantageous to arrange the said portions at right angles to the side a¹ and
respectively parallel or nearly so with the ends a² a³. Within the barrel C
are mounted the pistons ce connected together by a single rod c³ (see Figs. 2,
and 3 and 6 to 8) to form a double acting pump, but when the two portions of the
barrel C are arranged parallel, or nearly so, with the ends a² 3 then separate piston
rods will be required. The barrel C is provided with ends or covers c* c** to
which the tubes H H¹ may be respectively attached.
A reciprocating motion is imparted to the pistons c¹ c² from the heels of the
operator's feet through the pedals D, D', pendants d¹² (Figs. 1 to 3) or
brackets d d (Figs. 6 to 8) which are jointed by the trunnions d' in the
bearings d d on the underside of the pedals, and simple horizontal lever E
as at Figs. 1 to 3; or compound vertical and horizontal levers E, E' and G as at
Figs. 6 to 8.
At Figs. 1 to 3 the horizontal lever E (which is shaped somewhat like a double
bell crank lever) is pivoted at e (Fig. 3) to the bottom of the platform and its front
end e is raised to the level of the centre of the pump barrel. The ends ex exx of
the rear portion of the lever are connected by adjustable hooks or pins el e² to the
pendants dd, whilst the front end et is prolonged to form a stem which passes
through a slot, formed for its reception in the pump barrel which is enlarged
therefor at c¹. When it is required to unship the adjustable hook or pin e¹ it may
be withdrawn from its connection with the lever by means of a handle or wire € ›
thus permitting both pedals being closed onto the top of the platform A at
the same time.
In order to make the platform on which the operator stands as shallow as
possible, and at the same time to obtain the longest stroke of the pistons with the
smallest movement of the pedals I employ the arrangement of compound vertical
and horizontal levers shown at Figs. 6 to 8, instead of the lever and its connection
shown at Figs. 1 to 3.
At Figs. 6 to 8 the triangular shaped or double bell crank lever E is mounted
vertically in suitable bearings formed in brackets e e' attached to the bottom of
the platform. The ends ex exx are enlarged, and on these a horizontal lever E¹
(carried by trunnions in bearings e8 of the same bracket in which the bearing es is
formed) operates, whilst on the enlarged end 3 of the vertical upright e¹ is provided
a pin which works in a slot el of a pendant lever G¹ fulcrummed on pin ell
carried by brackets a on the top of the platform. The lower end e¹ of lever G¹
passes through a slot formed for its reception in the enlarged portion c¹ of the
piston rod. At Figs. 9 and 10 I have shown a side elevation and an end elevation
of levers E, E¹, and G.
The lower end of each bracket 3 d is bifurcated and made to work in a
groove e formed for its reception in the horizontal lever E¹. When it is required
to disconnect the pedal or pedals from the lever E', one or both pedals may
be raised until the bifurcated end or ends of the bracket or brackets is or are clear
of the lever, when each bracket may be turned on its trunnions until it is parallel,
or nearly so, with the underside of the pedal. The pedals may then be closed on
to the top of the platform. By jointing the brackets d³ d to the pedals D D¹ as
herein described and connecting them to lever E¹ provision is thereby made for
overcoming the friction of the working parts as much as possible, and at the same
time permitting of a direct (or nearly so) action being imparted to lever E' from
the pedals although said lever and pedals may (as at Figs. 6 to 8) be arranged to
work to each other.

page_text: 0
By the above arrangement of horizontal and vertical levers a very small
movement of pine (in the slot e¹ of pendant lever G¹)-say about three-eighths of
an inch and of the outer or heel ends of the pedals--say about seven-eighths
of an inch-will cause the pistons c¹ c² to travel about an inch and a quarter
or more.
At Figs. 4 and 5 I have shown skeleton,pedals D D¹ applied to the outside of a
bucket, or water receptacle (shown at Fig. 5 in dotted lines) of a similar description
to that set forth and illustrated in the Specification of Letters Patent granted to
me No. 11830 of 1889. In this bucket or water receptacle is shown at Fig. 4, in
dotted lines, the outline of a horizontal pumping apparatus of a similar description
to that set forth and illustrated in the before named Specification No. 2449 of 1889.
In this arrangement the pedals D D' are hinged at their toe or rear ends d**
to a skeleton stand or fixing M, such as shown at Fig. 5, provided with lugs m, m'
(for the reception of bearing m2) and a bearing m³ in which the shaft rocks.
Provision is also made in the stand at m³ m³ for the reception of the bucket or
water receptacle N; or when a bucket is not required for suitable brackets or
supports on which the pump barrel may be mounted. On the shaft F (which when
a bucket is used passes within it) are mounted a horizontal double ended lever O
and a vertical lever G'. The pedals D D' are supported at or about their centres
by the ends of the lever O. The bracket or bearing m² may either be bolted
directly to lugs m, m³, or to the bottom of the bucket over the lugs so that the
retaining bolts after passing through the bearing m² and bottom of the bucket
may enter the lugs. The vertical lever G¹ is employed for actuating the pistons
whenever a rocking motion is imparted to the shaft F by the pedals. At the
point where the shaft F enters the bucket suitable packings such as india
rubber and metal washers pressed against the inner side of the bucket by a
helical spring on said shaft may be employed for making a watertight joint.
The valve box I, connecting tubes H, H', inlet and outlet pipes I¹ I² to
which the flexible tubing may be attached, (may all be of a similar construction to
those described and illustrated in the herein before mentioned Specifications) are
enclosed within the platform A either at a little distance from the pump barrel as
shown at Figs. 1 to 3, or close to it as shown at Figs. 6 to 8.
One or more air vessels of ordinary construction (with or without ball valves)
may when required be combined with the pumping apparatus for ensuring a regular
and constant supply of water being delivered from the pump.
Any kind of self feeding brush, or rose, or nozzle through which water may be
forced by the herein described pumping apparatus may be employed and used
therewith.
In the herein described pumping apparatus, motion for actuating the pistons
is imparted to the pedals D D by the heels of the operator's feet as he
stands upon the platform and balances himself upon his toes. The action of the
pumps and the valves are the same to that described in the herein before mentioned
Specifications.
The above described pumping apparatus may be used for all the purposes named
in Specification No. 11830 of 1889.
It will be readily understood that the herein described arrangement of pedals
(jointed at the toes or rear ends) and levers may be adapted to operate one or
more vertical pumps (such as described and illustrated in the said Specification
No. 11830 of 1889) arranged either upon or within a platform, or within a water
receptacle.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The improvements in portable pumping apparatus worked by the heels of the
operator's feet, consisting of one or more horizontal pump barrels, pistons, actuating
mechanism and valves for regulating the admission and emission of the water tọ

page_text: and from the pumps, enclosed within a platform on which the operator stands, and
to which pedals are jointed at their toes or rear ends to enable the operator to
actuate the pump with his heels through a horizontal or horizontal and vertical
levers combined substantially as herein set forth.
2. In portable pumping apparatus worked by the heels of the operator sub-
stantially as herein described, the watertight platform A having a divided, hinged,
sliding or removable top constructed and arranged substantially as and for the
purposes herein set forth.
3. In portable pumping apparatus substantially as described worked by the
heels of the operator's feet, the pedals jointed at their toes or rear ends to a
platform or fixing for actuating the pumping apparatus through levers such as
herein described and illustrated.
4. In portable pumping apparatus such as herein described worked by the heels
of the operator, the combination of pedals such as D, D¹ jointed at their toe or
rear ends to a platform such as A, or to extension pieces or stand such as M so as
to operate upon the ends of a lever such as G¹ fulcrummed at its centre, or upon a
horizontal lever such as E, or horizontal and vertical levers combined such
as E, E and G with pumping apparatus enclosed with the said platform or a
water receptacle substantially as herein set forth.
5. In portable pumping apparatus such as hercin described worked by the heels
of the operator's feet, the combination of horizontal lever such as E, or vertical
lever such as E, horizontal lever such as E', pendant lever G and means for
connecting said lever E or E' to the pedals D D' with pump barrel such as C and
pistons call enclosed within a platform such as A as and for the purposes herein
set forth.
6. The improved pumping apparatus worked by the heels of the operator's
feet substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
DONALD NOBLE.
By W. Fairburn-Hart,
Agent.
DONALD NOBLE.
By W. Fairburn-Hart,
Agent.