IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND ADAPTATION OF INDIA-RUBBER SPRINGS
Year: 1855

page_text: Sealed the 26th June 1855, and dated the 10th January 1855.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Coles Fuller at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
10th January 1855.
I, WILLIAM COLES FULLER, do hereby declare the nature of the said Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND ADAPTATION OF INDIA-RUBBER
SPRINGS" to be as follows:-
The present Invention consists of various new and useful adaptations of one
article (viz.), india-rubber springs and the method of constructing the same as
follows (viz.)-
1st, certain improved methods of making suspension springs of india-rubber
for carriages, and covering and protecting the same so as to ensure greater
usefulness and durability. The principle feature of this improvement consists
in fastening the ends of india-rubber straps or rings when used on the principle
of extension, and protecting the material by a covering.
2nd, certain new and improved methods of applying india-rubber springs,
when made, to the axles of the carriage so as to secure the axle to the body,
and obtain the requisite motion, and also thereby diminish noise and friction..

page_text: The principal of this improvement consists in keeping the axle in its position
by the tension of the spring itself from the iron work attached to the body of
the carriage.
3rd, certain improved methods of adapting india-rubber springs as shackles
to the ends of steel springs. The principal feature of this is the connecting
the ends of steel springs by india straps or springs.
4th, the adaptation of the said india-rubber springs for preventing the
recoil of muskets, rifles, and other small arms. The principal feature here
consists in a spring of india-rubber inserted in some part of the stock of the
piece between the lock and butt end.
5th, the adaptation of india-rubber springs for artificial legs and crutches,
to take off the jar. The principal feature of this improvement consists in the
construction of an india-rubber spring at the end or some part of the middle
of a crutch or false leg to diminish the jar.
The whole consisting of various adaptations of india-rubber. springs, not
included in my former Letters Patent of October 1852.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
:
by the said William Coles Fuller in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 9th July 1855.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
COLES FULLER, of Bucklersbury, Cheapside, in the City of London, India-
rubber, Spring Manufacturer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria,, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Tenth day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, in the eighteenth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said William Coles Fuller, Her special licence that I, the said
William Coles Fuller, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as. I; the said William Coles Fuller, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all
times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND ADAPTATION OF INDIA-RUBBER SPRINGS,"
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said William Coles Fuller,

page_text: by an instrument in writing; under my hand and seal, should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great
Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the
date of the said Letters Patent..
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Coles. Fuller, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
.
'My said improvements consist in the construction and adaptation of india-
rubber springs in the manner and for the purposes herein-after set forth, viz.:
First, as regards certain improved methods of making suspension springs
of india-rubber for carriages, and covering and protecting the same so as.to
ensure greater usefulness and durability.
These springs may consist either of a ring or series of rings of india-
rubber, stretched over two. reels or sockets. of brass or other metal, or of one
continuous cord (each end of such cord being securely fastened). The rings
or cords may be either of round or square section, though for most purposes
round is preferable, and the material itself should be expressly treated with a
view to stretching purposes. Before securing the ends of each spring by
binding, it is necessary to stretch the spring (by proper machines as hereafter
described) to the utmost length at which it will require to be used. The effect
of this will by increasing its length to lessen the bulk in every other part.
In this state the ends should be firmly secured either by a binding of tape,
cord, wire, or other suitable material or in some cases by means of metal
plates and screws, and as the action of the spring will be confined to the
middle part, the ends will be secured from friction.
Fig. 1 represents a front view; and Fig. 2; a side view of one of these
springs without the outer case or covering. A, A, are the two sockets, one at
each end of the spring, through' which pass the bolts or other fastenings used
in fixing the spring. B, B, are several rings of india-rubber stretched over
the sockets, and secured in their place by a tape or other binding at C, C,
as before described. Where it is necessary to use a check at the extreme
distance, this may be accomplished by elastic webbing or cord, or by a com-
bination of india-rubber with cloth or canvass, inserted in the body of the
spring; the same purpose may be effected by the outer covering itself, by
employing either india-rubber combined with cloth or canvass or leather,
which, for the sake of appearance, may be corrugated or gussetted. In some
cases it may be desirable, instead of rings or cords to use. thin sheet india-

page_text: rubber, either in one continuous band or tube, the ends being secured by
binding, or by plates and screws. Figs. 3 & 4 represent two forms of the
brass rollers or sockets, which are cast and turned to suit different sized bolts,
according to the strength required. Fig. 5 represents one of the rings
referred to. I prefer using them about 2 in., 2, 21, & 2 internal diameter,
of substance or thereabouts, each of which will sustain at double its own
length about 20 to 25 lbs. I sometimes put three or even four layers over
each other, the larger diameter outermost, so that all have an equal
pressure. The size and diameter of the rollers must also correspond with
the number of rings required, which regulates the strength. In this manner
a spring of 4, 6, 8, or 10 cwt. can be made to act properly without distressing
the material. Fig. 6 represents a smaller size spring, made from a single
ring, and suitable for some purposes where light weights are carried, as shewn
at Fig. 15.
There are three kinds of machines which I use in the construction of
these suspension springs. Fig. 6 A represents a plan view of the first kind.
A, A, is a cast-iron frame about 16 inches long by 4 inches wide, which may
easily be secured to a bench or table. At one end are drilled and tapped
three or more holes, in either of which a steel pin is screwed to receive the
brass roller or socket. At the other end there is a sliding plate C, which is
also drilled to receive the corresponding pin by means of the centre screw and
handle D, D; the distance between the upright pins is regulated, and the
spring stretched and released at pleasure. In making the spring it is necessary
that the pins should be fixed at the extreme distance, and each ring put on
seperately at the full stretch; in which state it is ready to receive the binding.
Another kind of machine which I use for stretching the spring is shewn
at Fig. 6 B. It consists of a lever, shaped something like a pump handle,
mounted on a board and screwed to the bench. One steel pin is fixed at B;
Where the spring does not
the other on the end of the handle is moveable.
exceed 3 cwt. in power, this machine is very convenient; as also for covering
the springs, the movement being almost instantaneous. A third kind of
machine for larger springs is shewn at Fig. 6 C. This is also on the lever
principle. A, A, is the lever, about 5 feet long, working in a staple or fulcrum
with the eye about 12 inches from the floor; B is a rod with a forked end,
attached to the lever by a bolt, and terminating with a nut and screw; C, C,
are two shackles which hold the spring by means of bolts and pins; D, a
screw, by which the upper shackle is attached to a strong beam. When the
pressure is on the further end of the lever A is weighted or fixed to the floor
by a screw ring and eye.

page_text: Second. My second improvement consists in certain improved methods of
applying india-rubber springs to the axle or axles of a carriage, so as to
produce a considerable tension or strain horizontally between the axles and
scroll irons or other fastenings by which the body of the vehicle is attached
thereto. The object of this arrangement is to secure the axles in their proper
position by the tension of the spring itself, and at the same time to obtain a
certain amount of free lateral motion which will give greater ease. Fig. 7
represents a spring made on the above principle. A, A, are two scroll irons;
B, the axle; C, an ornamental stay iron fixed to the axle in the manner of an
ordinary steel spring; D, D, are the india-rubber springs upon which a strain
or tension is put sufficient to maintain the axle in its place. The effect of this
arrangement is to produce a spring of extraordinary susceptibility free from
vibration, and owing to its horizontal position giving the necessary perpendicular
action with the least possible friction to the material. In most cases I prefer
to use instead of the front spring a strong leather strap or coupling piece (as
shewn in the two following Figures). The action is equally effective as with
two springs. It also possesses the advantage of economy, and is firmer to
draw by. Fig. 8 represents a spring precisely the same in principle as the
last, but with a dumb iron suitable for a pony photon or front of brougham,
or other similar vehicles where double eliptics are used; (the same letters apply
here as in the former Figure.) Fig. 9 represents a slight variation in the
iron work adapted to a stronger spring; A, A, is an eliptic stay iron, which,
being fixed at both ends, takes off the strain from the body or shaft, and also
allows of the tightening or slackening of the springs at each end by means of
screws and nuts at E, E. Fig. 10 represents another slight variation suitable
for some vehicles. A, A, is a round or oval stay iron, with the india-rubber
spring D, stretched tightly from end to end horizontally. It may either be
made in a continuous round or oval shape, or it may terminate half way,
where the spring is light, as shewn at Fig. 11. In both cases it will be seen
that the axle is connected with the spring by means of an upright stem or
T piece, which is made to grasp the spring firmly in the centre by means of
screws, the material being previously secured from friction by a binding of
tape or other suitable material. This form of spring is well adapted for all
kinds of light four-wheel vehicles where great ease is required; but in such
cases the axles must be kept in their places by a light perch, either of the
ordinary kind connecting the hind wheels and axle with the fore carriage, or
by the following method which I consider possesses a new and peculiar
advantage in connection with india-rubber springs. Fig. 12 represents a plan
view of the axles of a carriage connected by a perch of the kind referred to.

page_text: A, A, is the front axle; B, B; the perch; and C, C, the hind axle; D is a
metal clip fastened to the centre of the front axle, and provided with a strong
joint or socket, through which by means of a bolt the end of the perch may be
secured in such a way that the axle shall work freely round. The body and
under-carriage are connected. by a wheel plate in the usual manner, and the
whole then attached to the axles by the four springs, as shewn at the side
elevation, Fig. 13; the effect of this arrangement will be to remove all jár and
vibration from the' wheels and axles, as the connection'is entirely cut off except
through the india-rubber itself. Fig: 14 represents another form of the
eliptic bow, in which the lateral tension is obtained by two india-rubber rings
D, D, whilst the perpendicular weight is sustained by the two suspension
springs E, E. Fig. 15 represents another variety of spring suitable for light
vehicles, such as pony phatons, &c. The principal feature is that the stay
iron C, C, and the scroll irons A, A, are forged'édgeways and with projecting
pins, so as to receive two small springs (see Fig. 6), one on each side. "They
are secured in place by round or octagon nuts E, E; of brass or other metal.
Fig. 16 represents, a spring on a different principle-suitable for an omnibus.or
other heavy vehicle: 'In this case the stay irons C, C, keep the axle firmly in
place, and the weight is partly sustained in front: Figs. 17 and 18 represent
other variations of this spring suitable for a two-wheel street cab, and for a
Bath or invalid chair: Fig. 19 represents another arrangement, in which, by
.means of two cross'stays; the tension is thrown on the axle itself, and the body
supported on two eliptic stay irons C, C. Fig. 20-represents another form
suitable for a light gig or other vehicle. A; A, is the "dumb iron; C; C, a
bracket or scroll to support the spring D; E is a leather strap which keeps
the axle Bin place; F, an upright stem "connecting the axle with the spring.
For all perch-built carriages, where the body is suspended by leather braces,
these springs (No. 1, 2, and 6,) will be found admirably adapted either-to-be
used in connexion: with the C. springs, to give more perfect ease, or by sub-
stituting an ornamental iron bracket, to apply them in lieu of the C-springs,
thereby effecting a great "saving of weight and expense. The extension or
suspension springs will likewise be found extremely serviceable if used as
check springs in place of leather straps to attach the body of" the 'vehicle
to the perch or any other part of the under carriage, exerting a gradual and
constant pressure in every direction; and not liable to the sudden check given
by leather straps. The springs may be regulated to the greatest nicety both
in length and strength. They may also be applied with advantage. to many
other vehicles too numerous for particular exemplification by Drawings, such
as children's carriages, perambulators, velocipedes, hand-trucks, brick and

page_text: other wheel-barrows, &c.; in all which the same principle may be adopted,
varying the iron work to suit the different constructions of the vehicles thèm-
selves. Fig. 21, Sheet 2, represents the side view of a spring" suitable for a
railway carriage, constructed on the principle of horizontal tension... In. this
Figure, as also in Fig. 22, I employ rings of india-rubber; as formerly
patented by. me, such rings being capable of sustaining any required amount of
pressure, and therefore well adapted for a purpose of this kind. A, A, represent
the side framing of the carriage; B, B; the axle, guard; C, C, the axle box
with grooves to fit as usual; D, D, is a strong stay iron formed something like
a steel spring, and firmly bolted to the axle box. It may either be straight:as
in. Fig. 22, or slightly curved as in Fig. 21; E, E, is an. eliptic stay .iron
bolted to the framing A, A, and secured also on the under side of the axle
guard by means of two bolts, thereby giving great strength and firmness to
both; F, F; and G, G, are shackles and links by which the carriage.. is sus-
pended to the extreme points of the stay-iron D, D; H, H, are the india-
rubber rings, of which a plan view with a similar kind of shackle is shewn at
Fig 24. In order to appreciate the action of this spring, it must be borne in
mind that the weight acting perpendicularly exerts a powerful leverage upon
the rings H, H, and therefore in the first instance that a considerable strain or
tension must be obtained when at rest by screwing up the nuts E, E, as shewn
at Fig. 24. The amount of: leverage will::depend upon the length of the
shackles F, F, and D, D, which it will be observed describe the arc of a circle
of which F, F, is the centre. In Fig. 22, for example, the shackle is shewn
without a link ;' the, circle is therefore smaller, and the leverage less powerful.
One great advantage résulting from a spring constructed on either. 'plan, is
greater simplicity and economy of construction combined with additional ease;
also by confining the axle box midway as described, the friction of the axle
guard in the grooves of the box is greatly lessened, and might .if necessary by
a slight modification of the iron work be wholly dispensed with. Fig: 23
represents a spring similarly constructed in most of its parts, but acting with
suspension springs, such as described in the first part of my said Invention.
In this case D, D, is the centre stay iron bolted as before to the axle box;
F, F, are two links passing through the eliptic stay E, E, and terminating with
two nuts; H, H, are two thin rings or-washers of: india-rubber, screwed up so
as to exert a powerful lateral strain, holding the axle firmly in place, yet at
the same time allowing a free perpendicular action of 1 inch to 1; K, K,
are the two suspension springs, each of which may be made to sustain of a
ton or a ton if necessary, or an extra number of springs may be used till the
required strength be obtained. This will produce a perfect and luxurious

page_text: spring free from vibration. There are various other ways in which these
springs may be applied to the suspension of railway carriages, either by means
of lateral or diagonal tension, somewhat similar to the plans already shewn for
common railroad carriages, or in some cases, where greater sustaining power is
required, a framework may be constructed underneath the carriage the whole
length of the axle; by means of which a number of springs may be applied
and the degree of tension regulated by screws. Figs. 24, 25, & 26 represent
different forms of iron work for the shackles, which have been described in the
Specification of former Patents granted to me, and the details of which may
be varied according to circumstances. Fig. 27 represents a side view of a
spring suitable for an omnibus.or other vehicle carrying heavy weights. The
different parts are denoted by the same letters, as in Fig. 21, 22. The chief
peculiarity in the present case is, that the india-rubber rings are more in
number and thickness, so as to allow greater perpendicular action; also that
the rings are placed on to the outside of the eliptic stay iron F, F, and work
against an oscillating plate, similar to that shewn at Figs. 29, 30, 30 a, &
30 b. This plate may be either of wrought or of malleable cast iron, of
sufficient strength to allow two steel pins to be screwed into the edge, thereby
dispensing with the necessity of of any outside shackle. In all cases where the
eliptic stay irons are used, it will be observed that the strain is taken off from
the body, and the framework materially strengthened by the iron stay. In
some cases where the spring is light, a scroll iron may be used, terminating
as shewn at Fig. 29, with the oscillating plate. Fig. 28 represents a side
view of a spring suitable for an omnibus or van. The stay iron B, bolts C, C,
and axle F, are in all respects similar to those formerly patented by me in
October 1852, in combination with india-rubber rings and plates. The
peculiarity in the present application is the introduction of a suspension spring
stretched tightly across the two bolts C, C, and connected with the axle by an
upright stem or T piece D, D; as the axle plate E, E, slides freely up and
down the bolts C, C, the india-rubber spring will be deflected, and form
a powerful and sensitive spring. In all the applications above given, the
spring may consist either of the suspension spring, as described in the first
part of my said Invention, or of rings and seperating or binding plates
combined with suitable iron work, constituting in effect a suspension spring
upon the compression principle, where though the spring is sensitive it is
firmer and more powerful. And in making these springs or shackles, I do not
confine myself to the use of any particular form of ring for compression
purposes; the section of the ring may be either round, square, or conical, or
any other shape that may be deemed adviseable, and the plates may be either

page_text: binding or seperating or both, although in most instances I prefer employing
rings of a cylindrical shape with seperating plates, such as have formerly been
patented by me for railways.
Third. The third part of my Invention consists in certain improved methods
of adapting india-rubber springs as shackles to the ends of steel springs. The
object to be attained in the present case is not length of action, as that is
already provided for in the steel spring itself, but concentration and power
combined with neatness of appearance and protection of the material. To
accomplish this in a suspension shackle, I adopt the following plan:-Fig. 31
represents the shackle; A, A, are two metal sockets or rollers of suitable size,
nearly but not quite in contact with each other. Around these two sockets I
wind a continuous cord B, B, of the best vulcanized rubber at considerable
tension, so as to provide for 2, 3, or 4 cwt. of power at starting. The action
I allow to be in.,,, or more, if desired; but at this extent the shackle
may be effectually checked by a cover of elasticated canvass, or in any of
the methods before described for checking suspension springs.
The space
between the two sockets A, A, is bound round very tightly, whilst in a full
state of tension, with a band C of strong tape, wire, or other suitable material.
In order to apply this suspension shackle in the most compact manner, it is
best to forge both plates of the steel spring with clip ends instead of eyes, and to
shorten the bottom half of the spring, as shewn at Fig. 35. A strong leather
connecting piece may also be introduced in this case in the front of the spring
to draw by, which will be found to have a similar action in combination with
the elastic shackle at the other end. Where these shackles are applied to steel
springs with common eyes and and for brass springs, other forms may be used;
as represented at Figs. 32, 33, & 34. Fig. 35 represents the application
of the shackle described at Fig. 31 to a steel spring, as there referred to.
Fig. 36 represents a double cliptic spring, connected at each end by shackles,
as described. The spring consists of clastic cord at a tension of sufficient
power to support 2 or 3 cwt. at each end, or more, if necessary, and the
effect will be to cut off all vibration and noise..
It should be observed, that what I claim as new under this head is not
merely the suspension of the ends of springs by rings or cord of india-rubber,
this having been done before with partial success, but the particular modes
indicated of constructing the spring by which increased power and durability
are obtained, combined with greater compactness and neatness of appearance.
I would also observe, that I can obtain the same results by using flat or. squaro
straps of material, but so far as my experience goes, I much prefer the use of
round cords or rings....

page_text: Fourth: The fourth part of niy said Invention consists in the adaptation of
india-rubber springs for the diminution of the recoil of muskets, rifles, and
other fire-arms. Where rifle barrels are used, and the length of range in
consequence considerably increased, the recoil becomes proportionably great,
and acts with severity upon the shoulder when constantly used: The object
of the present application is to diminish the shock by introducing springs of
india-rubber in some portion of the stock between the breech and the heel
plate. Fig. 37 represents the side view of a musket or rifle. The lower part
of the stock A, A, is furnished with a heel plate of brass, or any other metal
B, B, of a somewhat oval shape, to fit accurately the lower part of the wood
work. The depth of this plate or socket should be from 1 to 2 inches, so as
to leave sufficient space for the insertion of the india-rubber rings C, C. D, D,
is a centre pin, either cast or firmly rivetted into the heel plate, of about
or in. diameter, which slides into a hole accurately bored in the solid
part of the stock A; C, C, are small india-rubber rings. working on two
spindles on each side. On firing the piece, these rings will become instan-
taneously compressed to about half their substance, and the effect will be
greatly to diminish the recoil or shock upon the shoulder. The end of the
guide pin D, D, may be made with a slot, through which passes the point of
a screw through the side of the stock, which will enable the heel plate and
rings to be removed at pleasure. The extension spring may also be adapted
to the stocks of guns or rifles in a similar manner to that hereafter described
for artificial legs and crutches.
Fifth: The fifth part of my said Invention consists in the adaptation of the
india-rubber springs to artificial legs and crutches. This is accomplished in
two ways: first, by inserting one or more rings of small diameter into the
stem of the leg or crutch; and; secondly, by the use of a spring, consisting of
rings or cord of vulcanized india-rubber, inserted horizontally at considerable
tension, so as to give great sustaining power in small compass. Figs. 38, 39,
40, 41, & 42 represent certain parts of artificial legs and crutches, which
illustrate both of the plans above mentioned. Fig. 42 represents a wooden
leg of the ordinary kind, used for the arniy or navy; A is the socket, made
of wood or leather, to receive the stump of the limb; B, the turned end to
which the socket is attached; C, the stem, which is generally turned with a
shoulder and taper pin, fitting tight into a hole through the centre of B. In
the present case, this pin; instead of fitting tight, should be made parallel, so
as to give about or of an inch motion; and between the shoulders A, A,
I insert a single. ring of india-rubber D. It may be either cylindrical (see
Fig. 42 a) or of a round section (Fig. 42 b); in either case its appearance will

page_text: be ornamental, and the simplicity of its application renders it suitable for
army and navy use, where large quantities are required. The centre pin may
either be of wood, as at present, about 1-in. in diameter, or of iron, about
inch or inch diameter, which will allow the ring to be made smaller; and
the upper part may be secured by a nut, let into the block. B. In some cases
it may be preferred to insert the ring or rings in a brass socket, as shewn at
Fig. 40; and in such cases two rings of a smaller diameter, with seperating
plate between, will give the requisite strength. Fig. 39 represents a crutch
handle and part of stem, in which is inserted a ring of similar kind to that
just described, between two shoulder's B; B, the action being in every respect
similar to that before described. Fig. 38, 39, & 41 shew also the situation
of the spring before referred to, which acts by horizontal stretch or tension.
Fig. 38 represents its application to the handle of a crutch; A, A, is the
handle, formed of wood and hollowed out on the top to the depth of 1 or 1
inches; B, B, are straps, or a cord of india-rubber stretched tightly across the
extreme points of A, A. If. straps are used, it may be adviseable to employ
that material which has an admixture of cloth or canvass, conimonly called
insertion rubber, in which case the ends may be effectually fastened by nails or
screws. In other cases, rings or a continuous cord may be used with the same
result, (viz.,) to give ease to the wearer, and prevent jar and friction. Fig. 39
represents also the handle of a crutch, shaped so as to receive the horizontal
spring. A is the handle; C, part of the stem, into which is inserted an iron
spindle, which acts upon the centre of the spring B; B, so as to give three
quarters or an inch motion. Fig. 41 represents the same application to a
wooden leg. The centre spindle should be of iron or other metal, connected
as before with the spring B, B.
These suspension springs may be applied not merely in the methods above
shewn, but may be introduced into any convenient part of an artificial leg or
crutch. In cork, and. other composition legs, for instance, where expense is
not so much an object, the horizontal spring may be introduced into any con-
venient part so as to lessen the jar or recoil, care being taken to provide for
the true perpendicular action of the part by a centre spindle or other suitable
means. The two Drawings, shewn at Fig. 41 and 42, are for a leg taken
off above the knee, but the same plans will apply with slight modifications to
other cases.
Having now described my said Inventions, and the different modes of carrying
out the same, I would here observe, that I use throughout this my Specification
the word india-rubber as a generic term including all kinds of india-rubber or
caoutchouc, and its compounds with other substances, though I generally

page_text: prefer to use the material commonly known as pure vulcanised caoutchouc.
I would also observe, in reference to the different forms and shapes of iron
work exhibited in the present Drawings, that such forms must necessarily be
varied in strength and shape to suit the different kinds of vehicles for which
they are required, still retaining the same principles of construction; what
I claim as new in respect to the present Invention being as follows, viz. :—
1st, the construction of extension or suspension springs of india-rubber, as
herein set forth and described.
2nd, the various adaptations of india-rubber springs for carriages, and their
combinations with the different forms of iron work, as herein set forth and
described.
3rd, the adaptations of india-rubber springs as shackles for steel springs, as
herein set forth and described.
4th, the adaptations of india-rubber springs for lessening the recoil of
muskets, rifles, and other fire-arms, as herein set forth and described.
5th, the adaptations of india-rubber springs to artificial legs and crutches, as
herein set forth and described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Coles Fuller, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Ninth day of July, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.
Signed and sealed in my presence,
F. W. CAMPIN,
156, Strand,
Patent Agent.
W. C. FULLER.
(L.S.)