IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY VEHICLES
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Harris Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY VEHICLES."
A com-
munication from abroad by James White Chisholm, of Brooklyn, New York,
United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Harris Lake at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st January 1881.
HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF
RAILWAY VEHICLES." [A communication from abroad by James White Chisholm,
of Brooklyn, New York, United States of America.]
This Invention relates generally to means employed for connecting the body of
a railway vehicle with the frames in which are the axles, but it more particularly
relates to railway vehicles in which the said frames are suspended from the axle-
boxes, or from points fixed relatively to the length of the axles by means of links,
which provide for lateral movement of each pair of wheels produced by irregularities
in the rails or by other causes independently of the axle frame, and without trans-
mitting any considerable portion of such movement to the said frame.
The manner of suspending the axle-frame forms one feature of the present
Invention, and consists in the combination with a pair of wheels, an axle and its
frame, of a yoke embracing the axle box, and capable of moving vertically in guides
in said frame, and links arranged upon opposite sides of the axle box and also
within the yoke, 'and pivotted at their upper ends to said axle box or other part
fixed relatively to the length of the axle, and at their lower ends to the said yoke.
A spring or springs are arranged between the yoke and the upper portion of the
frame, which are compressed by the weight of the frame and load, and when the
axle is impelled in the direction of its length it simply vibrates the links out
of the perpendicular but does not impart any considerable movement to the axle-
frame and the vehicle body.
The object of another feature of this Invention is to prevent the axle frame, in
case it does receive more or less lateral movement from the lateral movement of

page_text: the wheels and axle, from transmitting any portion of such movement to the
vehicle body, and to this end another feature of the said Invention consists in the
combination with a pair of wheels, an axle and its frame, of pairs of links
whereby the frame is suspended from the axle-boxes or other fixed points relatively
to the length of the axle, and other pairs of links whereby the vehicle body is
suspended from the said frame. When so constructed the extent of vibration of
the suspending links from the perpendicular is only half what it would be when
the whole amount of lateral movement of the wheels and axle relatively to the
vehicle body is compensated for by one set of links suspending the frame only,
and hence there is less liability of any portion of the lateral movement of the
wheels and axle being transmitted to the vehicle body.
Another feature of this Invention relates to vehicles in which each axle and
pair of wheels is provided with a separate frame connected with the vehicle body
separately from and independently of all the frames of all the other axles, whether
the vehicle be provided with only two axles and pairs of wheels or with more than
two, and the object of this feature of the said Invention is to utilize the momentum
of the vehicle body and load, and their gravity in passing a curve, for the purpose
of shifting the axles to cause them to assume a position radial or normal to the
said curve, and to effect the desired result without material shock to the vehicle
and without straining the rails. To this end this feature of this Invention
consists in the combination with a pair of wheels, an axle, and its frame of a
vehicle body and a novel arrangement of devices for connecting the said frame
with the vehicle body, which permit the axle and frame in passing a curve to be
moved laterally relatively to the body, and also radiated relatively to the curve by
the combined action of the momentum and gravity of the vehicle body and load.
The connecting devices or mechanism between the frame and body may be of any
suitable character to produce the desired result, but I preferably provide a fixed
pivotal connection between the frame and body upon the inner side of the axle,
that is, the side nearest the middle of the length of the vehicle, and a connection
between said body and frame at the outer or opposite side of the axle, which will
permit of the lateral movement of the body independently of said frame. The
latter connection may be constructed in various ways, but a very desirable
connection is formed by links suspended from the upper portion of the frame and
having connected to their lower ends a bracket rigidly secured to the under side of
the body and projecting downwardly therefrom. When a vehicle having the axle
frames connected in the above described manner approaches a curve in the railway
the momentum of the vehicle, tending in a straight line, will cause the flange of the
wheel to press against the outer rail and tend to move the wheels, axle, and frame
laterally relatively to the vehicle, but such lateral movement of one side of the
frame being prevented by the pivotal connection between the body and frame, the
said pressure of the wheel upon the rail turns the frame upon its pivot, radiating
the axle relatively to the curved road and moving it laterally in the line of an arc
relatively to the vehicle body. Where not only the body is suspended by links
from the frame, but the said frame is also suspended by links from the axle, the
lateral movement of the wheels and axle will swing the last mentioned links from
their perpendicular position, and in such case the lateral and radial movement of
the axle and frame will be assisted by the force of gravity of the vehicle body and
frame, causing the said links to tend to a perpendicular position. Where I arrange
three axles and pairs of wheels and three frames under a vehicle, the two end axles
and frames are adapted to move both laterally relatively to the vehicle body and
radially relatively to the rail, but the intermediate axle and frame need only be
adapted to move laterally relatively to the body, and this is true where any odd
number of axles, pairs of wheels and frames are used, but where even numbers of
axles, pairs of wheels and frames are used all should be adapted to move both
laterally and radially as described.
In lieu of having two or three pairs of wheels, their axles, and two or three axle
frames connected directly with the vehicle body, they might be connected with a

page_text: truck body or frame, and the truck body or frame be connected by a centre pin or
king bolt or otherwise with the vehicle body..
Another feature of this Invention consists in the combination with a vehicle
body of two pairs of wheels, two axles, and two axle frames of the kind previously
described, a pin or pivot serving to connect the two frames together between their
axles at their adjacent sides, and also serving to connect the two frames with the
vehicle body, and a connection between each frame and the vehicle body upon the
side of the axle opposite said pin or pivot, which admits of either frame moving
laterally independently of the vehicle body.
Each of the axle frames is suspended by pendulous links from the axle boxes
or other points fixed relatively to the length of the axle, and I will first describe
how this is done.
Each of the said frames may be composed (although their construction might be
varied) of two side pieces, two end cross pieces connecting said side pieces, and two
intermediate cross pieces also connecting said side pieces, the whole being strongly
rivetted or bolted together and forming rigid rectangular frames. Extending
downward from the end cross pieces are pairs of jaws, and between said jaws are
placed the axle boxes, which are of any suitable construction. The jaws are
channelled or grooved upon their inner faces so as to form guides for a yoke
extending across the top of the axle box and down upon each side thereof.
Between the top of the yoke and the end cross pieces there are springs.
Upon opposite sides of each axle box and between the box and the adjacent
portion of the yoke are links connected at their upper ends by a bolt with the axle
box or other points fixed relatively to the length of the axle, and connected at their
lower ends by a bolt with the lower ends of the yoke, and such axle box and yoke
with the pair of links fill the space between the two jaws, leaving little space for
movement transversely to the axle. By this arrangement each axle and pair of
wheels may move laterally relatively to the vehicle body without imparting
movement to its frame, and therefore without moving the body or straining the
connection between said frame and the body.
The vehicle body is constructed with the middle frame in a novel manner, which
I will now describe, it being understood that the connection between the two end
frames and the body is, in part, the same as that between the middle frame and
the said body. Brackets or hangers are rigidly connected to the under side of the
vehicle body, and project upon each side of the axle for a considerable distance
below the frame. Each bracket is connected with the intermediate cross pieces of
the said frame upon each side of the axle by means of a pair of pendulous links,
having their upper ends connected with said cross pieces, and their lower ends
connected with the lower portions of the brackets. Each end frame is connected
with the vehicle body upon the inner side of its axle, that is, upon the side towards
the middle of the length of the vehicle by a fixed pivotal connection in the middle
of the width of the vehicle and about midway of the length of the side piece.
This connection may be of any suitable character, and it forms a pivot or centre
upon which the frame may swing laterally relatively to the vehicle body in an arc-
shaped path.
In order to reduce friction and wear upon this pivotal connection I may provide,
in addition thereto, a link for suspending the weight of the body from the frame;
but this will not swing or vibrate from a perpendicular position, but will always be
maintained in nearly a perpendicular position.
Upon the opposite side of the axle, that is, upon the outside thereof, or upon the
side farthest from the middle of the vehicle, the frame is connected with the body
by any suitable devices which will permit the frame to move laterally relatively to
and independently of the body; but I prefer to employ links, in all respects similar
to those previously described, and connected with the cross pieces of the frame and
the bracket or hanger whereby the vehicle body is suspended from the frame by
long pendulous supports.
Although I have described a form of mechanism for carrying out my Invention

page_text: which is very advantageous, still the mechanism might be modified in its several
features without departing from the spirit of my Invention, which consists
essentially in connecting a single pair of wheels, an axle and its frame, with a
vehicle body by means of devices which permit of the axles and frames separately
and independently of each other moving laterally and independently relatively to
the vehicle, and also radiating relatively to the road, so as to be in all cases normal
to the curves therein while passing the same.
The axle frames might be connected with the body of a truck, and the vehicle
body have such a truck under each end connected with it by a king bolt or centre
pin or otherwise.
In an arrangement of axles which may be adapted for a truck for each end of a
vehicle one common pivotal connection serves as a fixed pivotal connection between
each of the frames and the body, and also serves to pivot the two frames together
so that either may swing independently of the other.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Henry Harris Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
25th June 1881.
HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF
RAILWAY VEHICLES." A communication from abroad by James White Chisholm,
of Brooklyn, New York, United States of America.
This Invention relates generally to means employed for connecting the body of a
railway vehicle with the frames in which are the axles, but it more particularly
relates to railway vehicles in. which the said frames are suspended from the axle-
boxes, or from points fixed relatively to the length of the axles, by means of links,
which provide for lateral movement of each pair of wheels produced by irregularities
in the rails, or by other causes independently of the axle-frame, and without
transmitting any considerable portion of such movement to the said frame.
"
The manner of suspending the axle frame forms one feature of the present
Invention, and consists in the combination with a pair of railway vehicle wheels,
an axle and its frame, of a yoke embracing the axle-box, and capable of moving
vertically in guides in the said frame, and links arranged upon opposite sides of the
axle-box, and also within the yoke, and pivoted at their upper ends to the said
axle-box or other part fixed relatively to the length of the axle, and at their lower
ends to the said yoke. A spring or springs are arranged between the yoke and the
upper portion of the frame, and are compressed by the weight of the frame and
load, and when the axle is impelled in the direction of its length it simply vibrates
the links out of the perpendicular, but does not impart any considerable movement
to the axle-frame and the vehicle body.
The object of another feature of this Invention is to prevent the axle-frame, in
case it does receive more or less lateral movement from the lateral movement of the
wheels and axle, from transmitting any portion of such movement to the vehicle
body, and to this end this feature of the said Invention.consists in the combination
with a pair of wheels, an axle and its frame, of pairs of links, whereby the frame
is suspended from the axle-boxes or other points fixed relatively to the length of
the axle and other pairs of links, whereby the vehicle body is suspended from the
said frame. When so constructed the extent of vibration of the suspending links
from the perpendicular is only half what it would be when the whole amount of
lateral movement of the wheels and axle relatively to the vehicle body is compensated
for by one set of links suspending the frame only, and hence there is less liability
of any portion of the lateral movement of the wheels and axle being transmitted to
the vehicle body.
Another feature of this Invention relates to railway vehicles in which each axle
and pair of wheels is provided with a separate frame, connected with the vehicle
body separately from and independently of all the frames of all the other axles,
whether the vehicle be provided with only two axles and pairs of wheels, or with
more than two, and the object of this feature of the said Invention is to utilize the
momentum of the vehicle body and load, and their gravity in passing around a
curve, for the purpose of shifting the axles to cause them to assume a position
radial or normal to the said curve, and to effect the desired result without material
shock to the vehicle, and without straining the rails. To this end this feature of
the said Invention consists in the combination with a pair of wheels, an axle and
its frame, of a vehicle body and a novel arrangement of devices for connecting the
said frame with the vehicle body, which permit the axle and frame in passing
around a curve to be moved laterally relatively to the vehicle body, and also
radiated relatively to the curve by the combined action of the momentum and

page_text: gravity of the vehicle body and load. The connecting devices or mechanism
between the frame and vehicle body may be of any suitable character to produce
the desired result, but I preferably provide a fixed pivotal connection between the
frame and body upon the inner side of the axle, that is to say, the side nearest the
middle of the length of the vehicle, and a connection between the said body and
frame at the outer or opposite side of the axle, which will permit of the lateral
movement of the vehicle body independently of the said frame. The latter
connection may be constructed in various ways, but a very desirable connection is
formed by links suspended from the upper portion of the frame, and having
connected to their lower ends a bracket rigidly secured to the underside of the.
vehicle body, and projecting downwardly therefrom. When a vehicle, having the
axle frames connected in the above described manner, approaches a curve in the
track or railway, the momentum of the vehicle tending in a straight line will
cause the flange of the wheel to press against the outer rail, and tend to move
the wheels, axle, and frame laterally relatively to the vehicle, but such lateral
movement of one side of the frame being prevented by the pivotal connection
between the body and frame, the said pressure of the wheel upon the rail turns
the frame upon its pivot, radiating the axle relatively to the curved road or track,
and moving it laterally in the line of an arc relatively to the vehicle body.
Where not only the body is suspended by links from the frame, but the said frame
is also suspended by links from the axle, the lateral movement of the wheels and
axle will swing the last mentioned links from their perpendicular position, and in
such case the lateral and radial movement of the axle and frame will be assisted by
the force of gravity of the vehicle body and frame, causing the said links to tend to
a perpendicular position. Where I arrange three axles and pairs of wheels and
three frames under a vehicle, the two end axles and frames are adapted to move
both laterally relatively to the vehicle body and radially relatively to the rails;
but the intermediate axle and frame need only be adapted to move laterally
relatively to the vehicle body, and this is true where any odd number of axles,
pairs of wheels, and frames are used; but where even numbers of axles, pairs
of wheels, and frames are used all should be adapted to move both laterally and
radially, as described.
In lieu of having two or three pairs of wheels, their axles and two or three axle
frames, connected directly with the vehicle body, they may be connected with a
truck body or frame, and the truck body or frame be connected by a centre pin or
king bolt or otherwise with the vehicle body.
Another feature of this Invention consists in the combination with a vehicle
body of two pairs of wheels, two axles and two axle-frames of the kind previously
described, a pin or pivot serving to connect the two frames between their axles at
their adjacent sides, and also serving to connect the two frames with the vehicle
body, and a connection between each frame and the said body upon the side of the
axle opposite the said pin or pivot, which admits of either frame moving laterally
independently of the vehicle body.
In the accompanying Drawing,-
Figure 1 represents a plan of three axles, pairs of wheels and frames, with the
outline of a vehicle-body supported thereon in dotted lines, and also represents a
curved portion of a line of rails, and
Figure 2 is a longitudinal section thereof.
.
Figure 3 is a transverse section on the line x, x, Figure 1.
Figure 4 is an end view of the centre frame with its axle and wheels.
Figure 5 is an end view partly in section of one of the axle-frames with the
axle-box and appurtenances drawn to an enlarged scale.
Figure 6 is a plan of two axles and frames arranged together to form a truck,
and
Figure 7 is a longitudinal section thereof on the line y, y, Figure 6, and of a

page_text: The only portion of the vehicle body represented in the Drawing is the
platform A. With the underside of this platform are connected three pairs of
wheels, three axles, and their three frames; B, B, designate the wheels, which
may be fixed or loose upon their axles.
The two end axles C and their frames D are both susceptible of a lateral
movement relatively to and independently of the vehicle body, and a swinging
or twisting movement to cause them to radiate relatively to a curved line, and
move from positions directly transverse to the vehicle body in either direction, as
shown in Figure 1. The middle axle C₁ and its frame D₁ are only adapted to move
laterally relatively to and independently of the vehicle body.
Each of the frames D, D¹, is suspended by pendulous links from the axle-boxes
or other points fixed relatively to the length of the axle, and I will first describe
how this is effected.
Each of the frames D, D₁, is composed, as shewn in the Drawing (although their
construction might be varied), of two side pieces a, two end cross pieces b connecting
the said side pieces, and two intermediate cross pieces c also connecting the said
side pieces, the whole being strongly rivetted or bolted together, and forming rigid
rectangular frames. Extending downwards from the end cross pieces 6 are pairs of
jaws d, d, shown most clearly in Figure 4, and between the said jaws are placed the
axle boxes e, which are of any suitable construction. These jaws d, d, are channelled
or grooved upon their inner faces so as to form guides for an adjustable yoke 8
extending across the top of the axle-box e, and down upon each side thereof, as clearly
shown in Figure 5. Between the top of the yoke s and the end cross pieces b, b,
are springs f, formed as shewn in Figures 4 and 5; but in lieu of this form of
springs other springs differently arranged may be used.
Upon opposite sides of each axle-box e, and between the box and the adjacent
portion of the yoke 8, are links 9 connected at their upper ends by a bolt gl with
the axle box or other points fixed relatively to the length of the axle, and connected
at their lower ends by a bolt g2 with the lower ends of the yoke 8. By reference
to Figure 4 it will be seen that the said axle-box and yoke with the pair of links
fill the space between the two jaws d, d, leaving little space for movement trans-
versely to the axle. By this arrangement each axle and pair of wheels may move
laterally relatively to the vehicle body without imparting movement to its frame,
and therefore without moving the vehicle body or straining the connection between
the said frame and body.
The vehicle body is connected with the middle frame D¹ in a novel manner,
which I will now proceed to describe, it being understood that the connection
between the two end frames and the body is in part the same as that between the
middle frame and the said body. E, E, designate brackets or hangers of the form.
shewn most clearly in Figure 3; these brackets are rigidly connected to the under
side of the vehicle body, and project upon each side of the axle C¹ for a considerable
distance below the frame D₁. Each bracket is connected with the intermediate
cross pieces c of the said frame upon each side of the axle by means of a pair of
pendulous links h having their upper ends connected with the said cross pieces, and
their lower ends with the lower portions of the brackets E. These links are shown
in the Drawing as consisting of bolts inserted through holes in the cross pieces c
and the brackets E, and provided above and below the same with nuts h¹; but the
said links may consist of rods or bars of any desired form, and their upper and
lower ends may be connected with the frame D' and brackets E in any suitable
manner which will admit of their swinging freely in any direction. The two end
frames D are just alike, and are connected with the vehicle body in a similar
manner; and, as before stated, each frame is composed of side pieces a, end cross
pieces b, and intermediate cross pieces c. Each end frame D is connected with the
vehicle body upon the inner side of its axle C, that is to say, upon the side towards
the middle of the length of the vehicle by a fixed pivotal connection F in the middle
of the width of the vehicle, and about midway of the length of the side-piece a.
This connection may be of any suitable character, and it forms a pivot or centre

page_text: upon which the frame D may swing laterally relatively to the vehicle body in an
arc-shaped path.
In order to reduce friction and wear upon this pivotal connection, I may provide
in addition thereto, a link similar to the links h previously described for suspending
the weight of the vehicle body from the frame, but unlike the links h, this will not
swing or vibrate from a perpendicular position, but will always be maintained in
nearly such a position.
Upon the opposite side of the axle, that is to say, upon the outside thereof, or
upon the side farthest from the middle of the vehicle, the frame is connected with
the vehicle body by any suitable devices which will permit the frame to move
laterally relatively to and independently of the body, but I prefer to employ links h,
in all respects similar to those previously described, and connected with the cross
pieces c of the frame D, and the bracket or hanger E¹, whereby the vehicle body is
suspended from the frame by long pendulous supports.
I will now proceed to describe the operation of the above described improve-
ments, and will suppose that the vehicle is moving towards the left, and that the
front pair of wheels have just reached a curve in the line (the rail G being the
outer rail of the curve, and the rail G', the inner rail thereof), while the rear pair
of wheels is still upon a straight portion of the line.
Before the front pair of
wheels strike the curve, all the axles and their frames stand directly across the
vehicle body at a right angle to the length thereof. When the curve is reached
the momentum of the vehicle will cause it to tend to travel in a straight line
tangential to the curve, but such line of movement will bring the flange of one
wheel against the outer rail, the bearing point of said wheel forming the resistance
opposed to the continued movement of the front pair of wheels in a straight line.
The momentum of the vehicle body is unchecked by the wheel striking the outer
rail G, and hence pressure is exerted upon the pivotal connection F of the vehicle
body with the front frame D in a line tangential to the curve, and such pressure
continuing causes the front axle and its frame to swing from a position straight
across the vehicle into a position radial or normal to the curve, and canted
relatively to the end of the vehicle, as shown in Figure 1. Thus it will be
understood how the front axle and its frame are radiated relatively to the line, and
moved laterally in an arc-shaped path independently of the vehicle body. When
the front axle and frame are moved into a position radial or normal to the curve,
as above described, the momentum of the vehicle continues to cause it to tend in a
direction tangential to the curve, and hence the links h, which connect the outer
side of the front frame with the vehicle body, are swung from a perpendicular
position by the movement of their upper ends and assume an inclined position,
and thereby the gravity of the vehicle body is opposed to the centrifugal force, and
tends to cause the said body to swing or move from its tangential course to the
line of travel of the first pair of wheels on the curve.
It will now be obvious that the effect of gravity constantly increases while the
centrifugal force which is opposed to gravity constantly decreases, and when the
effect of gravity is sufficiently strong to overcome the tangential momentum the
front end of the vehicle body is caused to move towards the centre of the curve,
following the movement of the front axle and its frame. The movement of the
front end of the vehicle towards the centre of the curve causes the links h by
which the vehicle body is suspended from the middle frame to vibrate from the
perpendicular in the opposite direction to the vibration of the links which suspend
the vehicle body from the frame of the front axle, and the force of gravity tending
to cause the vehicle body to move to permit the return of the said links to their
perpendicular position causes the rear end of the vehicle to move laterally in the
opposite direction to that in which the front end moves.
This lateral movement
of the rear end of the vehicle acting through the pivotal connection between the
vehicle body and the frame of the rear axle- causes the said frame and its axle to
move laterally relatively to and independently of the vehicle body in an arc-shaped
path, thereby swinging the said frame and axle so that they stand radial to the

page_text: curve.
When the axles and frames are thus swivelled or moved, the links h by
which the vehicle body is suspended from the front and rear axle frames vibrate
in one direction, while the links by which the vehicle body is suspended from the
middle axle frame vibrate in the reverse direction, and the centre of gravity falls
centrally between the reversely inclined positions which the links occupy.
Although the wheels B shewn in the Drawing are fast on the axles they may
be loose thereon, and the ease in rounding curves will be thereby increased to the
extent of the advantage possessed by a pair of loose wheels over a pair of fixed
wheels.
Although the middle axle and its frame, which can only move laterally relatively
to the vehicle body, are shewn in connection with end axles and their frames,
which can move laterally and also radiate relatively to the line, the said middle
axle and its frame possesses advantages in itself, as I provide for a great amount of
lateral movement of the axle relatively to the vehicle without necessitating the
vibration of the suspending links to any considerable angle from the perpendicular,
and the angle of each of the links g and h is only half as great to produce a given
extent of lateral movement as would be the angle of the links g if they alone
were used, the difference varying as the relative lengths of the two sets of links
differ.
Although I prefer to have the frames D of the end axles to which the vehicle
body is connected by the fixed pivotal connection F and links h, themselves
suspended by the links g from the axle boxes or other points fixed relatively to the
length of the axles C, still the advantages of such pivotal and suspended connections
of the vehicle body from the frame would result in a less degree if the axles and
their frames were not capable of lateral movement relatively to each other.
Although the apparatus or mechanism above described is very advantagous, still
the said mechanism might be modified in its several features without departing
from the spirit of my Invention, which consists essentially in connecting a single
pair of wheels, an axle and its frame, with a vehicle body, by means of devices
which permit of the axles and frames separately and independently of each other
moving laterally and independently relatively to the vehicle, and also radiating
relatively to the road or line so as to be in all cases normal to the curves therein
while passing the same.
The axle frames shewn in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as connected directly with
the vehicle body, might in some cases be connected in a similar manner with the
body of a truck, and the vehicle body have such a truck under each end connected
with it by a king bolt or centre pin or otherwise.
In Figures 6 and 7 I have shewn an arrangement of axles which may be adapted
for a truck for each end of a vehicle. The two axle-frames D, D, are in all respects
like the end frames shewn in Figures 1 and 2, and are connected with the body A
in the same manner, with the exception that one common pivotal connection F
serves as a fixed pivotal connection between each of the frames and the body, and
also serves to pivot the two frames together, so that either may swing independently
of the other.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,
First. The combination with a pair of wheels, an axle, and its frame, of pairs of
links by which the frame is suspended from the axle boxes or other points fixed
relatively to the length of the axle and other pairs of links by which the vehicle
body is suspended from the said frame, substantially as above set forth and for the
purpose specified.
Second. The combination with a pair of wheels, an axle, and its frame of the
vehicle or truck body, and devices connecting the said body and frame, which
permit the axle and frame in passing around a curve to be moved laterally relatively
to the vehicle or truck body, and also radiated relatively to the line by the
momentum and gravity of the vehicle, substantially as above set forth.

page_text: Third. The combination with a pair of wheels, an axle, and its frame of the
vehicle or truck body having a fixed pivotal connection with the said frame upon
one side of the said axle, substantially as above set forth and for the purpose
specified.
Fourth. The combination with a pair of wheels, an axle, and its frame of the
vehicle or truck body having a fixed pivotal connection with the said frame upon
one side of the said axle, and having a connection with the opposite side of the
said frame which permits the lateral movement of the vehicle or truck body
independently of the said frame, substantially as above set forth and for the purpose
specified.
Fifth. The combination with a pair of wheels, an axle, and its frame of the
vehicle or truck body having a fixed pivotal connection with the said frame upon
one side of the said axle, and connected with the opposite side of the said frame
by links suspended from the said frame, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
Sixth. The combination with a pair of wheels, an axle, and its frame, suspended
by links from the axle-boxes or other points fixed relatively to the length of the
axle, of the vehicle or truck body having a pivotal connection with the said frame
upon one side of the said axle, substantially as above set forth and for the purpose
specified.
Seventh. The combination with a pair of wheels, an axle, and a frame, suspended
by links from the axle boxes or other points relatively to the length of the axle, of
the vehicle or truck body having a fixed pivotal connection with the said frame
upon one side of the axle, and connected with the opposite side of the said frame
by links suspended from the said frame, substantially as above set forth and for the
purpose specified.
Eighth. The combination with the vehicle or truck body of three pairs of wheels,
three axles, and their three frames, pairs of links whereby each frame is suspended
from the axle box or other points fixed relatively to the length of the axle, pairs of
links whereby the said vehicle or truck body is suspended from the frame of the
middle axle upon each side of the said axle, other links whereby the said vehicle or
truck body is suspended from each end frame upon one side of its axle, and a fixed
pivotal connection between the said body and the opposite side of each end frame,
substantially as above set forth and for the purpose specified.
Ninth. The combination of the axle C, the jaws d, d, the yoke 8 adjustable
vertically between the said jaws, the axle box and the links g pivotted at their
upper ends to the axle box and at their lower ends to the said yoke, substantially
as above set forth and for the purposes specified.
Tenth. The combination with the vehicle body and two pairs of wheels, two
axles, and two frames, of a fixed pivot arranged between the said axles, and
connecting the two frames and also connecting both of the said frames with the
vehicle body, substantially as above set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Harris Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-first day of June, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
HENRY H. LAKE. (L.S.)