Improvements in Dog-carts and other Vehicles.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 26th Oct., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 24th July, 1890-Accepted, 6th Sept., 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Dog-carts and other Vehicles.
I, WILLIAM HENRY BARLOW, a subject of the Queen of Great Britain, Farmer and
Fruit Grower, residing at Charlottesville, in the County of Albermarle and State of
Virginia, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to that class of vehicles wherein the load is mounted over one
axle, having large wheels for the purpose of securing easy riding. This class of
vehicles, however has certain disadvantages, and it is therefore the object of my
invention to overcome such disadvantages, and to combine the advantages of such
vehicles with the advantages of ordinary four-wheeled vehicles.
To these ends this invention consists in a four-wheeled vehicle having the load
balanced over the rear axle, and an under-cut connection between the two axles, so
that the front wheels may pass under when the vehicle turns; said under-cut connec-
tion being also an elastic and springy one and being constructed of upwardly curved
spring bars, preferably two in number, but of which there may be one or more.
invention further consists in certain other features of novelty and details of
construction involved in the above-described principles, all of which will be herein-
after more particularly described and pointed out.
The
Over the rear axle is balanced the body through the medium of springs of any
form, which may be mounted on a suitable frame, and be adjustable longitudinally for
the purpose of balancing the load when the vehicle is occupied by one or more
persons. The front axle has a fifth wheel, and to it are attached my improved springs
of various forms, in various ways. These springs are preferably two in number,
though there may be one, two, or more, and they are preferably secured directly to
the fifth wheel by making their forward parts converge, and their forward ends
conform to the upper forward half of the fifth wheel. These springs may, however,
be connected to the bolster, or cross-piece, and I desire it understood that I do not
limit the scope of this invention to any particular form of connection between the
improved springs and the rest of the vehicle. A portion of the springs is curved to
form the frame for the splash-board, which consists of thin boards, or slats, as may be
desired. Rearwardly extending horizontal portions of the spring bars afford means
of attachment to the rear portion of the vehicle or body, and these parts may pass
along the sills and be bolted thereto. These portions of the spring bars may be
attached to the springs or body, or both. A cross-bar is clamped to the crest of the
springs by means of loops which surround said springs, the object being to brace the
springs against transverse movement, but to avoid weakening them by perforations.
This cross-bar carries a rack for the reception of the reins.
If desired, the rear portion of the vehicle (which resembles an ordinary dog cart)
may have a high splash-board, and to the upper portion of this may be attached the
improved springs, the ends of the springs being placed on one side, and suitable plates
on the other, while bolts are passed through both. The rein rack is here secured to
the splash-board.
The ends of the springs are curved to conform to the fifth-wheel, which may, if
desired, be made somewhat broader than usual, so as to afford a good seat for the
springs. The connection between the springs and the fifth wheel may be made with
bolts, rivets, or in any convenient way.
The construction of the forward ends of the springs and the manner of connecting
he same to the front axle are susceptible of various modifications. The springs may
be extended and connected to a bolster of convenient length (the ends being made to
onverge, if necessary, to meet the ends of the bolster), and then secured by means of

page_text: a clip and cross plate. Various lengths of bolster and degrees of converging may be
used.
An additional curve may be formed in the forward end or other part of the spring
for the purpose of giving more elasticity of connection between the front and rear
axles. This however will rarely be found to be necessary, inasmuch as the spring
bars of proper sectional area and with sufficient curve to permit the wheel to turn
under, will afford abundant flexibility in the bar.
Though not ordinarily required, a reach may be used for limiting the play of the
springs, and it may be of advantage in severe use of vehicles such as over rough
ways.
In constructing vehicles according to this invention it is very easy to atilize an
existing two or four-wheeled vehicle, the only necessary changes in a two-wheeled
vehicle, other than the additions, being to remove the shafts and splash-board. The
springs are then attached to the body, and the front axle applied. A four-wheeled
buggy is changed by setting back the body and adding the springs. A vehicle
constructed according to this invention will afford exceedingly easy riding, and may
be turned in a very short space owing to the under-cut; and the bend of the bars for
this purpose is what affords the ease and confort in the vehicle. The bars are
constructed of material such as steel, or a mixture of steel and alumium, or any other
mixture particularly adapted for the purpose.
When the front wheels strike an
obstacle there is no jar, either on the horse or on the occupant, inasmuch as they
give slightly and rise gently over the obstacle.
Dated this 25th day of October 1889.
BOTTOMLEY & LIDDLE,
154, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, Applicant's Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Dog-carts and other Vehicles.
I, WILLIAM HENRY BARLOW, a subject of the Queen of Great Britain, and residing
at Charlottesville, in the County of Albermale, and State of Virginia, Farmer and
Fruit Grower, 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:-
My invention relates to that class of vehicles wherein the load is mounted over one
axle, having large wheels for the purpose of securing easy riding. This class of
vehicles however has certain disadvantages, and it is therefore the object of my
invention to overcome such disadvantages, and to combine the advantages of such
vehicles with the advantages of ordinary four-wheeled vehicles.
To these ends my invention consists in a four-wheeled vehicle having the load
balanced over the rear axle and an under-cut connection between the two axles so
that the front wheels may pass under when the vehicle turns, said under-cut connection
being also an elastic and springy one, and being constructed of upwardly curved
spring bars, preferably two in number, but of which there may be one or more.
invention further consists in certain other features of novelty and details of con-
struction involved in the above-described principles, all of which will be hereinafter
more particularly described and pointed out in the claims.
The
In order that my invention may be more fully understood, I will proceed to describe
it with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
Figure 1 is a side elevation of the preferred form of my improved vehicle.
Figure 2 is a front elevation of the same.
Figure 3 is a plan view of the same.
Figure 4 is a side elevation of another form differing from the first in that the
curved springs are shorter and are secured to the upper edge of an elongated splash-
board.
Figure 5 is a front view of the same.

page_text: Figure o is a plan view of the same.
Figure 7 is a detached view showing the construction of the spring-bar employed
in Figures 1, 2, and 3, and constructed of a single rectangular bar of any suitable
springy material.
Figure 8 represents a spring for a similar purpose to that ascribed to Figure 7, but
constructed of a number of aminae secured together as in any ordinary carriage
spring and having the main ends made solid.
Figures 9 and 10 are views corresponding to Figures 7 and 8 but showing the form
of spring employed in connection with the long splash-board, as represented in
Figures 4, 5, and 6.
Figures 11 and 12 are transverse sections, taken on the line 11-11, Figures 7 and 9,
and on line 12--12, Figures 8 and 10 respectively.
Figures 13 and 14 are respectively a side elevation and a plan view illustrating a
modification in the connection between the springs and the front axle, the same being
by a bolster secured to the fifth-wheel and clips holding the springs on to the bolster.
In Figure 14 various lengths of holster and incident curves in the ends of the springs
are illustrated by full and dotted lines.
Figure 15 represents a modification in the form of spring, the object being to increase
its flexibility and consequently the elasticity between the front and rear axles. The
connection between this spring and the front axle may be of any form set forth in
the previously described Figures. If the springs are connected to the fifth-wheel when
made in the form, they are preferably attached to the rear half of the upper ring
instead of to the front half, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 inclusive.
Figure 16 represents a vehicle constructed according to my invention and having
for additional strength and security a reach-pole which limits the play of the springs.
1 represents the rear axle, over which is balanced the body 2 through the medium
of the springs (of any form) 3. 4 is the back, which is common to the one or two seats
in the cart; and in this connection it may be stated that the body may be mounted
on a suitable frame and be adjustable longitudinally for the purpose of balancing the
load when the vehicle is occupied by one or more persons. This however is old
per se and is not claimed herein. 5 represents the front axle having fifth-wheel 6;
and 7 represents my improved springs of various forms. These springs are preferably
two in number, though there may be one, two, or more, and they are preferably secured
directly to the fifth-wheel by making their forward parts converge, and their forward
ends conform to the upper forward half of the fifth-wheel. These springs may,
however, be connected to a bolster or cross-piece, and I desire it understood that I do
not limit the scope of my invention to any particular form of connection between the
improved springs and the rest of the vehicle. 8 refers to a portion of the springs
which is curved to form the frame for the splash-board, which consists of thin
boards or slats 9, as may be desired. 10 is the horizontal portion of the spring bars
affording means of attachment to the rear portion of the vehicle or body, these parts
may pass along the sills and be bolted thereto. These portions of the spring bars may
be attached to the springs or body or to both. 11 is a cross-bar which is clamped to
the springs 7 by means of loops which surround said springs, the object being to brace
he springs against transverse movement, but to avoid weakening them by perforations.
This cross-bar carries a rack 12 for the reception of the reins. In Figure 4 a different
construction is shown. Here the rear portion of the vehicle, which resembles an
ordinary dog cart, has a high splash-board 13. To the upper portion of this is
ttached the springs 7, the ends of the springs being placed on one side, and
uitable plates on the other, while bolts are passed through both, as illustrated at 14.
The rein rack is here secured to the splash-board. 15 represents the curved end of
he springs made to conform to the fifth-wheel 6, which may if desired be made
omewhat broader than usual so as to afford a good seat for the springs. The
onnection between spring and fifth-wheel may be made with bolts, rivets, or in any
onvenient way.
In Figures 13 and 14 are represented modifications in the construction of the

page_text: forward ends of the springs, and the manner of connecting the same to the front
axle. The springs are extended and are connected to a bolster of convenient length
(the ends being made to converge, if necessary, to meet the ends of the bolster), and
then secured by means of a clip and cross-plate 18. Various lengths of bolster and
degrees of converging are illustrated by full and dotted lines in Figure 14.
In Figure 15 an additional curve is formed in the spring for the purpose of giving
more elasticity of connection between the front and rear axle. This however will rarely
be found to be necessary, inasmuch as the spring-bars of proper sectional area and with
sufficient curve to permit the wheel to turn under, will afford abundant flexibility
in the bar.
Figure 16 represents a modification which under ordinary circumstances will not
be required. The reach is for limiting the play of the springs, and may be of
advantage in severe use of the vehicle, such as over rough ways. In constructing
vehicles according to my invention, it is very easy to utilize an existing two or
four-wheeled vehicle. The only necessary changes in a two-wheeled vehicle other
than the additions, being to remove the shafts and splash-board. The springs are
then attached to the body and the front axle applied. A four-wheeled buggy is
changed by setting back the body and adding the springs.
A vehicle constructed according to my invention will afford exceedingly easy
riding, and may be turned in a very short space, owing to the under-cut; and the
bend of the bars for this purpose is what affords the ease and comfort in the vehicle.
The bars are constructed of material such as steel, or a mixture of steel and
aluminium, or any other mixture particularly adapted for the purpose. When the
front wheels strike an obstacle there is no jar either on the horse or the occupant,
inasmuch as they give slightly and rise gently over the obstacle.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. A four-wheeled vehicle having the body balanced over the rear axle and a cut
under connection between the front and rear axles, substantially as set forth.
2. A four-wheeled vehicle having the load balanced over the rear axle and a springy
elastic connection between the axles, substantially as set forth.
3. In a four-wheeled vehicle having the body mounted over the rear axle, the
combination with the front and rear axles, of the elastic and springy coupling bars,
constructed substantially as shown.
4. In a vehicle, the combination of the front and rear axles, and the curved
springs connecting said axles and affording an elastic and springy coupling, substan-
tially as set forth.
5. In a vehicle, the combination of the rear axle, the front axle, and the upwardly-
curved spring-bars connecting said axles, substantially as and for the purposes set
forth.
6. In a vehicle, the combination of the rear axle, the body mounted thereon, the
front axle, and the curved spring-bars making an elastic and springy connection
between the front and rear portions of the vehicle, substantially as set forth.
7. In a vehicle, the combination of the rear axle having the body mounted thereon,
the front axle, and the upwardly-curved spring bars, curved so as to permit the wheel
to pass under in turning the vehicle, substantially as set forth.
3. The combination of the front and rear axles having the curved bar coupling
and the cross bar connecting the upper parts of the curved bars and carrying the
rein-holder, substantially as set forth.
9. The combination of the axles and the spring-bar connection, secured at the
forward end to the fifth wheel, as shown.
10. The combination of the rear axle, the body balanced over said axle and secured
thereto by suitable spring or springs, the front axle to which the horse is adapted to
be attached, and the upwardly bent coupling spring or springs adapted to permit

page_text: the passage of the wheels thereunder, said springs being secured forward to the
fifth wheel and, in the rear to the body, substantially as and for the purpose set
forth.
11. A four-wheeled dog-cart.
12. The herein described improvements in wahiala.
the passage of the wheels thereunder, said springs being secured forward to the
fifth wheel and, in the rear to the body, substantially as and for the purpose set
forth.
11. A four-wheeled dog-cart.
12. The herein described improvements in vehicles.
Dated this 23rd day of July 1890.
BOTTOMLEY & LIDDLE,
154, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, Applicant's Agents.