IMPROVEMENTS IN HANSOMS APPLICABLE TO OTHER VEHICLES PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Brockelbank of 37 Old Jewry in, the City of
London EC for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN HANSOMS APPLICABLE
TO OTHER VEHICLES
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Brockelbank at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th January 1883.
HENRY BROCKELBANK of 37 Old Jewry in the City of London [EC] IMPROVE-
MENTS IN HANSOMS, APPLICABLE TO OTHER VEHICLES.
"
This invention of improvements in Hansoms consists :-
Firstly. In a new contrivance of window for closing a Hansom.
Secondly. In a novel arrangement of the "reins rest" on the roof by which the
driver is enabled to shift the reins at that point to a distance on either side.
<<
My first improvement whereby I abolish the existing style of folding windows
and other methods in use, is comprised in a construction of glazed framework,
taking the form of the roof of a Hansom (to which my description herein refers),
having sides or wings," also glazed, the whole (which I will term a "Shield")
lightly built, is kept close to the roof and sides of the Hansom by a bar at the
inner end passing through its sides and a rod at each side and projecting a little
beyond (which bar and rods I respectively refer to as "horizontal bar" and
"supporting rods "). Upon which supporting rods it is capable of being thrown
forward and out in a line with, and forming a continuation of the roof and sides
of the Hansom and when full out to partly rotate on its axis the horizontal bar.
The supporting rods in their backward and forward motion turn on bolts in the
sides of the Hansom, but at the bottom.
On the projecting ends of the horizontal bar, I fix segments of toothed wheels,
the teeth of which take into the teeth of other larger segments of wheels. The
latter turn on pinions in the supporting rods. I place small wheels (not toothed)
on pinions near the periphery of each large segment. I fix curved levers on each
side of the Hansom above the fixed windows running from front to back having
their fulcra at a point near the larger segments, the small wheels on which latter
rest on the short ends of levers. The other ends of levers are weighted. On
either one of the supporting rods, at a point about on a line with the top of the
doors of the Hansom, I fix a spring catch. I place knobs or small handles along
the side framework of Shield.

page_text: MODE OF OPERATING
For closing the Hansom a passenger places his hands on the supporting rods,
the act of pushing them forward throws the shield out; the small wheels on the
larger segments travelling, at the time, along the curved levers past their fulcra.
The Shield is next pulled down by the knobs or landles, giving motion to the
small toothed segments, which gear with the larger, thus causing the small wheels
on the latter to press down the short ends of. levers and raise the weights at their
opposite ends. The Shield boing closed down is caught and held, until released, by
the head of the spring catch taking into a staple in the framework.
In opening the Hansom the spring catch is raised and the Shield automatically
riscs being counter balanced by the weights, the latter in descending to their former
positions giving impulso to the segments by the short ends of levers pressing in an
upward direction the small wheels on the larger segments. The Shield may then
be pulled in by its supporting rods. The driver is enabled to work the Shiold by
means of a cord or line which I pass through the centre of the roof at the head of
the Hansom, to the centre of the back of the Shield, along and inside to the top of
one of the supporting rods down to a point where the front of the Shield in being
closed meets the doors and carried up and connected to ono side of the front of
the Shield, the act of pulling which, first throws the Shield out, and when full out,
a continued pull closes it down and the spring catch holds it. The other end of
the cord or line I pass through the centre of roof also, but at the back, on through
an eyelet fixed to the centre of horizontal bar, along, inside and down to tho
spring catch to which it is attached. The driver on pulling this end of the cord
raises the catch, allowing the shield to rise and a continued pull returns the
Shield inside the Hansom. I.attach to this end of the cord, below the eyalet, but
at a sufficient distance to give play to and allow the cord to release the catch, n
stop, to prevent the cord, when the catch is released, from further passing through
the eyelet and straining the catch when the driver is in the act of drawing in tho
Shield. The cord passes over pullies at turning points. The small wheels on the
larger segments serve the purpose of keeping the Shield from being closed down
wlien the driver is in the act of drawing the Shield out.
To prevent draught pieces of sheet metal (other inatorial may be used). I place
along the top of the Shield, overlapping the sides a short distance down, which as
the shield is being closed pass in between the sides of the Hansom and other
strips of sheet metal fixed to its sides from the roof downwards partly closed ou
the inner edge. The front edge of the Shield may be padded with rubber or
leather, and along the doors and their sides where the Shield closes down might bo
fixed strips of wood or other matorial
I place indiarubbor knobs for the levers to descend upon.
For appearance the weights on levers may be cased in.
A Spring roller blind might be placed to the inner end of the Shield to draw
over the face (inside).
Small indiarubber wheels might be fixed in the sides of Shield to run against
sides of Hansom to ensure the Shield taking a proper course in its backward and
forward movement. Rubber studs I place in the sidos of the Hansom to provent
the supporting rods from coming too far forward.
The back of the Shield I so form as to fit; when the Shield is closed down,
against the roof of the Hansom.
A suitable shape may be given to the sides of the Shield and supporting rods,
that they may not interfere with the outlook from the fixed windows.
I do not confine myself particularly to the modes before described of giving.
movement to the Shield. For instance, for the purpose of keeping the Shield open,
the side framework might be weiglited or weights suspended from the back of the
Shield or Springs may be brought into use, fixed to the Shield, roof or supporting
rods. The supporting rods might be abolished and a lever fixed to the sides of

page_text: the Hansom to work the Shield in and out and close it. The Shield might run
in Slots at the sides of Hansom with springs at the back to throw it forward.
I claim for this novel construction of Shield, simple in action, the following
advantages over the old method of closing Hansoms.
.
Can with facility be shut or opened by either driver or passenger.
Is perfectly draught proof and noiseless.
Does not necessitate shutting up the Hansom in rain (but only thrown out).
Does not interfere with the head of the passenger when being shut up, and is
less likely to cause injury to the passenger in the event of the horse falling and
the glass being broken.
Occupies less space in the roof.
When closed gives considerable more room inside and has a better appearance
outside. and passengers outlook in front is not interfered with by the framework.
The Second improvement has for its object the shifting of the reins mechanically
at that point where as at present they interfere with the head gear of a passenger
entering or leaving the vehicle. By a rearrangement of the "Reins Rest
on the
roof I enable the driver by simply pulling a string or other attachment to move
the reins to one side, as may be required, without rising from his seat or removing
the reins from the rest.
"
My improved rest is, in appearance, somewhat of the ordinary pattern (14) of
similar metal and thickness, but instead of being in one piece and made a fixture,
the two sides which are about the usual distance apart have each a horizontal
crosspiece for the reins to lodge on, each horizontal piece (the two in appearance as
one) extending to the opposite side, The sides are bent or curved at their lower
ends and hinged to the roof of the Hansom, that is to say are each capable of
being turned over and away from the other. Upon each of these cross pieces I
place about two thirds distance from that side of which they form part, an upright
division making two in place of the former one in the old pattern, thus dividing
the space from side to side into about three equal parts, between which divisions
and the sides the reins are placed. These two divisions perpendicular to the cross-
pieces and parallel to the sides are bent at their tops towards that side to which
they are nearest. The two sides are also bent at their tops but in an opposite
direction, that is towards each other. Two cords or other attachments for the
driver are connected to either side of the rest at a point where the latter are hinged
to the roof of the Hansom. A Spring, metalic or indiarubber, forms a connection
between the two sides below the cross pieces.
By the driver pulling one of the strings that side to which it is connected is
caused to evolve and turn over carrying with it the reins on the horizontal piece
attached to that side with its division between them. Should that side of the
rest be turned completely on one side, the reins will slip, one on to the division,
the other on the upper part of the side, but cannot fall off on account of the bends
given to the top of the division and side. On releasing the cord that side with
the reins is caused to occupy its former position actuated by the spring which
during the movement has been expanded.. On pulling the other string the same
evolutions are gone through with that side the reins for the time, being held away
in the opposite direction. A prop, leaning at an angle twowards the rest, is fixed
to the roof which serves to keep the crosspieces horizontal and in their proper
positions and to receive any extra strain the driver may apply to the reins in
checking his horse. The usual ornamental turns are given to the metal.
Other ways may be adopted to arrive at the same results for instance by having
the reins rest in one piece on a lengthened bar moveable to either side from a point
near the driver. or on a sliding rod and kept in centre of roof by a spring on
either side,

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters atent and or
an Order of the Lord Chancellor filed by the said Henry Brockelbank in tho
Great Seal Patent Office on the 11th August 1883.
HENRY BROOKELBANK, of 37 Old Jewry, in the City of London. E.C.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN HANSOMS APPLICABLE TO OTHER VEHICLES'
.")
My invention of "Improvements in Hansoms applicable to other vehicles"
consiste:-
Firstly. In a new contrivance of window for closing a Hansom.
Secondly. In a novel arrangement of the "Butterfly" or reins rest on the roof
enabling the driver to shift the reins at that point to a distance on either side.
"
My first improvement whereby I abolish the existing style of folding windows
and other methods in use is comprised in a construction of glazed framework
taking the form of the roof of a Hansom (to which my description herein refers)
having sides or wings" also glazed, the whole (which I term a "Shield") lightly
built, is kept close to the roof and sides of the vehicle by a bar or rod passing
through at the inner end, its sides and a rod at each side and projecting, which bar
and rods I respectively refer to as horizontal bar or rod and supporting rods.
Upon which supporting rods it is capable of being thrown forward and out in a
line with and forming a continuation of the roof and sides of the Hansom, and
when full out to partly rotato and close, down. The supporting rods in their back-
ward and forward motion turn on bolts in the sides of the Hansom at the bottom.
On the projecting ends of horizontal rod I fix mutilated toothed wheels, the teeth
of which take into the teeth of segments of wheels, turning on the supporting rods:
and having near their periphery small wheels (not toothed). I place curved levera
over the fixed windows, on either side of the Hansom running from front to back,
having their fulcra near the segments of wheels, the small wheels on which latter
rest on the short ends of these levers. The other ends of these levers are weighted.
On either of the supporting rods at a point about on a line with the top of the
doors, I fix a spring.catch & knobs.or small handles along the side framework of
Shield"
A reference to the accompanying drawings will best explain this novel con-
struction of window, having for its object the following advantages over the old
method of closing Hansoms vis-That it can with facility be shut or opened by
driver or passenger. Occupies in the roofless space (where most is required) & is
noiseless in action-obviates any necessity to close the Hansom to keep out rain,
shielding the passenger when only thrown.out. Does not interfere with the head
of the passenger when being shut, and when closed the passenger cannot be injured
by broken glass or otherwise in the event of the horso falling, the interior is con-
siderably larger, the outside has a more symmetrical appearance, is draught proof,
and passengers outlook is not interfered with
I do not confine myself particularly to the before mentioned composition of the
"Shield" as a waterproof material may be used, nor to the aforesaid arrangements
for giving movement to the "Shield," that is to say various other ways and means
may be employed with different forms of levers, springs or weights, for throwing
the "Shield forward, for closing or opening it, and returning it inside, and
dispensing with the supporting rods and the "Shield" run in a groove.in the sides
of the Hansom, or the horizontal rod, or the toothed wheels and segments and
curved levers, as instance in the accompanying drawings relating to this my first
"

page_text: F
improvement, I shew how a single curved lever may be used weighted or worked
one way by a spring, consequently one set of gears, and a lever for closing the
"Shield." I illustrate how the "Shield may be fitted to a form of Hansom as at
present in use, in building a carriage and adopting my invention considerable
variations may also be made in the shape of the "Shield, and in the distance it
throws out and the point to which it closes down.
Fig: 1 gives the body of a Hansom with the side removed, shewing the positions
of the parts with the "Shield" a² inside.
Fig. 2 is a similar view of the body of a Hansom with the addition of the
apron, but with the "Shield" thrown out a² Dotted lines a³ represent where the
"Shield" can be closed to.
Figs: 3 & 4 are views of detached parts drawn to about twice the scale and
represented in the positions they occupy when the "Shield is thrown out a
Fig: 2
:
Fig 5 is the front view of the body of a Hansom with the "Shield" closed a³.
In figure. 1 is shewn a curved lever with a weight at g¹ cased in. In Fig: 2 a
spiral spring contained in tube g³ is employed in place of weight ġ¹ Fig: 1: In
Figs: 1, 2 & 4 is shewn at ma lever for closing the "Shield," at & & & Figs: 2,
3 & 4 the gear work
6 Fig 3 is the horizontal rod shaped to fit against the inside of "Shield shewn
in Section Fig: 4. c. c Fig: 3 are the upper parts of the supporting rods, a side.
view of c¹ with its attachments, as seen from the inside of Hansom is shewn in
Fig. 4, the reverse side in Figs: 1 & 2 at full length with h at its turning point.
Mutilated toothed wheel is seen at d. Figs: 2. 3 & 4, toothed-segment at e, with
the small wheelf resting on curved lever 7 (see Figs: 1 & 2) & shewn dotted
Fig 4. is the fulcrum of lever , ja line or cord passing, through the centre of
roof over pulley u³, to the centre of and along horizontal rod b, to supporting rod c³,
carried up and connected to lever m and by which the driver throws out and closes
the "Shield." To enable the driver to open and return the "Shield" inside the
other end of this line lettered kis passed through the centre of the roof or back
also to the centre of and along rod b. through eyelet (see Fig 4) to rod c' and
connected to spring catch or pawl p. Pulley marked u³ carrying line; from us, is
on a swivel. End of linek is guided round another pulley on the opposite side of
this swivel thence through eyelet Fig. 4 to the catch or pawl p. as before men-
tioned. Lever m. is for the purpose of closing the "Shield" by means of toggle-
joint n. connected to it and segment e. In Fig: 2 a lever r is shewn connected to
pawl p by line q, an arrangement to ensure the passenger from injury in the
event of the horse stumbling or falling. 8 Figs: 1 & 2 is a partition of sheet metal
or other material, between which and the sides of the Hansom, the wings or sides
of the "Shield" take into as lowered to stop draught. Projections of Sheet metal
or other material on the edges of the Shield" may be used in place or in adopting
my invention when building a Hansom the edges of "Shield" might be so mado
as to fit the edges of Hansom at Y. Y. Fig 2. and the "wings" or sides dispensed'
with or not. t. t. Fig 3 are indiarubber wheels at the ends of horizontal bar b,
for steadying the "Shield" when the vehicle is in motion, running against the
sides as the "Shield" is moved in & out. At letters u. are guide pullies for the
lines or cords. The back of "Shield" v Figs: 1 & 2 is so shaped and hinged as
to fit when closed against the roof as at v² Fig 2 and as the "Shield" opens is
returned to the position of by a spring. The back may be so hinged or not,
according to the point where the "Shield" when closed is made to meet the doors.
Knobs or handles at letters w, may be fixed for closing "Shield" Fig: 1 is an
indiarubber knob or stud for the lever . to descend upon and æ³ a similar knob or
stud to keep the supporting rods from coming too far forward.
"
Various parts may be indiarubber padded to check vibration when the vehicle is
in motion, for instance small wheel fand bearings at h. The pinions or bolts at h
☐ 1

page_text: "
'"'
on which co turn may be changed in position according to the build of tho
vehicle. Rod b and rods c² o may be hollow tubes and the lines or cords for giving
movement to the "Shield" carried through them. My arrangement of the several
parts to the Hansom illustrated necessitates as will be seen on examination tho
lever being so curved as to allow segment e to slightly turn and the "Shield"
drop to prevent chafing the roof as it is returned inside. To enable the driver to
return the "Shield" inside as quickly as may be required line is carried down to
pulley Figs 1 & 2. A spring roller blind might be placed at the back of the
Shield" to draw over the face inside. The order of the attachments to horizontal
rod may be varied, as instance c¹ placed first against the sides of Hansom.
Affixed to the "Shield" over the passengers hend a handlo may be placed for
moving the Shield in and out. Other arrangements may be adopted for lifting
lever and holding "Shield" closed. A ventilator may be made in the back of
"Shield" or v' arranged to be used as such when required. A spring stud may
be fixed on segment c at a to ensure the "Shield" not rising too high, and to act
as a buffer with rod c' should the Hansom be violently shaken or thrown down.
In place of line lettered and ka lever for working either supporting rod at h may
be fixed to enable the driver to move the "Shield" in and out with attachments
to act on lovor m and pawl.p.
Fig: 6 giving a front view of "Shiold" closed a³, has dotted some of the parts
in the positions they occupy when tho Shield is opon similarly lottored, but
horizontal rod as previously marked bis shown at in the position it would
occupy when the "Shield" is open and at 62 when closed.
In operating the "Shield" its action and that of the several parts may be thus:
explained:
"
When the "Shield is in the position of a Fig 1 and it is required to close the
Hansom, the supporting rods c' c are moved forward by the passenger, or by tho
driver, by pulling line and the Shield is thrown out a³, wheel travelling at
the time along the curved lever to the position as shown in Fig: 2. A continued
pull of line; a downward pressure of lever m, and segment e is turned, by toggle-
joint n, connected to it and lover me gears with d lowering the "Shield" pawl ?
and ratchet o holding it at any distance required, whilst f presses down short end
of lever, raising weight g' or compressing spring contained in tube . (see dotted
lines Fig 2). By pulling either lines q or k, pawl p, is lifted and the "Shield"
automatically opons to a being counterbalanced by either the power of the
compressed spring or raised weight-f being pressed upwards reverses the move-
ment of the gearwork. The "Shield" is drawn inside by o' c³ or a continued
pull on k.
An examination of Fig: 2 will shew how, should the horse fall or stumble
possibility of injury to the passenger is prevented, the "Shield" opening by lover 7,
coining in contact with the ground, the line of which is marked z, lifting p by
connecting line q. It will be obvious that the "Shield" would be in the upward
motion before the iron of step touched the ground.
On line a stop (not shown) is affixed, at a sufficient distance from eyelet k³
as to give play to and allow the line on being pulled to lift the pawl & clear
ratchet o and prevent the line from further passing through the eyelet and
straining p. as the driver draws the "Shield" in.
My Second improvement has for its object the shifting of the reins mechanically
at that point where as at present they interfere with the headgear of the passenger
whilst entering or leaving the vehicle.
By a rearrangement of the "Butterfly" or reins rest, I enable the driver by tho
hid of a string or other attachment to move the reins to one side as may be required
without rising from liis seat or removing the reins from the rest.
My improved "Butterfly" is in appearance somewhat of the ordinary pattern (4)
of similar metal and thickness, but instead of being in one piece and immovable-

page_text: the two sides, which are about the usual distance apart and bent or curved at their
'lower ends are hinged to the roof of the Hansom, and each capable of being turned
over, and away from the other. Each has a horizontal cross piece the two in
appearance as one, extending to their opposite sides, for the reins to rest on. Upon
each of these crosspieces I place about two thirds distance from that side' to
which they form part an upright division, making two in place of the former one
in the old pattern, and. dividing the space from side to side into about three equal
parts, between which divisions and the sides the reins are placed. These two
divisions perpendicular to the crosspieces and parallel to the sides are bent at their
tops towards that side to which they are nearest. The two sides are also bent at
their tops but in an opposite direction, that is towards each other. Two cords or
other attachments for the driver are connected to the sides, at a point where the
latter are hinged to the roof. A spring metalic or indiarubber forms a connection
between the two sides below the crosspieces.
Figs: 6 and 7 illustrate this my second improvement.
Fig: 6 gives a view of the roof of a Hansom with the "Butterfly" as seen from
where the driver is seated
Fig: 7 is a side view of Fig: 6
a* a** are the two sides of the "Butterfly "hinged to the roof at points 6* 6**.
At c* Fig: 6 is shown the horizontal crosspiece of side a* & at c** Fig: 7 the end of
that of a dx d** are the divisions belonging respectively to c* c**. d** only
is seen in Fig: 7. The reins are placed at ex ex. I prefer the arrangement shewn
for turning over the sides, but in place cords or lines with guide pullies may be
employed. I illustrate how the usual luggage guard rails g* g** capable of
revolving in their supports by turning handles i* ** may be utilized by having
the connections f* f**. In Fig: 7 is shewn how the rail g* is connected to f*.
1x Fig: 6 is a spring. p. is a prop or support to keep the sides in their proper
positions and receive any extra strain given to the Butterfly" by the driver
checking his horse.
15
Now it will be understood how by moving either handle i* i** that side to
which it is connected is caused to turn over carrying with it the reins on its
horizontal piece c* or c**, with the division between them, and should it be turned
completely on one side, as shewn in dotted lines Fig: 6, the reins will slip, one on
to the division dx, the other on the upper part of the side a*, but cannot fall off
on account of the bends given to the top of the division and side. On releasing the
handle that side, with the reins is caused to occupy its former position actuated
by the spring *, which during the movement has been expanded. On turning
handle the same evolutions are gone through with side a**, the reins for the
time being held away in the opposite direction.
Other arrangements with the same results may be adopted, for instance by
having the "Butterfly" in one piece on a lengthened bar movable to either side
from a point near the driver, or to slide to either side and kept in the centre by
spring or springs.
To ensure the return of the sides a* a** to their proper places c* c** may
have another turn as at dotted lines o*o** Fig: 6 and twisted as shewn in
Fig: 7
Springs may be employed to act against sides at 6* b** or on the handles or
other points in place of spring *
The usual ornamental turns may be given to the metal.
Having now described the nature and object of my said invention and the means
whereby it may be carried into practical effect to any build of Hansom, I wish it
to be distinctly understood that what I claim is
Firstly this novel construction of window or "Shield" capable of being worked
by passenger or driver, it particular manner of affording protection from the
weather open or closed, the method of ensuring the passenger from injury.
substantially as described.

page_text: Secondly, the mechanical arrangements of "Butterfly for the object set forth,
substantially as described.
In Witness whereof I the said Henry Brockelbank have hereunto set my hand
and seal this tenth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and eighty three.
HENRY BROCKELBANK. (L.B.)