IMPROVEMENTS IN CARTS OR VEHICLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Bray at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd February 1878.
GEORGE BRAY, of Deptford, in the County of Kent, Carriage and Van Builder.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN CARTS OR VEHICLES."
The object of my Invention is to so construct a vehicle carried on two wheels as
to provide that the back portion with tailboard is carried down to form a platform
for the driver, with or without a hood; and also that in lieu of the cranked axles
now generally used the ordinary straight axle is employed. Further, provision is
made for a sliding frame to carry the springs with axle and wheels, that same may
be placed so that the balance is equalized, whether the cart or vehicle be heavy or
light.
The vehicle or cart is mounted on two wheels carried by a straight axle instead
of cranked axle, as ordinarily used in low carts. Behind the axle the back part is
carried down or sunk, same being supported by pillars at the sides thereof. The
pillars on either side support one end of the springs carrying the axle, and (pre-
ferably) arrangements are made so that by means of a screw action the springs
with axle, and therefore the wheels, are moved either backwards or forwards,
according to the position required to set the balance of the cart, though the springs
may be fixed permanently if required.
The shafts are so arranged that they are fixed in sockets, and the ends form the
bearing for the shelves hereafter described. The shafts are supported by stays.
In ordinary carts the forward part is occupied by the driver, he having to get
in and out by the shafts. Now in carts constructed according to my Invention
this part is utilized for carrying provisions required, the back part, sunk with tail-
board, being the place where the driver stands.
It will thus be seen that the driver does not step out on to the shafts but from
the back, and therefore the danger of stepping from an ordinary cart is overcome,
the driver also getting in from the back.
Thus, for a tradesman, such as a butcher, the meat to be delivered may be hung
on hooks suitably arranged; or shelves may be used, which would also be applicable
for a baker, and the trouble of the drivers of ordinary carts is avoided, as all the

page_text: articles to be delivered are in front of the driver, so that he can take them out and
deliver them expeditiously.
At the sides of the back portion shelves, boxes, or other receptacles are mounted
to carry suitable articles.
The "tilt" or cover is so formed that it forms a cover for the receptacles com-
prised within the vehicle, the said cover being either a fixture or portable, and so
peculiarly made as to form a recess for the driver.
To shut off communication between the front portion and the driver a eliding or
other door is provided to close the body of the vehicle.
A shifting portable seat for the driver is so arranged as to swing, and be retained
in position required by notches, so as to equalize the balance, the bearings being
fixed to one of the back pillars.
The "tilt" or cover is provided with a portable hood in front, with or without
glass frames, with a space left between the sash and the driver for the reins to
pass through. A flexible hood is sometimes used mounted on a rod, which slides
on same, and is opened or closed at will, when closed lying flush on the "tilt," a
spring or springs being generally used to keep the hood open.
A ventilator in communication with the interior of the cart or vehicle is some-
times provided, and when perishable articles are carried in the cart a well for ice is
sometimes employed.
The cart may in some cases be provided with double panels and roof to receive
suitable cooling materials.
The above arrangements are capable of adaptation to various kinds of carts or
vehicles, as may be desired.