US851861A - Casket-lowering device. - Google Patents

Description

No. 851,861. I PATENTBD APR. 30, 1907.

A. W. BROWN, H. P. ERNST & W. O. GANOUTS.

CASKET LOWBRING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 2, 1907.

W/tnesses: 15 lm entbrgs v 4 M. w. W uv\o*;-, U 7110 0- w wm u m fmiyii m: NDRRIS PETERS ca, WASHINGTON, n. c

No. 851,861. BATENTED APR. 30, 1907. A. W. BROWN, H. P. ERNST & W. 0. CANOUTS.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 2, 1907.

H V 1/ m Mm w m A. L. |l|1lilii m U T I 5 MW 7% .H m w l l 3. mm SS5. B. an m 0 J 3 -LFV v w m N h GENE... Em. w W,

8 NM NM UNITED s rains PATENT I orrren.

ALVAH W. BROWN AND HERMAN P. ERNST, OF GRAND RAPIDS, AND WILLIS O. CAN OUTS, OF CRYSTAL, MICHIGAN, ASSIGN ORS TO DURFEE EMBALM- IN G FLUID COMPANY, OF GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION OF MICHIGAN.

CASKET-LOWERING DEVICE.

' No. 851,861. Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed January 2,1907. Serial No. 350,394.

Patented April 30, 1907.

To all whom, it nuw concern.-

Be it known that we, ALVAH W. BnowN, HERMAN P. ERNs'r, and nns O. CANOUTS, citizens of the United States, residing, respectively, at Grand Rapids, in the county of Kent and State of Michigan, at Grand Rapids, in the said county of Kent, and at Crystal, in the county of Montcalm and State of Michigan, have invented a new and useful Casket-Lowering Device, of which the fol lowing is a specification.

Our invention relates to improvements in casket-lowering devices.

The objects of this invention are, first, to provide a device having a frame that is adjustable as to length and breadth, and that can be quickly taken apart for packing or carrying; second, to provide a device in which the side-members of the frame are angularly adjustable with the end-members, thus permitting of the device to be set upon irregular ground, or the frame to assume an angular position, without interfering in any way with the operating mechanism; third, to provide an improved brake-mechanism that will be positive in its action under every condition of load; and fourth, to provide a device in which the operating mechanism will not lock or bind while being used.

Further objects, and objects relating to head end of the frame, taken on the line a: a; of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a sectional view of one of the corner-structures at the head end of the frame, taken on the line .2 2 of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a transverse section of the head endmem ber of the frame, taken on the line 8 s of Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a sectional detail of one of the end corner-structures, taken on the line II II of Fig. 1.

In all of the drawings, all of the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of the little arrows at the ends of the section lines.

Similar letters of reference refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, the sides and ends of the frame of our device, as shown in F 1, consist of several parts so united together as to permit of their telescopic adjustment thus giving aframe that can be adjusted transversely and longitudinally to lit any grave-opening. The head-member of the frame consists of two members 4 4, one end of each being rigidly secured to the casing 8 of the corner-structure of the frame, the other adjacent ends being united y the sleeve 5. These members 4 4 are preferably made from sheet-metal and rectangular in cross-section in order to contain the compensating mechanism to be described hereafter. The sleeve structural details, will more definitely ap- 5, also constructed from sheet-metal, slips pear from the detailed description to follow. over the ends of the two members 4 4, per

7e accomplish the objects of our invenmitting them to be telescoped and adjusted, tion by the devices and means described in the said sleeve being retained in position by the following specification.

the spring-catch 30. This spring-catch is se- The invention is clearly defined and pomtcured to the top of the sleeve by the rivets ed out 1n the cla1ms.

32 32, the pins 31 31. at each end of the A structure embodying the features of spring-catch registering with the perfora our invention is lllustrated 1n the accomtions 33 33 in the top of the members 4 4. panylng drawings, formmg a part of this Each of the corner-structures at the headspecificatlon, 1n wluch end of the frame comprises a casing S resting F lgure 1 1s a plan view of our device showupon a base 21. To this casing is secured ing the frame and cornerstructures. Fig. 2 one end of the member as herembefore 1s a side view of one of the sides of the frame mentioned. In this casing is fitted the and the cornerstruetures at each end, showsleeve-bearing 12, having a cupshaped caving how the frame adjusts itself to any irregity therein facing the foot-end of the frame, ularity in the ground. Fig. 3 is an end view,

the bearing being retained and supported at partly in section, of the device taken on the each end in the casing by the balls 45 45. line 1 y of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a sectional view IVithin this open portion of the bearlng 12, of part of one of the side-members taken on and pivoted at right angles thereto by the the line B B of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a sectional pivots 42 42, is the axis 41 which supports detail of one of the corner-structures at the the short tubular member 40 secured to the said axis by the pivot 43 (Figs. 5 and 6), the whole forming an universal joint. Mounted upon the said bearing, between the balls 45 45 and within the casing 8, is the sprocketwheel 37. The end of the said bearing 12 projects beyond the casing 8 forming a sort of hub, the projecting part being provided with a series of sockets in which to insert a bar for revolving the bearing. If desired, however, the projecting part may be made separate and detachably secured to the face of the bearing.

To regulate the lowering of the casket, we provide a brake-mechanism in connection with each bearing at the head-end of the frame. The said brake mechanism consists of the disk 15, secured to one end of the threaded spindle 15 which passes loosely through the end of the said bearing and adapted to engage interiorly the end of the bearing, and the cap 12 loosely mounted upon the said spindle and exteriorly engaging the end of the said bearing, the said disk and cap being brought into frictional engagement with the bearing by the nut 13. This nut, threaded upon the outer end of the spin dle and separated from the cap 12 by the washer 14, is provided with sockets 16 in which to insert the bar 13 (Fig. 2), whereby the nut may be screwed up on the spindle 15 and bring all the parts of this brakemechan ism into close engagement with the bearing. The cap 12 is prevented from turning with the bearing, when all the parts are thus brought into close contact with each other, by the lug 17 on the outside top of the casing 8 engaging with the slotted projection 18 on the said cap. To prevent rotation of the spindle and attached disk with the bearing, we employ a key 48 adapted to engage a keyseat in the said spindle and one in the cap 12. In order to avoid increased friction between the parts of the brake-mechanism, a disk 46 of leather, or some other suitable material, is introduced between the disk 15 and the interior end of the bearing 12, and a disk 47 of leather, or some other suitable material, is introduced between the face of the cap 1.2 and the exterior end of the said bearing. By tightening up the nut 13, any desired pressure may be exerted upon the bearing 12, so that its rotation will be under perfect control under any condition of load. It is also apparent that each brake-mechanism is operable independently of the other.

Each of the corner-structures at the footend of the frame are similar in construction to those at the head-end just described, if the brake-mechanism and sprocket-wheel be removed. As shown in Fig. 8, each consists of the casing 9, the sleeve-bearing 12 with its cavity toward the head-end of the frame retained and supported in said casing by the balls 45 45, and the universal joint consisting of the aXis 41 and the short tubular member 40 secured thereto by the pivot 43.

The sides of the frame consist of two tubes 1 1 connected by an inner slidable tube 7. The two tubes 1 1 support the straps 10 10 connected at their adjacent ends by the fastenings 34, the said straps being adapted for lowering the casket. The fastenings 34 are so constructed that they will automatically become separated under the casket when it reaches the ground, thus allowing the straps to be withdrawn. One end of each tube 1 is contracted to form the thimble 11, adapted to slide upon the tubular member 40. This thimble 11 is provided with a perforation to register with the spring-pressed key 19 in the end of the tubular member 40, while the end of the said thimble is slotted to engage the pin 20 projecting upward from the said tubular member. The function of the pin 20 is to prevent rotation of the member 40 within the thimble, while the spring-pressed key 19 will prevent the thimble from being withdrawn from the said member. The tube 7 is provided at each end with slots 28 28 in which fit the pins 27 27 passing down through the ends of the tubes 1 1. These pins, coming in contact with the slot-terminals, act as stops preventing the Withdrawal of the tubes 1 from the tube 7. At each end of the tube 7 are the spring-pressed keys 22 22, adapted to register with the perforations 23 23 in the tubes 1 1, thus retaining the said tube in place when the tubes 1 1 are in separated position. By reason of these springpressed keys and the pins 27 27, the rotation of either of the tubes 1 will cause rotation of the other tubes making up the side-member, and hence the tubes 1, 1, and 7 may be considered, in an operative sense, as one piece.

The same method of construction is used in the foot-end member of the frame as in the sides. As shown in Fig. 1, the foot-member comprises the two tubes 2 2 rigidly secured at their outer ends to the casings 9 9 of the corner-structures, the inner adjacent ends telescoping and sliding upon the tube 6. This tube 6 is also provided with slots 28 28 to receive the pins 27 27 in the ends of the tubes 2 2, and with the spring-pressed keys 22 22 to register with the perforations 23 23 in the tubes 2 2.

Arranged within the head-member of the frame is the mechanism for operating simultaneously the sprocket-wheels 37 37 in the corner-structures at that end. This mechanism consists of an endless chain 36 which passes over the sprocket-wheels 37 37 and also over the idler-wheels 38 38. These idler-wheels consist of a sprocket-wheel secured to a hub loosely mounted u on a pivot projecting from the ends of the p ates 4 4, the said plates being attached oppositely to the inside faces of the members 4 4 and projecting into the other member. From the bottom of the sprocket-wheel in the righthand corner (Fig. 3), the chain runs to the bottom of the idler 38, pivoted to the plate 4 which moves with the right-hand member 4, thence to the bottom of the idler 3S pivoted to the plate 4 which moves with the left hand member 4, thence over the sprocketwheel in the lefthand structure and back over the idler 88 and under the idler 38 to the top of the first-named sprocket-wheel in the right-hand corner-structure. By means of these idler-wheels, the sprocket-wheels in the corner-structures can be kept in operative connection at all times through the medium of the chain while the head-member is being longitudinally-adjusted. As the headmember is lengthened, the idler-wheels move toward each other in the same ratio that the end sprocket-wheels move away from each other, and vice versa, thus keeping the chain taut at all times while the headmember is longitudinally adjusted. More over, these idler-wheels operate as a compensating device for shortening or lengthening the chain as the head-member is thus adjusted.

When it is desired to use our device, the frame is adjusted to suit the grave-opening and the casket. The straps are then united by the fastenings at their ends, and the sides rotated by turning one or both of the bear ings at the head-end of the frame so as to bring the straps in a horizontal position. The brake is then set, and the casket placed upon the straps. By loosening the nut 13, the lowering of the casket is kept under perfect control. When the casket has reached the bottom of the grave, the fastenings in the straps automatically unhook so that the straps can be with-drawn.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a casket-lowering device, a frame comprising end and side members, the side members being connected to the end members by universal joints.

2. In a casket-lowering device, a frame comprising end members and rotary side members, the said side members being angularly-adjustable with said end members.

3. In a casket-lowering device, a frame comprisin end and side members and cornerboxes, eac corner-box containing a bearing connected to the side member by a universal joint.

4. In a casket-lowering device, a frame comprising extensible end-members havinga bearing in each end, and extensible sidemembers, the end of each side-member being connected to one of the said bearings by a universal joint.

5. In a casket-lowering device, the combination of a frame, comprising extensible endmembers having a bearing in each end, and extensible rotary side-members, the end of each side-member being connected to one of the said bearings by a universal joint; and driving-means for operatively connecting the said side-members.

6. In a casketdowering device, the combination of a frame, comprising extensible endmembers having a bearing in each end, and extensible rotary side-members, the end of each side-member being connected to one of the said bearings by a'universal oint; driving-means for operatively connecting the bearings at one end of the frame, and a brake-mechanism co-o crating with each bearing at said end, eac 1 brake-mechanism being operable independently.

7. In a casket-lowering device, the combination of a frame, comprising end-members and side-members angularlyadjustable therewith; bearings in the ends of said endmembers and connected to said side-members; driving-means, located in one of the end-members of the frame, and operatively connecting the bearings at that end; and a brake-1necl1anism co-operating with one of the bearings at said end.

S. In a casket-lowering device, a rectangular end-member, formed in two parts connected by a sleeve and arranged to telescope; corner-boxes rigidly secured to the ends of the said end-members anti-friction bearings contained in said corner-boxes, each bearing supporting a gear-wheel; an idler-wheel secured to each of the said parts of the endmember; a driving-chain operatively connecting said gear-wheels, said chain passing over the said idler-wheels; and a brake mechanism in each of the said cornerboxes to control the rotation of the said bearings, each brake-mechanism comprising a disk to interiorly engage said bearing, a cap to exteriorly engage said bearing, and a nut to bring said disk and cap into frictional engagement with said bearing.

9. In a casket-lowering device, an adjustable end-member; corner-boxes at the ends of said end-members; bearings contained in said corner-boxes, each bearing supporting a gear-wheel; means for independently rotating said bearings; idler-wheels secured to said end-member; a driving-chain operatively connecting said gear-wheels, said chain passing over the said idler-wheels; and a brake mechanism cooperating with each bearing to control its rotation, each brake-mechanism comprising two disks brought into frictional engagement with the said hearing by a nut.

10. In a casket-lowering device, an adjustable end-member; bearings at each end of said member; means for independently rotating said bearings; driving-means for keeping said bearings operatively connected, said means containing a compensating device; and a brakemechanism co-operating with each bearing to control its rotation, each brakemechanism consisting of two disks brought into frictional engagement with the bearing by a nut.

11. In a casket-lowering device, the combination of rotary adjustable side-members; an adjustable head-member; bearings in the ends of said head-member and connected to the said side-members by universal joints; a gear-wheel supported by each of the said bearings; a driving-chain passing over said gear-wheels and containing a compensating device for keeping said gear-wheels operatively connected; and an adjustable footmember having bearings at each end, said bearings being connected to the sidemem bers by universal joints.

12. In a casket-lowering device, the combination of rotary adjustable side-members; an adjustable head-member; bearings in the ends of said head-member and connected to said side-members by universal joints means for independently operating said bearings; a gear-wheel supported by each of said bearings; a driving-chain passing over said gearwheels and containing a compensating device for keeping said gear-wheels operatively connected; an adjustable foot-member having bearings in each end, said bearings being connected to the side-members by universal joints; and a brake co-operating with one of the said bearings in said head-member, said brake comprising two disks, one to interiorly engage and the other to eXt-eriorly engage said bearing, and means for bringing said disks into frictional engagement with said bearing.

13. In a casket-lowering device, the combination of an adjustable frame, comprising a head-member, a foot-member, side-members, and corner-boxes anti-friction bearings in said corner-boxes, each bearing being connected to a side-member by an universal joint; a gear-wheel secured to the bearing in each corner-box at the head-end of the frame; a driving-chain passing over said gear-wheels for operatively connecting said bearings; means for keeping said bearings in operative connection as the head-member is adjusted; and a brake-mechanism co-operating with each bearing in said head-member, each brake-mechanism being operable independently and consisting of two disks brought into frictional engagement with the bearing by a nut.

14. In a casket-lowering device, the combination of a frame, comprising an adjustable head-member, an adjustable foot-member, adjustable side-members, and cornerboXes; a short tubular member connected to each bearing by a universal joint, the said side-members being removably secured to said tubular members and locked against rotation; a gear-wheel secured to each ofthe bearings at the head-end of the frame; a driving-chain passing over the said gearwheels for operatively connecting said bearings; means for keeping said bearings in operative connection as the head-member is adj usted and a brake-mechanism co-operating with each bearing in said head-member, each brake-mechanism being operable independently and comprising two disks, one upon the inside, the other upon the outside of the bearing, brought into frictional engagement with said bearing by a nut.

15. In a casket-lowering device, the combination of longitudinally-adjustable endmembers of the frame; bearings in the ends of each end-member; a short tubular member connected to each bearin by a universal joint; side-members of the l rame, carrying supporting straps and removably secured to said tubular members and locked against rotation; means for keeping the bearings operatively connected; and means for controlling the rotation of said bearings.

16. In a casket-lowering device, an extensible s1demember in the frame, comprising two outer tubes with perforations therein, a connecting member having longitudinal slots slidable within the said outer tubes, keys in said connecting member to engage said perforations, a pin in each of the adjacent ends of the outer tubes to engage said slots, and means for connecting the outer ends of said tubes with the ends of the frame.

ALVAI-I W. BROIVN. HERMAN P. ERNST. WILLIS O. CANOUTS.

Witnesses to the signatures of Alvah W. Brown and Herman P. Ernst:

F. BREWER, VViLLIAM TAR-DELL.

WVitnesses to the signature of Willis 0.-

Canouts:

G. E. BROWN, M. N. MASON.

Images