The Invention
The patent, US405599A, granted to William H. Richardson of Baltimore, Maryland, on June 18, 1889, is for an improved child’s carriage, or baby carriage. The primary innovation is the ability to reverse the position of the carriage body with respect to the running gear (the wheels and frame). This allows an attendant to turn the baby to face either forward or backward without having to turn the entire carriage around.
Key Features:
- Two-Part Design: The carriage consists of a main body (A) and a lower tray (B) that is supported by springs from the running gear. The body rests snugly within this tray.
- King-Bolt and Lever Mechanism: The carriage body is attached to a king-bolt (D) that passes through a socket in the bottom of the tray. This bolt is connected to a lever (E) that is easily accessible to the person pushing the carriage.
- Reversible Body: To reverse the body’s direction, the attendant uses the lever to vertically lift the body out of the tray. Once lifted, the body can be freely turned and pivoted on the king-bolt. After it is turned to the desired position, it is lowered back into the tray, where the flaring sides of the tray guide it into place.
- Preventing Deflection: Richardson’s design includes a clever feature to keep the king-bolt from being deflected from its vertical position while it’s being lifted. The lever’s end is slotted, and the bolt is equipped with “round-faced collars” (f). The lever is also fulcrumed to a “pivoted link” (g), which further ensures the smooth, vertical movement of the body.
- Practical Benefits: Richardson notes that the main advantage is that the child’s “face or back” can be turned toward the nurse, and the body can be turned to shield the child from the sun “without turning the entire carriage.”
Significance of the Invention and Inventor
While the name William H. Richardson may not be widely recognized, his patent is a notable example of a practical and user-focused invention that improved an everyday object.
- Addressing a Common Problem: In the late 19th century, baby carriages were becoming a common sight in cities. The problem of having to turn a bulky carriage around to face a different direction (for social interaction or to avoid the sun) was a practical annoyance. Richardson’s invention directly solved this problem in a simple and effective manner.
- User-Centered Design: This invention is a prime example of user-centered design from a different era. Richardson clearly thought about the end-user—the person pushing the carriage—and designed a system that was easy to operate with a simple lever, making the task of a parent or nanny more convenient.
- A “Common” Inventor: Richardson, from Baltimore, was likely a local inventor, not an industrialist. The patent was assigned to two other individuals, suggesting a partnership to commercialize the invention. This was a common practice in the 19th century, where a clever idea was often the first step in a small business venture. His invention is a reminder that innovation happens at all levels and that seemingly small improvements can have a significant impact on daily life.
