The Invention
The patent, US405600A, granted to William H. Richardson of Baltimore, Maryland, on June 18, 1889, is an improvement on his previous child’s carriage patent (Serial No. 290,547). The new invention adds a critical safety feature to his earlier design, which allowed the carriage body to be lifted and fully rotated.
Key Features:
- Reversibility with a Stop: The core of this invention is a stop mechanism that prevents the carriage body from making a full 360-degree rotation. The body can still be lifted and turned, but its movement is limited to a half-revolution, allowing it to be positioned in only two ways: facing the attendant or facing away.
- Problem Solved: Richardson explains the purpose of this improvement: his previous design “could be indulged in to such an extent as to prove detrimental to the child” by a “careless and incompetent nurse.” The full rotation was a potential hazard.
- Stop Mechanism: The stop is a simple but clever mechanical addition. Arms (k) with small studs (n) are secured to an upper collar (f) on the king-bolt (D). When the carriage body is turned, these studs eventually come into contact with the side of the elevating lever (E), which is attached to the carriage frame. This physical contact prevents the body from rotating any further.
- Position of the Studs: Richardson notes that the studs must be placed at “more than ninety degrees apart” to allow for the thickness of the lever, ensuring that the body can complete a full 180-degree turn and no more.
- Simplified Tray: The new design also simplifies the lower part of the carriage. Instead of a solid tray, the body is held in place by a series of wire rods (g) that are flared outward to guide the body into position.
Significance of the Invention and Inventor
This patent, while an incremental improvement, is a significant example of an inventor addressing a safety concern in a new technology.
- Focus on Safety: Richardson’s decision to patent a safety feature for his own invention is a mark of a responsible inventor. It shows that as a new technology is introduced, unforeseen problems arise, and there is a continuous need for refinement to make it safer and more reliable for the end user.
- From Novelty to Practicality: The first patent focused on the novelty of the reversible body. This second one shows a shift from “what can I do?” to “how can I make this safe and practical for daily use?” This evolution is a key part of the invention process.
- The Inventor’s Legacy: As with his previous patent, William H. Richardson’s work demonstrates a user-centered approach to design. He identified a problem and developed a straightforward mechanical solution. His patents show his contribution to the baby carriage industry, which was a growing market in the late 19th century, and provide a clear example of how inventors adapted their creations to meet the practical needs and concerns of society.
