Name/Title
Patent ModelEntry/Object ID
1966.19.1Description
Patent model of a new system for sleigh brakes.
The model is of the chassis system of a sleigh only, constructed from metal and wood. The wood is painted blue. The sleigh rails are in two pieces, and the chassis can pivot at the center. The braking system can be activated from the middle of the chassis, and drops a metal hook down from the rear of the chassis to drag into the snow.
On a strip of wood at the front of the chassis is a small metal plaque with the inscription “B.F. WHEELER’S / PATENT JULY 21ST 1868”Context
Made by Benjamin F. Wheeler of Calais, Vermont
Label from an exhibit says, "The brakes were constructed so that as the horses slowed, they applied a stopping force equal to the forward pressure of the load. If the driver wanted to back up, the brakes could easily be readjusted."Acquisition
Accession
1966.19Source or Donor
Wheeler, Myrtie B.Acquisition Method
GiftMade/Created
Artist
Wheeler, Benjamin F.Date made
1868Place
Town
CalaisCounty
Washington CountyState/Province
VermontCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North AmericaLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
PatentNomenclature Primary Object Term
Record, ExecutiveNomenclature Sub-Class
Government RecordsNomenclature Class
Documentary ObjectsNomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication ObjectsDimensions
Dimension Description
OverallHeight
2-3/4 inWidth
5 inLength
19 inInterpretative Labels
Label
Patent Model, 1868
Benjamin F. Wheeler
Calais, Vermont
Wood, metal
Gift of Myrtie B. Wheeler, 1966.19.1
The United States Patent and Trademark Office required inventors to submit a patent model for their designs from 1790 – 1880. Models could be no larger than 12” in any direction. The requirement was a way to make the patent process accessible to homegrown inventors who might not have the drafting or engineering expertise necessary to submit a full, formal patent application. Inventors can still submit a patent model today, particularly in situations where a working model would provide better evidence of their design than the patent application itself. Thanks to several fires at the patent offices in Washington, D.C., many patent models have been lost over the years; others were dispersed in subsequent sales. The Vermont Historical Society possesses a number of patent models related to Vermont inventions.
This patent model showing a new design for carriage brakes was submitted by Benjamin Wheeler. We don’t know much about him other than he primarily worked as a farmer, and submitted this and one patent for a carriage braking system, also in the VHS collections (1966.19.1).