Patent GB-190322306-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Variable Driving Gear for Bicycles and other Vehicles.
Filed: 1903-10-16
Granted: 1904-08-25
Abstract: 22,306. Hub Two-Speed Gear Co., and Palmer, W. H. Oct. 16. Clutches driving-mechanism. -Relates to variable-speed gearing for bicycles and other vehicles of the type described in Specifications Nos. 6062 and 19,859, A.D. 1896, No. 22,342, A.D.1899, Nos. 7033 and 22,202, A.D. 1900, Nos. 15,775 and 25,826, A.D. 1901, and Nos. 13,317 and 20,107, A.D. 1903. Fig. 1 shows a three-speed gear. A pinion C, loosely-mounted on the axle B, gears with pinions E supported by a disc or carrier E<1> and gearing with an annular wheel F. A sliding sleeve or clutch D, actuated in one direction by a rod, chain, or wire l and in the other direction by a spring K, carries two sets of teeth d, d<1> the teeth d are always in engagement with the pinion C, and the teeth d<1> are adapted to engage teeth g<1> on a second sleeve or clutch. The second sleeve is actuated in one direction by a wire &c. l<1> and returned by a spring K<1>, and is made in two parts G, G', free to rotate relatively to each other. The part G has teeth g in engagement with teeth a on the hub A, and teeth g<1>, g<2> adapted to engage teeth d<1> on the sleeve D, teeth e<3> on the carrier E<1>, and teeth f<2> on the ring F. The part G' is provided with teeth g<3> adapted to engage teeth f<1> on the ring F or teeth e<5> on the carrier E<1>, and with teeth g<4> always in engagement with teeth on the driving-wheel H. With the various parts in the positions shown in Fig. 1, the gearing is locked, and the hub A rotates at the same speed as the driving-wheel. To obtain a higher speed, the sleeve D is drawn back, thereby withdrawing the teeth d' from engagement with the part G and bringing the teeth d into gear with teeth b on the axle B, as well as with the pinion C, so as to lock the pinion to the axle ; in this position, the carrier E<1> is driven from the wheel H, and the pinions E drive the gear-ring F, and through this ring and the part G drive the hub. To obtain a low speed, both the sleeves are withdrawn, thereby bringing the part G<1> into engagement with the ring F and putting the carrier E' into engagement with the hub A; in this position, the ring F is driven from the wheel H, and the carrier E<1> drives the hub. A freewheel clutch M may be applied to the wheel H or other convenient part of the gearing. According to the Provisional Specification, the carrier may be arranged to move laterally, instead of one of the sleeves or clutches, the parts being modified to suit this arrangement. To obtain a two-speed gear, the sleeve parts G, G<1> may be dispensed with, and, by engaging the carrier E' or the ring F direct with the wheel H, and by moving the clutch D, the gear may be changed from a normal speed, where the gearing is locked, to a higher speed, or from the normal speed to a slower speed. In one such arrangement, the clutch D engages, at the normal speed, with the hub, the carrier E' engages with the wheel H, and the ring F engages with the hub. In another arrangement, the clutch D, at the normal speed, engages with the hub, the ring F engages with the wheel H, and the carrier E engages with the hub.