Improvements in Variable Speed Driving Gear for Velocipedes.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Mar., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 17th Aug., 1895-Accepted, 26th Oct., 1895
Improvements in Variable Speed Driving Gear for Velocipedes.
I NICOLAS EDMOND MAGNIEN of 12 Rue Jeanne d'Arc, Paris, in the
Republic of France, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
My said invention relates to mechanism for communicating different speeds at
the pleasure of the rider to the driving wheel or wheels of velocipedes, while
maintaining unaltered the rate of movement of the pedals and crank axle.
Generally speaking in velocipedes as at present constructed motion is transmitted
to the axle of the driving wheel by a wheel fixed to the axle which carries the
pedal cranks. According to my invention the wheel for imparting motion to the
driving wheel axle is fixed upon a sleeve which runs loosely upon the crank axle
and to drive this sleeve I employ two independent multiplying gears, either of
which can be readily thrown into gear with one of two pinions on the sleeve or
both of which may be placed out of gear, in which latter case the driving is done
direct..
Thus one of the multiplying gears will give the maximum speed; the other a
medium speed, while the direct driving may represent the minimum speed. The
improved driving gear is preferably boxed in by a light case.
As already said I mount upon the crank axle a loose sleeve, the said sleeve
carrying the chain wheel which communicates motion to the driving wheel axle,
and also two pinions of different diameters. The crank shaft where it projects from
the sleeve has fixed to it a spur wheel and from this the first motion is in all cases
derived. A frame or two suitable side supports sliding within the case carries or
carry the two multiplying gear axles. Each of the said axles carries two pinions
one of the pinions being capable of gearing with the aforesaid spur wheel keyed to
the crank axle while the other pinion is similarly capable of gearing with one of
the two pinions already spoken of as being mounted on the sleeve containing the
crank axle. The frame carrying the two axles with their pinions is made to slide
so that the pinions of one axle or the other can be made to gear with the spur
wheel on the crank axle and one of the pinions on the sleeve. By differentiating
the sizes of the transmitting pinions on the respective axles carried by the sliding
frame, so as to correspond with the differing diameters of the pinions on the sleeve,
it will be easily understood that while the pinions of one of the two axles cause the
sleeve and chain wheel to revolve at, say the maximum velocity, the pinions on the
other axle will cause the sleeve and chain wheel to run at a diminished velocity
without any corresponding change in the speed of the crank axle and pedals. To
provide for the minimum speed, which is obtained by driving direct from the crank
axle, the sliding frame or side supports can be so moved that the pinions of both
axles remain clear of the spur wheel on the crank axle and of the pinions on the
sleeve. A ratchet pawl pivotted on the side of the spur wheel on the crank axle
engages with a ratchet wheel fixed on the sleeve, and these are so arranged that
when the crank axle is revolved the ratchet pawl takes the ratchet wheel round
with it and consequently drives the sleeve and chain wheel at the same speed as
the crank axle. I might substitute a noiseless gripper shoe or tumbler with
corresponding disc, for the aforesaid ratchet and pawl.
It is intended that the different changes of gear shall be made by the rider
without dismounting. To this end the sliding sides or frame may be mounted

page_text: at one end on excentrics or cams by revolving which half a turn or a quarter
of a turn the different changes from maximum to medium or minimum speed
may be made.
The axle carrying the excentrics or cams may be turned from a disc with two
lap straps or chains secured at opposite sides of the disc. The straps, cords or
chains may be led through or alongside of the hollow tube stays or members of the
velocipede frame towards the handle bar and so as to be operated from an appliance
within easy reach of the rider.
The sliding sides or frame carrying the speeding axles and pinions should be so
constructed as to allow the spur wheel and pinions on the sleeve to pass easily into
position without necessitating the dismounting or dismantling of the arrangement.
The said frame or sides might be arranged to swivel in and out of gear instead of
sliding as aforesaid and generally speaking I do not confine myself to mere matters
of detail not affecting the essentials of my invention.
E. K. DUTTON & Co.,
5 John Dalton Street, Manchester, Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Variable Speed Driving Gear for Velocipedes.
I NICOLAS EDMOND MAGNIEN of 12 Rue Jeanne d'Arc, Paris, in the
Republic of France, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement and accompanying drawings:-
-
My said invention relates to mechanism for communicating different speeds at
the pleasure of the rider to the driving wheel or wheels of velocipedes, while
maintaining unaltered the rate of movement of the pedals and crank axle.
Generally speaking in velocipedes as at present constructed, motion is transmitted
to the axle of the driving wheel by a wheel fixed to the axle which carries the pedal
cranks. According to my invention the wheel for imparting motion to the driving
wheel axle is fixed upon a sleeve which runs loosely upon the crank axle and to
drive this sleeve I employ two independent multiplying gears, either of which can
be readily thrown into gear with one of two pinions on the sleeve or both of
which may be placed out of gear, in which latter case the driving is done
direct.
Thus one of the multiplying gears will give the maximum speed; the other a
medium speed, while the direct driving may represent the minimum speed. The
improved driving gear is preferably boxed in by a light case. As already said I
mount upon the crank axle a loose sleeve, the said sleeve carrying the chain wheel
which communicates motion to the driving wheel axle, and also two pinions of
different diameters. The crank shaft where it projects from the sleeve has fixed to
it a spur wheel and from this the first motion is in all cases derived. A frame or
two suitable side supports sliding within the case carries or carry the two
multiplying gear axles. Each of the said axles carries two pinions one of the
pinions being capable of gearing with the aforesaid spur wheel keyed to the
crank axle while the other pinion is similarly capable of gearing with one of
the two pinions already spoken of as being mounted on the sleeve containing the
crank axle. The frame carrying the two axles with their pinions is made to slide
so that the pinions of one axle or the other can be made to gear with the spur
wheel on the crank axle and one of the pinions on the sleeve. By differentiating
the sizes of the transmitting pinions on the respective axles carried by the sliding
frame, so as to correspond with the differing diameters of the pinions on the sleeve,
at will be easily understood that while the pinions of one of the two axles cause

page_text: the sleeve and chain wheel to revolve at, say the maximum velocity, the
pinions on the other axle will cause the sleeve and chain wheel to run at a
diminished velocity without any corresponding change in the speed of the crank
axle and pedals. To provide for the minimum speed which is obtained by driving
direct from the crank axle, the sliding frame or side supports can be so moved that
the pinions of both axles remain clear of the spur wheel on the crank shaft and of
the pinions on the sleeve. A ratchet pawl pivotted on the side of the spur wheel
on the crank axle engages with a ratchet wheel fixed on the sleeve, and these are so
arranged that when the crank axle is revolved, the ratchet pawl takes the ratchet wheel
round with it and consequently drives the sleeve and chain wheel at the same speed
as the crank axle. To prevent overrunning in the absence of a brake when in
this position as for instance when on a descent I might arrange to lock the crank
axle and sleeve together so as to permit of back pedalling. I might substitute
noiseless grippers, shoes or tumblers with corresponding discs for the aforesaid
ratchets and pawls.
It is intended that the different changes of gear shall be made by the rider
without dismounting. To this end the sliding sides or frame may be mounted
at one end on excentrics or cams by revolving which half a turn or a quarter
of a turn the different changes from maximum to medium or minimum speed may
be made. The axle carrying the excentrics or cams may be turned from a disc
with two lap straps or chains secured to the disc.
The straps cords or chains may be led through or alongside of the hollow tube
stays or members of the velocipede frame towards the handle bar and so as to be
operated from an appliance within easy reach of the rider. The sliding sides or
frame carrying the speeding axles and pinions should be so constructed as to allow
the spur wheel and pinions on the sleeve to pass easily into position without
necessitating the dismounting or dismantling of the arrangement.
The said frame
or slides might be arranged to swivel in and out of gear instead of sliding as
aforesaid and generally speaking I do not confine myself to mere matters of detail
not affecting the essentials of my invention.
To render my invention clearly understood I will now proceed to describe
the same more fully with reference to the accompanying sheet of illustrative
drawings.
Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate the application of my invention to two different types of
safety bicycle frame.
Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the case containing the mechanism on the axial
line of the hollow member A of the frame, and showing the pedal axle.
Fig. 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 (Fig. 3) looked at in the direction of
the arrows.
Fig. 5 is a detail view showing the arrangements of certain parts of the
mechanism.
All of the parts of the mechanism are contained in a hollow case B which is fixed
to the frame of the machine as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The pedal axle C passes
through this casing and revolves in two ball bearings.
The half bearing of one of these S, is carried by one of the sides of the case,
while the half bearing of the other is formed in the chain wheel E or in the end of
the sleeve D, as clearly shown in Fig. 3. On the axle is mounted loosely the
sleeve D the chain wheel E being formed in one therewith or it might be keyed
thereon. Upou the sleeve I also key the two toothed wheels G and H and also
the ratchet wheel F. As clearly shown in Fig. 3, the sleeve D is hollow and thus
not only is it considerably lightened but it also serves as a reservoir for oil.
sleeve is mounted in ball bearings as indicated so that it may turn around the
axle C with the least appreciable friction. The half bearing of one of these ball
bearings is formed in the central part of the toothed wheel I keyed to the axle C
while the other bearing exists between a projection from the side of the casing and
the chain wheel E. The toothed wheel I is furnished with pawls J which engage
The

page_text: with the ratchet wheel F. In the casing B are arranged two slides K carrying
two spindles L M upon which are keyed the tooth wheels I¹ H' and I2 G² of
diameters calculated to obtain the desired multiplications of speed. The upper
and lower ends of the slides K carry blocks K', K' forming bearings for the
change wheel spindles L and M. These blocks serve also as means for guiding
the slides. To this end they are received between guiding ways b₁b and b
secured to the sides of the casing B.
The modus operandi of the indicated parts is as follows. When the slides K are
moved up, the movement of the axle C is transmitted to the chain wheel E by
means of the toothed wheel I keyed on the pedal axle C through the train of
wheels 12 G² to the wheel G which is keyed on the sleeve and which is thus driven
at the maximum speed. If the slides K are lowered sufficiently (for example to
the position shown at Fig. 3) so as to place the wheels 12 G out of gear the sleeve
is driven at the minimum speed by the axle C acting through the pawls J gearing
with the ratchet wheel F. This is direct driving. Now if the slides K are still
further lowered the wheels I'H' of the upper train engage respectively with the
wheel on the axle and the wheel H on the sleeve thus giving to the sleeve and
chain wheel a speed intermediate between the maximum and minimum.
Arrangements are made to ensure the automatic lubrication of the journals of
the spindles L and M at the times when they are transmitting movement. With
this object I utilise the tubular member U extending from the saddle to the casing
to contain a small oil reservoir U with a filling opening U2 and an air pressure
tube U to exert pressure on the oil. A conduit. u for the reservoir breaks off
into four branches u¹ u¹ u² u² which lead the oil to the interior surfaces of the
guiding ways of the four blocks K' K2 of the slides K. These blocks are
formed with lubricating holes k¹ k² so formed that (1st) when the slides K are in
their upper position, the holes are opposite to the tubes u² so that the journals
of the lower spindle M are lubricated. Thus lubrication of these journals is
effected at the time when this lower spindle is transmitting motion to the chain
wheel. (2nd) When the slides are in their lower position that is to say when the
upper spindle L is doing the work, the oil holes of the bearings correspond to
the tubes u (3rd) In the middle position of the slides as shown in Fig. 3, during
which the spindles L M are idle the oil holes are all covered so that no
lubricant enters. Thus the blocks K' K" as they slide in the ways regulate
the admission of the oil, admitting the lubricant only when it is absolutely required.
It will be evident that the oil reservoir may be placed elsewhere than within the
hollow member U. The movement of the slides K is obtained from a shaft N
mounted in the sides of the case B. This shaft carries two excentrics OO placed
between shoulders on the slides K.
It will be understood that it is only necessary to turn the shaft N a quarter of a
turn in one direction or the other to move the slides K from their medium position
to either of the extreme positions.
It is sufficient then that the rider should be able to operate some part which will
turn the shaft N half a turn and so vary the speed. The following is the
arrangement I employ. I key on the shaft N a disc N' to which is attached at the
point n an endless chain R which, passing through the tube A, is attached to a
similar disc mounted at the upper end of the said tube on a spindle operated by a
small crank Q. It is only necessary that the rider should give a half or quarter
turn to this crank to change his gear from one speed to another.
When the frame is of the type shown in Fig. 2 or of an analogous type, the
operating chain R must pass beneath carrying bowls at T. The duty of the
excentrics is only to move the slides K to and fro and so change the gear. This
arrangement is only accessory to the main head of the invention and any other
suitable arrangement might be used.
Fig. 4 shows the form which I give by preference to the slides K. It will be
seen that they are forked about the middle to allow the passage of the axle C.

page_text: The opening at this part is wide enough to admit the gear wheels if it should be
desired to remove these from the casing or replace them. With the same object
in view the left side of the casing has a hole large enough to allow the wheel I to
pass, this hole being covered by the part containing the ball bearing S which part
is fixed to the side of the casing by screws. The sleeve D might be mounted on
the axle C otherwise than by ball bearings, and the sleeve instead of operating a
chain wheel might operate any other suitable means for transmitting the power.
The case B may be fixed to the frame by any suitable means and its main axis
instead of being in line with the tubular member A might be otherwise suitably
disposed.
Arrangements are also made (1st) to disengage automatically the pawls J when
the slides K pass from their middle position to their upper or lower position and
(2nd) to engage the same automatically when the slides K are moved to their
medium position, viz. when the impulse is transmitted directly from the axle to the
chain wheel without increase or diminution of speed.
The disengagement of the pawls is to prevent noise when the difference of speed
is in favour of the ratchet wheel. A further object is to permit the backing of
the machine when desired.
To disengage the pawls J, I form them with a tail; and I fix to one of the
slides K two catches J' J2 arranged in such a manner that when the slides are in
their medium position the tail in turning does not meet either of the stops,
whereas when the slides are moved into their highest position, the tail as it is carried
round meets the stop J' whereby the pawl is thrown over into the position shown
in dotted lines, that is to say the pawl is moved out of gear with the ratchet wheel.
When the slides are moved to their lowest position the tail j encounters the
stop J2 whereby the pawl is also thrown out of gear.
The pawls are retained in their engaged or disengaged positions by a spring j¹
carried on a finger from the wheel I the free end of the spring pressing on flat
surfaces formed on the back of the pawls. The following description will show
how the engagement of the pawls is automatically effected when the slides are
moved to the medium position. Upon a pivot carried by the casing I mount a
cam lever X with a piu X which enters a vee groove ³ formed in a projecting
flange K³ from one of the slides K. When the axle C is to transmit directly its
movement to the chain wheel, the slides are moved into the middle position and
the cam lever X occupies the position represented in full lines.
The pawls having been before thrown over into the dotted position, as they are
carried round they will come in contact with the edge of the cam lever X and will
thereby be pushed towards the ratchet wheel so as to engage therewith and be
held in this position by the springs j'. If it is wished to change the speed the
slides K are raised or lowered and the projection K³ takes the position shown in
dotted lines moving the stud X' into the opposite end of one or the other of the
inclined grooves k³ whereby the cam lever X is also moved into the dotted position
in which it is withdrawn entirely from the range of the pawls even when the latter
have been thrown out of engagement by the stops J¹³.
When the slides are returned to their middle position the cam lever resumes its
position in full lines and again brings about the engagement of the pawls as already
described.
When the machine is being driven at the least speed that is when being directly
driven it might happen that in the event of no brake being used the machine
might tend to run away. Back pedalling would not check this because the pawls
would simply slip over the ratchet teeth. To overcome this defect I might take
measures when travelling at this speed to secure the axle C and the sleeve together
by any suitable means. For instance 1 might provide an additional pawl or pawls
arranged in the opposite direction to the described pawls and engaging with a
corresponding opposing ratchet wheel on the sleeve, which auxiliary pawl or pawls
could be placed in or out of gear when desired either manually or automatically
by means of the shifting of the slides K to the medium position.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is.
1. The improved mechanism for changing speed in velocipedes and consisting of
a sleeve mounted loosely on the pedal axle and carrying a chain wheel or other
motion transmitting body and also gear wheels of different diameters, one toothed
wheel being fixed on the pedal axle, in combination with a movable frame carrying
as many differential speed spindles as there are gear wheels on the sleeve, each of
the said spindles being furnished with two toothed wheels of which one gears
with the wheel fixed on the pedal axle while at the same time the other gears
with one of the wheels on the sleeve, substantially as described and as
illustrated.
2. The combination of the pawls carried on the wheel fixed to the pedal axle,
with the ratchet wheel carried by the sleeve, said arrangement being used for
direct driving and when the spindles carried by the sliding frame are out of gear
substantially as described and shown.
3. The employment of stops J', J2 carried by the sliding frame for throwing the
pawls out of gear when the wheels on the sliding frame are brought into gear and
the use of the lever cam X for automatically returning the pawls into gear with the
ratchet wheel when the wheels of the sliding frame are moved out of gear
substantially as described and shown.
4. The sliding frame constituted by the slides K furnished with bearing
blocks K K2 and the arrangements for automatically lubricating the same,
substantially as described and shown.
5. The means for effecting the movement of the sliding frame K K consisting
of the shaft N with its excentrics and operated by the rider by means of a
connecting chain R substantially as described and shown.
6. The general arrangement, construction and combination of parts comprising
my improved means for altering the speed and power of the driving gear of
velocipedes substantially as described and as shown in the annexed drawings.
Dated this 16th day of August 1895.
E. K. DUTTON & Co.,
5 John Dalton Street, Manchester, Chartered Patent Agents,
For the Applicant.