Improvements in Cycles.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 21st Dec., 1894-Accepted, 2nd Feb., 1895
Improvements in Cycles.
I WILLIAM JOHN MIDELTON, Harston near Cambridge, Surgeon, 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:-
The object of my invention is to provide means whereby the steering mechanism
of bicycles may be easily and securely locked or fastened.
In carrying out my invention I adopt substantially the following arrangements:
In the head of the bicycle a hole is bored or formed of sufficient size to allow of
a bolt being inserted therein and passed right through the head and inner tube.
This bolt is preferably contained in a small cylinder in which a light spiral spring
may be placed, so that when the bolt is released it will shoot forward and leave the
cyclist's hands free. By a very little manipulation of the handle, the bolt will then
find its way into its place, and the steering will be locked sufficiently to make it
easier to lean the machine against a wall or steady the front wheel for cleaning or
other purposes.
The aforesaid cylinder may be clamped on to the machine by means of a
band of steel or suitable material, and it may be further secured by means of a
screw passing through a slot in such band, this slot allowing of adjustment to
enable the band to fit any size head. At the end of the band one or more holes
are made to allow of a padlock being affixed.
A detachable key may be provided to pass through the bolt, such key having
one end square and the bolt having a square hole therein to allow of its
admission.
When this detachable key is used, the bolt is pulled out by means of the spring
inside the cylinder and pushed in by means of the key. In order to prevent
dust etc., getting into the lock, a cap of india-rubber or suitable material may be
fitted over it. A rubber or leather washer should also be fitted on a small flange
at end of the cylinder against the cycle head. In the event of the key being used
without an additional lock a small projection may be made on the inside of the
cylinder about the centre thereof, to fit in a groove in the bolt, when by turning
the key it may be withdrawn, the bolt remaining in place. When my invention is
to be applied to new machines the band and clamp may be dispensed with and the
bolt and cylinder fitted inside the steering tube. The projecting end of the bolt
would in that case be made flat, and perforated for the reception of a padlock. A
small projection and groove would as before mentioned enable the bolt to be
worked and kept in place when out of use, a forked key being employed in this
instance.
In order that the nature of my invention and the manner of performing the same
may be clearly understood, I will now proceed to further describe the same with
reference to the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 illustrates a portion of the head and steering tube of a cycle with my
improved locking arrangements applied thereto.
Figure 2 shows the fastening band or collar with cylinder and locking bolt
separately.
Figure 3 is locking bolt as when used with detachable key.
In these figures a is the head of the cycle 6 the steering tube through which a
hole is bored to allow of the bolt c being inserted when the steering is required to

page_text: be locked. The bolt c works freely in the cylinder d in which a spiral spring d
may be placed to facilitate the action of the bolt. The cylinder à is secured to
the machine by means of the band or collar e and may be held more firmly in
The hole h
place by screw passing through a slot g in such band or collar e.
in band e allows of a padlock p being placed thereon for additional security.
When the lock is used without spring and detachable key, the bolt is operated
by a finger piece having a hole or loop in the end thereof. The finger piece or key
is provided with a notch or recess so that when passed through slit in top of
cylinder and turned, it will remain in that position if necessary. When the loop
of a padlock is passed through the hole or loop in the end of the key or finger
piece and through the hole in the band e the locking is effectually completed.
In cases where a padlock is not used, a ring may be fitted between the lock
cylinder and the head of cycle, such ring having a slot in one side to allow the
band to be passed through.
"
HUGHES & YOUNG,
23, Coleman Street, London, E.C., Agents for Applicant.