Improvements in Bicycles.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Mar., 1894-Accepted, 14th July, 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Bicycles.
I, JOHN BREEN, of Bagualstown, in the County of Carlow, Ireland, Gentleman,
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 :-
This invention has reference to Improvements in Bicycles for the purpose of
obviating vibration, and increasing the resiliency of the machine, while at the same
time adding considerably to its strength and rigidity.
In carrying out my invention, I propose to add certain additions to the ordinary
frame-work of the bicycle, the construction, application, and operation of which will
be more readily described and understood in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which Fig. 1, represents an ordinary bicycle with my invention applied
thereto complete; and Figs. 2, 3, and 4 enlarged detail views of same hereinafter
more fully described.
The improvements constituting my invention are indicated by the additional
framework over each wheel, each of which consists of a horizontal fork a, a,
springing from the members b, and c, of the machine. The apex of this
horizontal fork penetrates, and is secured to the top or apex of the vertical
fork d, d, whose free ends terminate in the journal boxes e and e¹.
The journal box e, forms part of the ends of the members 6 and f, and carries
the driving wheel axis 9, while the journal box el forms part of the end of
member C, and carries the axis g', of the steering wheel. h, h³, are rods which
are suspended from the axis at each side of the wheels, and penetrating the
bottom bar of the journal boxes, carry spiral springs k, k¹, on the upper con-
volution of which rest the journal boxes as shown.
The tension of these spiral springs may be adjusted by suitable nuts at the free
ends of the rods.
From this description, it will be perceived that the frame of the machine
practically rests on the spiral springs, of which there are of course four-one at each
side of each wheel.
It is obvious that the use of these spiral springs in the manner described would
be impracticable owing to the freedom of the wheel axis to oscillate in the journal
boxes, were it not for the addition of the auxiliary frames a, a, and d, d, over each
wheel, by the use of which the wheel axis are maintained truly horizontal, and the
wheels caused to rotate in an even vertical plane.
e,
Figs. 2 and 4, illustrate in detail, the method whereby the tension of the chain
may be adjusted in connection with the use of my invention. The journal box is
open at one side, and the vertical rod h, being prolonged as shewn by p, above the
aperture which is slipped over the axis; this prolonged end passes through clamp 2,
while the lower end h, passes through clamp 3.
These clamps are moved to and fro by means of the setting screws 4 and 5,
whereby the chain may be tightened or slackened at pleasure.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I would have it understood,
that what I claim is :-
First. In the construction of bicycles, the use and application of the additional
framework consisting of forks a, a, and d, d, arranged, and operating in combination
with the springs k, k, for the purpose, and in the manner substantially as described

page_text: Second. In the construction of bicycles, the use and application of spiral
springs k, k², or analogous springs in combination with the journal boxes e, and e²,
and the additional framework included in a, a, and d, d, in the manner substantially
as and for the purpose specified and set forth.
Dated the 8th day of March 1894.
J. K. FAHIE & SON,
9, Westland Row, Dublin, Agents for Applicant.