Improvements in Velocipedes.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Sept., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 21st June, 1890-Accepted, 30th Aug.,
1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Velocipedes.
A communication from abroad by STERLING ELLIOTT, of West Newton, in the State
of Massachusetts, one of the United States of America, Engineer.
I, ALFRED GEORGE BROOKES of the firm of Wm. Brookes & Son of 55 & 56
Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention has firstly for its object more especially to construct a velocipede of
the type commonly called safety bicycles, and the invention consists in various
details of construction to be hereinafter described.
The invention also relates secondly to an improved sprocket chain especially
adapted to drive chains for use in connection with sprocket wheels of velocipedes,
which may be cheaply made, very durable and practically self-oiling.
In accordance with this part of the invention the chain is composed of alternate
oiling and connecting links, the oiling links, each consisting of a metallic block
drilled transversely and centrally, or otherwise formed with a transverse elongated
passage through it, open at each edge or side, and the connecting links each con-
sisting of two bars or plates arranged one at each side of the oiling links.
Two pins pass through the transverse opening or passage through each oiling
link, one at each end, said pins projecting beyond the edge or side of said link and
passing through the connecting links or otherwise formed to engage therewith.
The transverse opening or passage through each oiling link is packed with
absorbent material, as felt, thoroughly saturated with out, said material coming in
direct contact with the pins to lubricate the same.
The main frame-work of the machine comprises a tubular bent bar having at its
front end a downwardly extended projection or pintle, and an upwardly extended
projection having a socket or recess.
The steering wheel support consists of the tubular bar preferably rearwardly
inclined, and having secured to its lower end a steering fork, said tube also having
formed on it arms to which is secured a guard for the steering wheel which is
journaled in the steering fork.
The arm has a boss formed on it, provided with a socket or recess to receive the
pintle.
A tube has also a projection through which a screw passes, the end of which is
slightly tapered to fit the socket or recess in the projection of the frame.
A screw and pintle serve as pivots for the steering wheel support, and by direct-
ing the said pivots downwardly affords sockets or recesses open at the top to retain
the oil.
A tube is held adjustably in the tube, and to the upper end of said tube is
attached a collar or cap from which extend the steering handles, or they may be
attached to it.
A split ring is placed on the projection, said ring having at one side or at its
ends cars, through one of which ears a screw passes freely and is turned into and
held in the other ear.
A spring is placed on the shank of the screw one end of which bears against the
head of the screw, and the other end bears against that ear which is free on the
screw, the function of said spring being to press said ear towards the other ear,
and hence to hold the ring frictionally in place.
The ring has on it a lug which enters a recess formed in the rear side of the
tube, so that as the tube is turned the ring will be turned by it, but owing to its
friction will serve as a retarding device therefor.

page_text: At the rear end of the tubular frame recesses are formed at each side to receive
bars preferably of wood, arranged side by side, and which constitute a fork for the
rear or driving wheel.
Arms are also formed on the tubular bar at its rear end, to which is attached a
guard for said rear or driving wheel.
The guard tapering from end to end for flexibility, extends over the rear or
driving wheel so as to enclose substantially one-half of said wheel, and at a point
above the wheel brace rods are attached the lower ends of which enter sockets
formed in the projections on the collar placed on the 'driving axle at or near each
end.
The hub of the wheel is preferably made of wood, and the wheel has wooden
spokes.
Metallic caps are secured to the hub at each end, said caps having flanges which
receive the collars, a washer being preferably interposed.
The collars are held in position on the axle by nuts which bear upon suitable
washers resting against the bars which in order bear against the collars.
The axle which is stationary is grooved at its upper side from at.or near one end
to a point substantially at the center of the hub, and a thin bar or strip is rabbetied
in said groove so as to leave or present a chamber beneath it, said bar or strip
terminating near the inner end of the groove to leave an opening through which
oil placed in said groove may escape.
A passage is formed in the collar which communicates with the groove, the
entrance to said passage being at the projection formed on the collar for the admis-
sion of oil.
The axle has also a longitudinal groove extending substantially its entire length,
and at one side of the groove.
A felt, wicking or other absorbent material is placed in said groove, and the oil
from the groove works around the axle and is taken up by the absorbent material.
A cap is fitted into the oil hole or passage.
One of the metallic caps or end pieces has sprocket teeth over which passes a
sprocket chain, which chain also passes over a sprocket wheel, journaled in a hanger,
carrier or loop-like bracket, connected to the tubular frame by a pin.
The loop-like bracket or carrier has two projections to which is loosely connected
a screw threaded rod, which passes through a projection on the underside of the
frame, said rod receiving upon its screw threaded portion nuts by which the loop-
like hanger or carrier is held in position and adjusted for the purpose of tightening
the driving chain.
One of the pedal bars or arms is attached to the hub of the sprocket wheel and
the other pedal bar is attached to the shaft carrying the sprocket wheel, and the
pedals are loosely connected to the pedal levers or arms each pedal consisting of a
frame suitably recessed to receive a bolt which serves as a bearing for pedal.
The frame has at one end a flange which receives within it a screw by which the
pedal is held on the arm or bolt, and to effectually exclude dust a disk or screw is
screwed into the said flange.
The frame has on it projections and also a projection having an oil
through it.
passage
The break mechanism consists of the lever pivoted to the guard and having at
its lower end a break shoe.
The said lever has at its edge a series of pins and also has at its upper end a hole
through it for the brake chain which has one or more hooks which engage one or
more of the pins.
The brake chain passes through the tubular frame over the pulley, thence
through the steering wheel support, over the pulley thence up through the tubular
support, and at its upper end is connected at one end to the hand lever pivoted
to the handle bar.
As the lever is depressed, the brake chain will be drawn, and the lever moved.
The seat post is adjustably held in a socket or holder secured to the frame:

page_text: A plate or carrier is placed on the post and held by a pin passing through it.
Two screws pass through the plate at each side of the post, and bear against the
post at each side.
By turning one or the other screw the plate or carrier is tilied.
Two springs are attached to the plate or holder one at each side, said springs cach
having outwardly extending arms which arms pass over hooks and enter cars
formed on the saddle frame, being held in place by set screws.
The opposite ends of the springs enter a block supported on a screw having its
bearing in the frame.
By means of the screw the two frames are moved toward or from each other to
stretch the material of the seat.
The socket in the frame which receives the end of the screw is made consider-
ably larger than the cross sectional area of the screw to thereby afford considerable
play for the seat.
The cover for the seat is formed of leather or other suitable material, it being
riveted to the frame, and having a gore removed at the front to enable the end to
be contracted, sala end being carried over the frame and secured by joining the
edges of the recess by stitches.
It will be seen that the seat post is vertically adjustable, the seat plate or carrier
yields and the spring arms by means of the eye bolts by which they are attached
may be moved back and forth.
A guard is secured to the frame enclosing or concealing the sprocket wheel and
chain, and another guard is attached to the guard which partially covers or en-
closes the sprocket wheel.
The tubular frame is so bent or curved as to be touched interiorily by the brake
chain to thereby prevent the said brake chain from rattling.
The oiling links of the improved sprocket chain arranged alternately with rela-
tion to the connecting links each consist of a metallic block drilled or otherwise
manipulated to form a transverse elongated opening or passage through it, from
side to side.
Two pins are placed in the elongated transverse passage or opening through the
iling links one at each end, said pins being herein described as projecting beyond
the edge or side of the links and passing through plates, which plates constitute
the connecting links and are arranged alternately with relation to the oiling links.
The ends of the pins are slightly reduced in diameter and upset to hold the plates
hereon.
The transverse opening or passage through the oiling links is packed with ab-
orbent material as felt or other suitable material, said material bearing in direct
ontact with the pins.
The material is thoroughly saturated with oil and thereby serves to lubricate the
ins.
The opening through the oiling links being accessible at each side, the absorbent
aterial may be supplied with oil at any time desired, yet in practice when the
aterial is once thoroughly saturated, it need not be attended to for a long period
Time.
As the opening through the oiling links is preferably drilled or formed by dril
g a series of holes in line with each other, the material is left as a bearing for
e pins sufficient to keep the pins in proper place.
By this form of chain the oiling links may be cheaply made, very durable, and
netically self-oiling, and there is little or no liability of getting out of order.
Dated the 23rd day of September 1889.
D. BI
KES & SON,
55 & 56, Chancery Lane, London, Agents for the Applicant

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Velocipedes.
A communication from abroad by STERLING ELLIOTT, of West Newton, in the Staf
of Massachusetts, one of the United States of America, Engineer.
1 ALFRED GEORGE BROOKES of the firm of Wm. Brookes & Son of 55 & 5
Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, do hereby declare th
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to b
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention has, firstly for its object more especially to construct a velociped
of the type commonly called safety bicycles, and the invention consists in variou
details of construction to be hereinafter described.
Fig shows in side elevation and partial section a velocipede embodying thi
invention,
Fig. 2, an enlarged vertical sectional detail of the steering wheel support showin
its pivotal connection with the frame,
Fig. 2, a detail to be referred to,
Figs. 3 and 4, sectional details of the pedals to be referred to; Fig. 4 being take
transversely of Fig. 3 on the line A A.
Fig. 5, a detail of the handle bar,
Fig 5 an enlarged view of a portion of said detail,
Figs. 6, 7 and 8, details of the seat to be referred to,
Fig. 9, a longitudinal sectional detail of the hub of the driving wheel,
Fig. 10, an enlarged cross sectional detail of the axle,
Fig. 11, an end view of the seat supporting collar on the axle,
Fig. 12, an enlarged detail of the hanger or carrier for the driving crank,
Fig. 13, a vertical section of the sprocket wheel and attached pedal lever,
Figs. 14 and 15, details of the brake lever,
Figs. 16 and 17, details of the guard for the sprocket wheel, and
Fig. 18, a detail to be referred to."
The main frame-work of the machine comprises a tubular bent bar a having a
its front end a downwardly extended projection or pintle a', and an upwardly ex
tended projection having a socket or recess.
The steering wheel support consists of a tubular bar preferably rearwardly
inclined, and having secured to its lower end a steering fork said tube als
having formed on it arms b² to which is, secured a guard for the steering wheel
which is journaled in the steering fork.
The arm has a boss formed on it, see Fig. 2.provided with a socket o
recess to receive the pinile al
A tube has also a projection through which a screw be passes, the end o
which is slightly tapered to fit the socket or recess in the projection of the
frame.
It will be seen that the end of the screw and the pinile al serve as the pivots
for the steering wheel support, and by directing the said pivots downwardly as
shown, affords sockets or recesses open at the top to retain the oil.
is
A tube is held adjustably in the tube b, and to the upper end of said tube
attached a collar or cap c² from which extend the steering handles, c, or they
may be attached to it.
A split ring y, see Figs. 2 and 2, is placed on the projection a², said ring having
at one side or at its ends ears y', through one of which ears a screw y³ passes freely
and is turned into and held in the other ear.
A spring is placed on the shank of the screw one end of which bears
against the head of the screw, and the other end bears against that ear y which
is free on the screw, the function of said spring being to press said ear iowards
the other ear, and hence to hold the ring frictionally in place.

page_text: The ring y has on it a lug y which enters a recess formed in the rear side of
the tube b, so that as the tube is turned the ring y will be turned by it, but owing
to its friction will serve as a retarding device therefor.
At the rear end of the tubular frame a recesses are formed at each side to re-
ceive bars preferably of wood d, arranged side by side, and which constitute a fork
for the rear or driving wheel e.
Arms dare also formed on the tubular bar a at its rear end, to, which is attached
a wooden guard for said rear or driving wheel.
The wooden guard f shown as tapering from end to end for flexibility, extends
over the rear or driving wheel so as to enclose substantially one half of said wheel,
and at a point above the wheel, brace rods, as f', are attached the lower ends of
which enter sockets formed in the projections on the collar placed on the driv-
ing axle at or near each end, see Figs. 9 and 11.
The babe of the wheel e is preferably made of wood, and the wheel has wooden
spokes e².
The metallic caps are secured to the hub at each end said caps having flanges of
which receive the collars i, a washer being preferably interposed.
The collars are held in position on the axle by nuts n which bear upon suitable
washers resting against the bars d, which in order bear against the collars.
The axle which is stationary is grooved at its upper side as at n² from at or near
one end to a point substantially at the center of the hub, and a thin bar or strip nt,
sec Fig. 10, is rabbetted in said groove so as to leave or present a chamber beneath
it, said bar or strip terminating near the inner end of the groove to leave an open-
ing through which oil placed in said groove may escape.
A passage is formed in the collar, which communicates with the groove n³,
the entrance to said passage being at the projection formed on the collar for
the admission of oil.
The axle a has also a longitudinal groove nº extending substantially its entire
length, and at one side of the groove n².
A felt, wicking or other absorbent material is placed in said groove, and the oil
from the groove n³ works around the axle and is taken up by the absorbent
material.
A cap is fitted into the oil hole or passage.
One of the metallic caps or end pieces has sprocket teeth e over which passes
a sprocket chain m, which chain also passes over a sprocket wheel m³, journaled
in a
hangor, carrier or loop-like bracket m², connected to the tubular frame a by a
pin 2.
The loop-like bracket or carrier m³, see Fig. 12, has two projections m² to which
is loosely connected a screw threaded rod m, which passes through a projection m²
on the underside of the frame a, said. rod receiving upon its serew threaded portion
nuis by which the loop-like hanger or carrier is held in position and adjusted
for the purpose of tightening the driving chain.
One of the pedal bars or arms as, is attached to the hub of the sprocket wheel m³,
see Fig. 13, and the other pedal bar, as o, is attached to the shaft carrying the
sprocket wheel, and the pedals are loosely connected to the pedal levers or arms, 0,
each pedal consisting of a frame o, see Figs. 3 and 4, suitably recessed to receive a
bolt, which serves as a bearing for pedal.
The frame has at one end a flange o which receives within it a screw of by
which the pedal is held on the arm or bolt, and to effectually exclude dust a disk
or screw is screwed into the said flange o. The rubber strips of are secured
to the frame ol by means of grooved or channelled plates of fastened to the frame o
by screws (Fig. 3).
The frame o has on it projections
sage through it.
and also a projection of having an oil pas-
The brake mechanism consists of the lever see Figs. 1, 14 and 15, pivoted at ♬
to the guard f, and having at its lower end; a brake shoe f.

page_text: is a spring interposed between the guard & this lever t.
The said levert has at its edge a series of pins (3, and also has at its upper end a
hole through it for the brake chain which has one or more hooks which engage
one or more of the pins t³.
The brake chain passes through the tubular frame over the pulley (6, thence
through the steering wheel support over the pulley thence up through the tubu-
lar support c, and at its upper end is connected at one end to the hand lever ts
pivoted to fhe handle bar c
As the lever is depressed, the brake chain will be drawn and the lever t
moved.
The seat postu, see Figs. 1, 6, 7 and 8, is adjustably held in a socket or holder u
secured to the frame /.
A plate or carrier is placed on the post u and held by a pin
through it.
passing
Two screws w pass through the plate at each side of the post, and bear against
the post at each side as shown in Fig. 6.
By turning one or the other screw the plate or carrier u is tilted.
Two springs, u", are attached to the plate or holder one at each side, said
springs cach having outwardly extended arms which arms pass over hooks u*
and enter ears formed on the saddle frame 8, being held in place by set
screws 2
The opposite ends of the springs 5, 6, enter a block supported on a screw 10
having its bearing in the frame
By means of the screw 10 the two frames 8 and 12 are moved toward or from
each other to stretch the material of the seat 13
The socket in the frame 12 which receives the end of the screw 10 is made con-
siderably larger than the cross sectional area of the screw to thereby afford con-
siderable play for the seat.
The cover for the seat is formed of leather or other suitable material, it being
riveted to the frame us, and having a gore removed at the front to enable the end
to be contracted, said end being carried over the frame and secured by joining
the edges of the recess by stitches, as shown in Fig. 18.
It will be seen that the seat post is vertically adjustable, the seat plate or
carrier yields and the spring arms, by incans of the eye bolts by which
they are attached may bemoved back and forth.
A guard is secured to the frame enclosing or concealing the sprocket wheel and
chain, and another guard is attached to the guard w, see Figs. 16 and 17, which
partially covers or encloses the sprocket wheel.
The tubular frame a is so bent or curved as to be touched interiorly by the brake
chain to thereby prevent the said brake chain from rattling.
The invention also relates secondly to an improved sprocket chain especially
adapted to drive chains for use in connection with sprocket wheels of velocipedes
which may be cheaply made, very durable and practically self-oiling.
In accordance with this part of the invention the chain is composed of alternate
oiling and connecting links, the oiling links, each consisting of a metallic block
drilled transversely and centrally, or otherwise formed with a transverse elongated
passage through it, open at each edge or side, and the connecting links each con-
sisting of two bars or plates arranged one at each side of the oiling links.
Two pins pass through the transverse opening or passage through each oiling
link, one at each end, said pins projecting beyond the edge or side of said link and
passing through the connecting links or otherwise formed to engage therewith.
The transverse opening or passage through each oiling link is packed with ab-
sorbent material, as felt, thoroughly saturated with oil, said material coming in
direct contact with the pins to lubricate the same.
Fig. 19 indicates by side view and Fig. 20 by plan view one of the pieces or
blocks of metal such as may be cut from a rod or bar before it is drilled trans-

page_text: versely as indicated in side view by Fig. 21, and Fig. 22 indicates the metal block
after the transverse drill holes shown in Fig. 21 have been connected into one
transverse elongated passage ready for pins and packing of absorbent material.
The block has holes as 2. 3. 4 drilled or made transversely therein (Fig. 21)
and these again are connected into one transverse opening by other holes 5. 6
(Fig. 22), and into the holes 2. 4 pass the pins or rivets connecting the con-
necting links cc together, and to the oiling links (Figs. 23 & 24). * indi-
cates the oiling material.
Fig. 25 shows in plan view and partial section 'enlarged views of parts of such a
chain and
મ
Fig. 26 a side view and partial section of the chain to the like enlarged scale.
The oiling links of the improved sprocket chain arranged alternately with rela-
tion to the connecting links cach consist of a metallic block a drilled or otherwise
inanipulated to form a transverse clongated opening or passage through it from
side to side.
Two pins, are placed in the elongated transverse passage or opening through
the oiling links a*, one at each end, said pius being herein shown as projecting be-
yond the edge or side of the links a³ and passing through plates e, which plates
constitute the connecting links and are arranged alternately with relation to the
oiling links.
The ends of the pins are slightly reduced in diameter and upset to hold the
plates thereon.
The transverse opening or passage through the oiling links at is packed with
absorbent material * as felt or other suitable material, said material bearing in
direct contact with the pins bx b*.
The material d is thoroughly saturated with oil and thereby serves to lubricate
the pins.
The opening through the oiling links being accessible at each side, the absorbent
material may be supplied with oil at any time desired, yet in practise when the
material is once thoroughly saturated, it need not be attended to for a long period
of time.
As the opening through the oiling links is preferably (herein shown as) drilled
or formed by drilling a series of holes in line with each other, the material is left
as a bearing for the pins sufficient to keep the pins in proper place.
By this form of chain the oiling links may be cheaply made, very durable and
practically self oiling, and there is little or no liability of getting out of order.
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: In a velocipede the main frame or connecting bar having at its forward end a
pintle as a upon its under side, and a recess or socket upon its upper side, com-
bined with a steering wheel support having a socket or recess for the pintle, and
having a screw or projection to enter the socket or recess on the upper side of
the main frame, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
2: In a velocipede the main frame or connecting bar having bars at its rear end
to constitute a fork for the rear or driving wheel, combined with the wooden guard f
attached to the said main frame or connecting rod, and brace rods for said wooden
guard, substantially as described.
3: In a velocipede the main frame or connecting bar having bars at its rear end
to constitute a fork for the rear or driving wheel, combined with a tapering guard
attached to the said main frame, and brace or supporting rods therefor, and a seat
supported on said tapering guard, substantially as described.
4: In a velocipede the rear or driving wheel, and sprocket teeth, the sprocket
chain, and the sprocket wheel m², combined with the loop-like hanger for said
sprocket wheel, and means substantially as described for adjusting it and the
pedal bars or arms, as and for the purposes set forth.

page_text: 5: In a velocipede the wheel, and the axle having an oil receiving groove and
also a groove for the absorbent material, substantially as described.
6: In a velocipede the wheel and the axle having an oil receiving groove or
passage the entrance to which is at or near the end of the axle and the exit of which
is at or near the centre of the wheel, that oil may be delivered at a point within the
wheel, substantially as described.
7: In a velocipede the wheel and axle grooved as shown and described, and
having the covering or enclosing plate, terminating near the inner end of the
groove, substantially as described.
S: In a velocipede a driving wheel having a wooden hub and spokes and
metallic caps placed on the ends of said hubs, one of which has sprocket teeth
formed on it, combined with the sprocket chain, and sprocket wheel m', substan-"]
tially as described.
9: In a velocipede a driving wheel and sprocket wheel on it, the sprocket
chain, and sprocket wheel m', combined with the pedal levers one of which is
secured to the shaft of the wheel ' and the other to the hub of the said wheel,
substantially as described.
10: In a velocipede the tubular frame a, wooden guard f, bars d, and brace
rods f, combined with the bar or axle m, and the collars 7 for said axle, substan-
tially as and for the purposes specified.
11 In a velocipede the pedal composed of the frame recessed for the arm o²
and having a flange ³, and fastening, and a dust protector o³, substantially as
described.
12: In a velocipede the pedal composed of the frame of recessed for the arm²,
the rubber strips o", of, and means for securing them in position, substantially as
described.
13 In a velocipede the pivoted lever & carrying the brake shoe, and having a
series of pins as, combined with the brake chain and hand lever for moving it,
substantially as described.
14: In a velocipede a brake lever carrying a brake shoe, combined with a brake
chain adjustably connected with said brake lever or shoe, and means for moving
said chain, substantially as described.
15: In a velocipede a seat post and frame supporting the seat, combined with
adjusting screws for tilting said seat, substantially as described.
16: In a velocipede the scat post and tilting seat frame, combined with the spring
arms,, and frames or holders 8, 12, and interposed block and adjusting screw
substantially as described.
17: The seat frame and cover or seat preferably secured to it at one end by
fastenings and contracted at its front end, and drawn over the frame and secured
by stitches passing through the edges of the contracted portion, substantially as
described.
18: In a velocipede the frame, and steering wheel, combined with a collar or
ring turning frictionally on the frame and engaging the steering frame or wheel.
substantially as described.
19: In a velocipede the frame, and steering wheel, combined with a collar or
ring turning frictionally on the frame and engaging the steering frame or wheel.
and means substantially as described for adjusting the tension of said ring on the
frame, substantially as described.
20In a velocipede the frame, driving wheel, sprocket wheels and chain, com-
bined with a guard for said chain, substantially as described.
21 In a velocipede the frame, and steering wheel, combined with a movable
or adjustable friction device for the steering frame or wheel, substantially as
described.
22: The chain herein described consisting of oiling links a, each formed with
a transverse hole or passage through it from side to side, pins placed in said hole or
passage, and connecting links with which said pins engage, and absorbent material,

page_text: as felt, placed in said transverse opening or passage, and lying in direct contact
with the pins, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
23: The method herein described, of forming oiling links for drive chains,
which consists in drilling cylindrical, end holes transversely through a block, and
thereafter removing the material between said end holes, substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
24 The method herein described, of forming oiling links for drive chains,
which consists in cutting a block from a rod or bar, forming end holes transversely
through it and thereafter by drilling removing the material between said end holes
substantially as and for the purpose specified."
25 In a velocipede, the driving chain composed of the side plates and pins b
fixed thereto, and the link a slotted to receive the said pins 6* and also oil con-
taining material, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Dated the 21st June 1890.
WAL BROOKES & SON,
55 & 56, Chancery Lane, London, Agents for the Applicant.