Improvements in and in connection with the Steering Gear of Safety and other Cycles.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 12th June, 1890-Accepted, 30th Aug., 1890
COMPLETE STECIFICATION.
Improvements in and in connection with the Steering Gear
of Safety and other Cycles.
1 ARTHUR CHARLES HIGHMAN of 9 Evesham Place Stratford-on-Avon Ironmonger
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 relates to an improved check steering apparatus particularly suited
for use as an addition to bicycles of that class known as the "Safety" bicycle in which
type the steerage is very sensitive. By my method or plan provide a collar or
sleeve with curved or forked arms of steel or other suitable material to partly surround
the upright or inclined pillar forming part of the frame support and steering gear, and
the curved or forked ends or arms of same taking around or at each side of the front
portion of the frame or backbone portion of the machine.
1 fasten and secure the collar or sleeve before referred to with forked or curved
arms firmly to the aforesaid upright or inclined pillar, by means of two or more bolts
and nuts or other suitable means, and at the side of and through the front portion of
the frame or backbone portion of the machine 1 form a slot and through which a pin
or piece of steel wire is passed and taking into each end of the forked or curved arus
of the collar or sleeve, and between the inner portions of each curved or forked arın
and that portion of the frame of the machine which they partially surround I
interpose on each side of same a small helical or other suitable form of spring or
springs which are coiled upon or surround the said steel wire or pin, holding them in
position, and the said steel wire or pin is firmly clenched and secured to the said
forked arm connections. So that when the rider of the machine wishes to incline or
turn it to the right or left, the compression or tension given to one or other of the
said small side springs interposed, would freely yield to the leverage exerted, but
when not exerted or given, the tendency and action of either spring will be to
automatically regain its former position and keep the wheel straight to its former
position or direct course.
line
u,
In the accompanying drawing Figure 1, exhibits a type of safety bicycle_to. which
my plan or apparatus for check steering is shown as applied to same. Fig. 2, is an
enlarged detached view of my apparatus, and Figure 3 cross section, (taken on the
b, Fig. 2) of the collar or sleeve with curved or forked arms before referred to.
In the several figures the following letters indicate like or corresponding parts:-A is
the vertically inclined pillar portion of the frame and steering bar gear. B, is the
front portion of the backbone of the machine frame, bracketted or coupled to the
said pillar portion of the steering gear and bar or frame A, so as to be capable of
working freely in the said coupling, or bracket attachments. I provide a collar or
sleeve C, with curved or forked armis C, C, fixed and secured to the said pillar or
spindle A, of the steering apparatus and frame.
The said collar or sleeve C, and arms C, C', being secured to the spindle A, by
means of small screws or bolts D, D, or be otherwise suitably fixed. E, is a small
pin or rod of steel secured to and through each of the forked arms C', C. F, F, are
small helical or coiled springs, interposed between the inner faces of the forked
It will therefore
arms C, C, and the outer part of the front portion of the frame B.
be seen that the tendency, when either spring (or springs) in the action of steering
becomes thereby compressed, it or they will automatically strive to return to their
normal position, when permitted and bring the wheel set over back into its true
position. But it must be understood that the general arrangement of parts and
disposition of same may be varied likewise the springs as shewn and being held in
position by the pin or rod F, around which they are coiled.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is,
The method of providing an improved arrangement of apparatus for checking
and assisting in the steering and recovery of the straight course of Safety Bicycles or
like Cycles in manner and for the purpose herein set forth, illustrated and described.
Dated this 12th day of June 1890.
GRAHAM & GRAHAM,
Agents for Applicant.