Improvements in and relating to Velocipedes, Motor Cycles, and like Conveyances.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Mar., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 6th Dec., 1899-Accepted, 13th Jan., 1900
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Velocipedes, Motor Cycles, and like
Conveyances.
We, THOMAS HENRY FROST, of 3, Ellerslie Road, Loats Road, Brixton, S.W.,
in the Parish of Lambeth, Cycle Engineer, and EDMOND THOMAS WAKEFIELD,
of 32, Hillingdon Street, Camberwell Gate, S.E., in the Parish of St. Mary's,
Newington, Clerk, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to the fore frames of velocipedes, motor cycles, &c.,
and more particularly in respect to those parts known severally as the frame
head, and the front fork with attached steering tube connection, and has for
its object the strengthening and securing of such parts in an improved manner
to that at present used and recognised.
Our invention is carried out in the following manner:-
Firstly as to the head tube of the frame. The bottom head lug which sup-
ports the bottom end of the frame head tube and the top end of the down tube
of the frame running from head to main bracket, is recessed in its circum-
ference on the underside and has a ball bearing ring cup inserted in such recess.
The frame head tube is continued below this point, instead of being discon-
tinued as at present in all existing single head cycles, and upon this continuation,
which is threaded externally at its lower end, we mount our main front fork.
This fork has no steering stem but takes its bearing upon the frame head tube
continuation. It is fitted at the top of crown and underside of crown with
suitable ball bearing races the top side of crown engaging with the underside of
bottom head lug and the bottom side of crown engaging with a detachable
bearing cone screwed on to the frame head tube continuation. This detachable
bearing cone is kept in position by a specially shaped lock nut screwing on to
the frame head tube continuation and having a ball race turned in its underside,
said ball race furnishing a bearing for the inside steering tube crown piece, or
inside fork crown piece with attached steering tube connection and lower sides,
as hereinafter referred to and explained. This main fork, completed with
hardened steel bearing balls, being properly positioned on, and adjusted to, the
frame head tube continuation and securely affixed thereto by the specially shaped
lock nut already referred to, becomes a very secure structure and furnishes a
reliable support to the front wheel of the machine
Our steering connection we build up in any of the following manners:-
For single cycles we prefer to mount a stout steering tube arranged at its top
end to carry the usual clip bearing cone and locking ring, or like device, said
steering tube being strengthened at the base with serrated ferrule or other
approved interior liner, or constructed if preferred of butted tubing, and being
mounted upon a crown piece, said crown piece having a suitable ball bearing race
in its upper side and engaging, when completed with hardened steel bearing
balls, with the bottom bearing of the frame head tube continuation. We pass

page_text: the steering tube through the frame head tube in the usual manner and affix
the crown piece securely by bolts, clips, or in any other approved manner, to
the underside of crown, or sides, of our main fork. In affixing this said crown
piece by means of clips to our main fork sides the outer halves of such clips
could have. foot rests formed in them, and the clips 'themselves, when bolted
together, would furnish an outside support to the top ends of the main fork
sides or blades.
As an alternative, and more, especially in the case of multi-cycles and like
heavy conveyances, we prefer to build up a separate or inside fork complete with
steering, tube connection of the usual or recognised pattern, the upper side of
crown of such fork being provided with ball bearing race adjusting against the
lower exterior ball race of the frame head.tube continuation.
As a further alternative this inside fork with at
attached steering tube connec-
tion, or the separate steering tube with crown piece, may take their bearing
against a ball race fitted to the interior of base of frame head 'tube continuation,
instead of the exterior bearing already explained. Our handlebar is fitted in
the usual manner with one stem and secured in the fork top stem or steering
tube by the usual 'ball bearing adjusting cone clip and locking ring.
"As a variation our fork top or steering tube may be stayed diametrically
through its length and the handlebar be correspondingly fitted with two inde-
pendent "D" stems; said "D" stems telescoping into steering tube and securing
the handlebar in such a manner as would effectually prevent the said handle
bar from turning independently of the said steering tube. A more reliable
mode of steering arrangement is thus obtained. In a stayed steering -tube of
this description we cut out, the diametric stay to the depth of the ball bearing
clip cone so that the handlebar stems may be capable of compression in conjunc-
tion with the split steering tube top when the said ball bearing clip conc-is
drawn up by its bolt. Our ball head steering tube adjustment is effected in the
usual manner at the top of frame head by a clip cone and locking ring, or similar
device, and over the said cone we also mount a screwed conc. shouldered split
collar, said collar being of smaller diameter in its top side than the outer edge
of clip cone. In its normal position this collar does not bear against the clip
cone but engages with an exterior thread cut in the top lug of frame head. This
split collar or band is clipped securely to the frame head lug by small bolt or
thumb screw. By this arrangement the safety of the rider is further assured,
as should the steering tube break by any means, the handlebar - cannot -pull
away for the reason that the head bearing clip cone, which, with the locking
ring, secures the handlebar stem in the steering tube, is prevented from leaving
the frame by the aforesaid split collar which is firmly fastened to the head lug
of the frame. The said split collar furnishes also a neat steering lock. The
bolt or thumbscrew being slightly withdrawn the collar is jambed down tightly
against the clip cone, the bolt or thumbscrew is again tightened up and an
effective lock results. Our steering tube or fork sides in any or all instances may
be diametrically stayed or constructed of butted or taper gauge tubing. Single,
duplicate, or triplicate blades may be used, of any section, and independently
fitted at their lower ends to the front wheel axle. Box pattern, single, duplicate,
or triplicate. plate crowns may be used as preferred.
Although we have herein particularly mentioned the frame head tube con-
tinuation we may also when preferred extend the underside of our lower frame
head lug building our main fork upon such lug extension. In this case our
head frame tube would be continued to the extreme end of the said lug in the
usual manner.
г
.
I
We may also in the case of multicycles, motor cycles, &c., duplicate our lower
head bearings in concentric form. As a further alternative we may build our
steering stem of two independent "D" tubes, 'passing our handlebar stem over
such tubes. Our handlebar stem would be diametrically stayed through its
length said diametric stay fitting between the aforesaid "D" tubes of the steer-

page_text: ing stem. Our handlebar stem would be split and screwed at its lower end the
required distance to enable the clip cone of the top head bearing with attendant
locking ring to perform their usual duties. By this arrangement the handlebar
and steering tube could not turn independently of each other:
strength
In any and all of these modes of carrying out this invention great, stren
results owing to the largely increased area over which all strains thrown upon
the front fork and steering head are distributed, and it is practically impossible
for the main fork and front wheel of the cycle to leave the frame, or the handle-
bar likewise to leave the frame, as at the present time is possible with all-existing
single head cycles
3.
J 09/17
1
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
ced lent
Improvements in and relating to Velocipedes, Motor Cycles, and like
Conveyances.
3
1971
We, THOMAS HENRY FROST, of 3, Ellerslie Road, Loats Road, Brixton, S.W.,
in the Parish of Lambeth, Cycle Engineer, and EDMOND THOMAS WAKEFIELD,
of 32, Hillingdon Street, Camberwell Gate; S.E., in the Parish of St. Mary's,
Newington, Clerk, 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:
.1 3
sur af
This invention relates to the fore frames of velocipedes, inotorcycles and
like conveyances, and more particularly in respect to those parts known severally
as the frame head, and the front fork with attached steering tube connection;
and has for its object the strengthening and securing of such parts in an
improved manner to that at present used and recognised.
In the accompanying drawings which illustrate this invention,
"Fig. 1. Is a front sectional view in complete form.
I
10 gi
.
Fig. 2. Is, a side view of those parts, herein referred to, as the frame head.
tube, A, with continuation, i, Tower head, lug, B, lower frame tube C; top
head lug, N, 'with exterior thread,- m, and split collar; with bolte
Fig. 3. Is a front view of those parts herein referred to as the steering tube, I;
connecting plate, main fork, E; and sides, e, with cones or races F, f, G
and H and top locking ring, "j; a back view of split cone, J, and side views of"
band clip, O, and bolt, o, and fork clip, k, with bolt, k 1.
In the different views the parts throughout are marked with like letters of
reference.
Our invention is carried out preferably in the following manner
Firstly as to the head tube, A, of the frame. The bottom head lug, B, which
supports the bottom end of the frame head tube, A, and the top end of the
down tube, C, of the frame running from head to main bracket; is recessed
in its circumference on the enlarged underside and has a ball bearing ring cup
or cone, D, inserted in such recess. The frame head tube, A,, is continued
below this point, instead of being discontinued as at present' in existing cycle
heads, and upon this continuation, a, which is threaded externally we 'mount
our main front fork, E. This fork, E, has no steering stem but takes its bear-
ing upon the frame head tube continuation, a. It is fitted at the top of crown
and underside of crown with suitable ball bearing cones or races, the cone or
!

page_text: race, F, at top side of said crown, E, engaging with the underside of bottom
head lug, B, and the cone or race f, at bottom side of crown, E, engaging with
a detachable bearing cone or race, G, screwed on to the frame head tube continu-
ation, a. This detachable bearing cone or race, G, is kept in position by a
specially shaped lock nut, H, screwing on to the frame head tube continuation, a,
and having a ball race or cone, h, turned in its underside, said ball race or cone, h,
furnishing a bearing for the crown piece or connecting plate, i, of the inside
steering tube, I, or inside fork crown piece with attached steering tube connec-
tion and lower sides, as hereinafter referred to. This main fork, E, completed
with hardened steel bearing balls, E, 1, being properly positioned on and adjusted
to the frame head tube continuation, a, and securely held thereto by the specially
shaped lock nut, H, already referred to, becomes a very secure structure and
furnishes a reliable support to the front wheel of the machine
Our steering connection we build up preferably in the following manner:-
For single cycles we prefer to mount a steering tube, I, arranged at its top end
to carry a split bearing cone, J, with attendant band clip, 0, and bolt, o, and
top locking ring, j, or like device, and being mounted upon a connecting plate
or crown piece, i, said connecting plate or crown piece i, having a suitable ball
bearing race, K, in its upper side and engaging when completed with hardened
steel bearing balls, K, 1, with the bottom bearing, h, of the frame head tube
continuation, a. We pass the steering tube, I, through the frame head tube, A,
in the usual manner, and affix the connecting plate or crown piece, i, securely
by clips, k, and bolts, k, 1, or in any other approved manner, to the sides, e,
of our main fork, E. In affixing this said connecting plate or crown piece, i,
by means of clips, k, and bolts, k, 1, to our main fork sides, e, the outer sides
of such clips, k, could have foot rests formed in them, and the clips, k, them-
selves, in conjunction with connecting plate or crown piece, i, when fastened
by bolts, k, 1, furnish a strong support to the main fork sides or blades, e.
Our handlebar, L, is fitted in the usual manner with one stem, l, and secured
in the steering tube, I, by a ball bearing adjusting split cone, J, with attendant
band clip, O, and bolt, o, and top locking ring, j.
Our ball head steering tube adjustment is effected in the usual manner at the
top of frame head by a split adjusting cone, J, with attendant band clip, O,
and bolt, o, together with top locking ring, j, or similar device. Over the said
cone, J, we also mount a screwed cone shouldered split collar, M, said collar, M,
being of smaller diameter in its top side than the enlarged base of split cone, J.
In its normal position this collar, M, does not bear against the split cone, J,
but engages with an exterior thread, m, cut in the top lug, N, of the frame
head. This split collar or band, M, is clipped securely to the frame head lug, N,
by small bolt or thumb screw, n. A band clip, O, is then mounted over and upon
the said split cone, J, and being drawn up tightly by its bolt, o, securely fixes
the handlebar stem, 7, in the steering tube, I. The top locking ring, j, is then
screwed upon the steering tube, I, jamming down tightly upon the split bear-
ing cone, J, and keeping the same in position By this combined arrangement
the safety of the rider is further assured, as should the steering tube, I, break
by any means, the handlebar, L, cannot pull away for the reason that the head
bearing split cone, J, which with the locking ring, j, and band clip, O, secures
the handlebar stem, 7, in the steering tube, I, is prevented from leaving the
frame by the aforesaid split collar, M, which is firmly fastened to the head
lug, N, of the frame by small bolt or thumbscrew, n.
The said split collar, M, furnishes also a neat steering lock. The bolt or
thumbscrew, n, being slightly withdrawn the collar, M, is screwed down tightly
on exterior thread, m, of top head lug, N, and so jammed against the enlarged
base of split cone, J, the bolt or thumb screw, n, is again tightened up and an
effective lock results.
Our invention applies also to those forms of steering heads more generally
used for multicycles, motor cycles, and like heavy conveyances, and in which

page_text: the sides or blades of the steering fork, or an auxiliary fork connected therewith,
are continued above the lower bearing of the frame head such 'continuations.
being carried to a detachable horizontal cross piece or connecting bridge
positioned at the upper bearing of the frame head, or forming of themselves the
steering handles.
In heads of this description we prefer to extend our frame head tube also at
its upper end in the same manner as at its lower end, already described herein,
mounting upon such externally threaded upper extension the detachable hori-
zontal cross piece or connecting bridge before referred to and which said cross
piece is adapted to receive at each end the respective fork side continuations.
We mount this cross piece preferably in the following secure manner. The top
lug of the frame head is recessed in its circumference on the enlarged top side
and has a ball bearing ring cup inserted in such recess in the usual manner..
Our cross piece is fitted on the top side and underside with suitable ball bearing
cones or races, the cone or race on the underside adjusting against the top head
lug bearing, and the cone or race on the top side engaging with a ball bearing
cone or race, such cone or race screwing on to the upper frame head extension
and being held in position by a specially shaped locking cone or cup, such.
locking cone or cup being threaded internally and screwing on to the external
thread of the frame head tube continuation. This said locking cone or cup has
an enlarged top side recessed in its circumference and fitted with a ball bearing
ring cup, such enlargement being threaded externally to receive our steering
lock and handlebar security. The ball head split adjusting cone takes its bearing.
against the enlarged top side of the said specially shaped locking cone, our
screwed cone shouldered split collar forming steering lock and handlebar.
security being next mounted. A band clip fits over and upon the adjusting cone
and being drawn up tightly by its bolt fixes the handlebar stem securely in the
steering tube. The usual locking ring screwing on to the top of the steering.
tube and keeping the split adjusting cone in position is then fitted, finishing off
the upper head bearings. In heads of this type the handlebar may have one'
central stem fitting into the steering tube in the usual manner or it may be pro-
vided with two stems, such stems being placed at a suitable distance apart and
telescoping respectively into the before mentioned fork continuations and being
securely held therein by means of clips and bolts or in any other approved
manner
.
In applying our invention in the manner described to these heads of com-
pound type it will be seen that the fork side continuations are securely and
independently mounted upon and held to the frame head at both their upper
and lower bearings, a greatly strengthened and more reliable steering head and
fork resulting.
Although we have herein particularly mentioned the frame head tube con-i
tinuations we may also when preferred extend the underside of the lower head.
lug of the frame and the upper side of the top head lug of the frame building
our main fork and top horizontal cross piece or connecting bridge respectively
upon such lug extensions. In these modes of lug extension construction our
head frame tube would preferably be continued to the extreme ends of the
said lugs.
We may also in the case of multicycles, motor cycles, and like heavy con-
veyances, duplicate our lower head and main fork bearings in concentric form.
As an alternative, and more especially in the case of multicycles, motor cycles,
and like heavy conveyances, we may also build up a separate or inside auxiliary
fork complete with steering tube connection of the usual or recognised pattern,
the upper side of crown of such fork being provided with ball bearing race
adjusting against the lower exterior ball race of the frame head tube continua-'
tion. Said inside or separate fork being provided with a special extension at
either side of crown through which the sides or blades of our outside or main.
fork would be passed and securely held to by means of clips and bolts or in any

page_text: other approved manner. By this arrangement a very secure compound structure
is provided.
J
As a further alternative this inside auxiliary fork with attached, steering tube
connection, or our separate steering tube. with connecting plate or crown piece,
may, respectively, take their bearing against a ball race fitted to the interior of
the base of the frame head tube continuation instead of the, exterior bearing
already specified herein and furnished by our specially shaped lock nut, H. Our
steering tube and fork sides in any or all instances may be diametrically stayed
or constructed of butted or taper gauge tubing. Single, duplicate, or triplicate
blades may be used, of any section, and independently or jointly fitted at their
lower ends to the front wheel axle.
Box pattern, single, duplicate or triplicate plate crowns may be used, as
preferred.
"
215
i.
As a variation our fork top or steering tube may be stayed diametrically
through its length and the handlebar be correspondingly fitted with two indepen-
dent D" section stems, said " D" stems, telescoping into steering tube and
securing the handlebar in such a manner as would effectually prevent the said
handlebar from turning independently of the said steering tube. A more reliable
mode of steering arrangement is thus obtained. In a stayed steering tube of
this description we cut out the diametric stay to the, depth of the ball bearing
split cone, with attendant band clip, so that the handlebar stems may be capable
of compression in conjunction with the split steering tube top when the said
ball bearing split cone is drawn up by its attendant band clip and bolt.
We may also build our steering tube of two independent "D" section 'tubés,
passing our handlebar stem over such tubes. In this mode of construction our
handlebar stem would be diametrically stayed through its length said diametric
stay fitting between the aforesaid "D" tubes of the steering tube. Our handle-
bar stem would be split and screwed at the required distance to enable the split
cone of the top head bearing with attendant band clip and bolt and top locking
ring to act in their usual manner. By this arrangement the handlebar stem
and steering tube could not turn independently of each other. In any and all
of the modes herein described for carrying out our invention great strength and
reliability are secured owing to the largely increased area over which all strains
thrown upon the front fork and steering head are distributed coupled with the
novel manner in which the main parts are arranged, and it is practically impos-
sible for the main fork and front wheel of the cycle to leave the frame, or the
handlebar likewise to leave the frame, as at the present time is possible with all
existing single head cycles.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is :-
4)
1.
(1) In a steering or frame head and fork for velocipedes, motor cycles, and like
conveyances, a central tubular extension abutting from beneath the enlarged
bearing ring base of the lower head lug of the frame and forming a continuation
in direct line with the central tube of the frame head, such tubular extension
being arranged and adapted to carry an independent or main fork mounted
thereon.
(2) In a steering or frame head and fork for velocipedes, motor cycles, and like
conveyances, an independent or main fork, free of central steering tube, arranged
and adapted to act in conjunction with, and being securely mounted upon, a
central tubular extension abutting from beneath the enlarged bearing ring base
of the lower head lug of the frame, such extension forming a continuation in
direct line with the central tube of the frame head.
1
(3) In a steering or frame head and fork for velocipedes, motor cycles, and
like conveyances, a central tubular extension abutting at the top of the frame
head beyond the enlarged bearing ring side of the upper head lug of the frame,"

page_text: and a central tubular extension abutting from beneath the enlarged bearing
ring base of the lower head lug of the frame, such upper and lower extensions
forming a continuation at either end of the frame head in direct line with the
central tube of the frame head. The said upper tubular extension being arranged
and adapted to carry a horizontal cross piece or connecting bridge mounted
thereon, such horizontal cross piece or connecting bridge supporting at each end
the continuations or extensions of the sides or blades of an independent or main
fork, or of an auxiliary fork connected therewith, and the said lower tubular
extension being arranged and adapted to carry an independent or main fork
mounted thereon.
(4) In a steering or frame head and fork for velocipedes, motor cycles, and like
conveyances, a separate or independent central steering tube with connecting
plate arranged and adapted to act at its base in conjunction with, and being
securely attached to, an independent or main fork, and being likewise arranged
and adapted to act at its upper end in conjunction with the steering handle
and top head bearings, serving by such joint means the purpose of steering
connection between the steering handle and the steering or front wheel.
(5) In a steering or frame head and fork for velocipedes, motor cycles, and like
conveyances, an independent or main fork the sides or blades of which extend
above the lower head bearing of the frame, or an auxiliary fork connected with
such independent or main fork the sides or blades of which extend also above
the lower head bearing of the frame, such tubular extensions being attached
to, and acting in conjunction with, a horizontal cross piece or connecting bridge,
said horizontal cross piece or connecting bridge being mounted upon, and inde-
pendently adjusted to, an upper tubular extension of the frame head, such
tubular extension forming a continuation in direct line with the central tube of
the frame head.
(6) In a steering or frame head and fork for velocipedes, motor cycles and like
conveyances, a combined steering lock and steering handle security, consisting
essentially of an adjustable screwed cone shouldered split collar with bolt
arranged and adapted to fit over the enlarged base of the ball head adjusting
split cone and being capable of jamming contact against the enlarged base of
the said ball head adjusting split cone. Such screwed cone shouldered split
collar screwing on to, or otherwise securely engaging with, the top head lug of
the frame, or a specially shaped locking cone mounted at the top end of an upper
tubular extension of the frame head, such tubular extension forming a con-
tinuation in direct line with the central tube of the frame head.
(7) In a steering or frame head and fork for velocipedes, motor cycles, and
like conveyances, the duplication of the lower bearings of the steering or frame
head, and independent or main fork, in concentric form.
(8) In a steering or frame head and fork for velocipedes, motor cycles, and
like conveyances, a separate or inside auxiliary fork complete with central steer-
ing tube connection arranged and adapted to act in conjunction with an inde-
pendent or main fork, such independent or main fork being securely mounted
upon a tubular extension abutting from beneath the enlarged bearing ring base
of the lower head lug of the frame, said tubular extension forming a continuation
in direct line with the central tube of the frame head.
(9) In a steering or frame head and fork for velocipedes, motor cycles, and
like conveyances, the several parts herein described and set forth with explana-
tory drawings, the same constituting essentially our improvements..
TY
1
Q
1
1
T
1
1000
THOMAS HENRY FROST,
EDMOND THOMAS WAKEFIELD.