Improvements in Velocipedes.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Apr., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 13th Jan., 1890-Accepted, 22nd Feb., 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Velocipedes.
We, HENRY WILLIAM JAMES of Constitution Hill, in the City of Birmingham,
Velocipede Manufacturer, and JOHN THOMAS JAMES of Summer Lane in the aforesaid
City Cycle fittings Manufacturer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:
This invention relates to improvements in velocipedes, and consists 1st. in supporting
the principal framing of a machine upon circular or semi-circular forks, made from
tubing, instead of by forks directed in a right line from the head to the hub or axis
of the wheel. 2ndly. mounting the steering wheels of velocipedes, whereby machines
with horizontal bodies are steadied in a more efficient manner than heretofore. 3rdly.
in a tyre holder, or means for securing the tyres to the rims without cement. 4thly.
in foot rest pedals. 5thly. in applying chain pedals to the steering wheels of tandem
or triplet machines. 6thly. in the general construction of tandem machines for
carrying three persons. 7thly. in the construction of three wheeled velocipedes for
carrying four or five persons.
In carrying out the first part of our invention we mount the head or heads of a
machine upon hoop or loop shaped forks, which come on the two opposite sides of a
wheel.
The steering rod which is directed from the junction of the said forks, proceeds
upwardly through the head, and with the handle bar mounted at its summit."
The said circular fork is made from metallic tubing and is also fitted with
bearings at its lower parts, opposite the bubs, wherethrough the axis of the wheel
passes.
Or we may make the said sides of the fork, semi-circular or arched form, and with
the junctions of the crowns connected to the steering bar, whilst the ends of each side
are respectively connected together by cross or diameter tubes, through the middles of
which, the axis of the wheel passes as bearings.
By constructing or mounting the frames upon circular or semi-circular forks as
aforesaid, vibration and tremor of the machine is taken off the handle bars, framing
or back bone.
In carrying out the second part of our invention, the front of the cross framing of
a machine is branched forwardly, into two horizontal arms, whose ends are vertically
pivoted to the hub or axis of the steering wheel, which works between the said arms.
Thus, the fork of the steering wheel is directed horizontally, instead of obliquely or
vertically, and with one side of the axis jointed by a vertical pivot to one of the
branches of the fork, whilst the other side of the axis is like pivoted to the inner end
of a slide, which works laterally through the end of the other branch of the fork; so
that on the said steering wheel making a curvilinear path, it is steadied by the slide,
working within the bearing in the forked branch as aforesaid.
As a modification, a double link may be substituted for the slide; that is to say, the
outer ends of a double link are connected to the end of the branch of the fork, and
to the spindle as aforesaid, respectively.
In carrying out the third part of our invention, as in the affixing of rubber tyres
to their rims, a wire is threaded or passed axially through the core or middle of it,
and with their ends which meet at an angle, directed through angle drilled holes in
the rim, and then drawn up, by nuts at the extreme ends of the said wires, which
through nut or tension bearers disposed ut distances apart on the inside of the rim ;
so that by tightening the nuts, the wire is drawn up, and the tyre affixedly secured to
its rim without cement.
pass

page_text: In carrying out the fourth part of our invention, relating to foot rest pedals, we
make the main axis up of two parts; a solid inner spindle, and an outer hollow
pindle, around which latter, the bracket or axle bearing sleeve, and ball bearings
disposed between the inside ends of the said sleeve, turn.
The inner and solid axis runs free in one direction, and carries at its ends, the
working cranks, which are rigidly connected to them, whilst the hollow spindle carries
the chain wheel, from whence motion is communicated to the driving wheel.
The solid and inner axis is longitudinally cut away to the shape in cross section of
a geneva stop or snail; that is to say, the solid axis of the one part is cut away into a
shoulder, and with the recess gradually tapering into the uncut-away part, which is
of the internal diameter of the hollow spindle, which carries cones at its ends for
the ball bearings disposed between itself and the axle bearing sleeve, to work upon.
Disposed and lying longitudinally within the said cut away part in the axle as
aforesaid, is a roller or rod, of about the depth of the shoulder wherein it lies, when
pedal is used as a foot rest, but when for pedalling by forward action of the cranks,
the said roller wedges itself between the taper cut away part, and the inside of the
hollow spindle, thereby locking the two together, which move as if they were made
rigid, or in one piece. This said roller is taken into its acting position by a spring or
springs. Thus back pedalling takes the locking shoulder up to the shoulder of the
axle proper, and allows the said axle and cranks to remain stationary, whilst its hollow
spindle rotates.
In carrying out the fifth part of our invention, the steering wheel is fitted with
pedal and chain driving gear, and with suitable triangular-shaped framing directed
from the head, forward from the centre of the wheel, and arranged in such a manner,
that a seat mounted upon it comes in front of the head, and over the wheel.
Thus, the steering cross arm which is at the summit of the steering rod connected
to the fork, lies just at the back of the bracket of the saddle seat, and is worked by
reins connected to a similar cross har carried by a middle steering bar with a bar
handle at its upper end, which is worked by a rider elevated and supported above the
front of the rear wheel, which is driven independently from two pedal axes, disposed
in front and at the rear of the said hind wheel, whilst a third rider is mounted upon
a seat elevated and disposed above the periphery of the said hind wheel.
The hind rider has before him a bar handle with its steering rod directed towards
the axis of the wheel, and which rod has a cross bar, to which the rear ends of steering
reins connected to the steering rod of the front wheel are connected.
The front rider steers by forwardly curved branched like arms, connected to the
steering rod of the steering wheel.
Thus, a triplet" machine is produced where three riders are arranged one behind
the other, each having independent and complete control of the steering, and each
having an independent pedal axis, of which the two hind ones drive the rear wheel,
whilst the front one drives the steering wheel.
In carrying out the seventh and eighth parts of our invention, the said construction
of machine is applicable to both tandems and to three wheeled velocipedes, carrying
four or five persons, each having independent pedals, driving gear and steering reins,
with the necessary bar handles for working them.
Dated this 11th dox of Anril 1889
HENRY WILLIAM JAMES.
JOHN THOMAS JAMES.
By Henry Skerrett,
Agent for Applicants.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Velocipedes.
We, HENRY WILLIAM JAMES, of Constitution Hill, in the City of Birmingham,
Velocipede manufacturer, and JOHN THOMAS JAMES of Summer Lane in the afore.
said City, Cycle Fittings manufacturer 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 improvements in velocipedes and consists, 1st. in supporting
the principal framing of a machine upon semi-circular or circular forks (made from
tubing) instead of by forks directed in a right line from the head to the hub, or axis
of the wheel.
2ndly. mounting the steering wheels of velocipedes, whereby machines admit of
being provided with horizontal bodies.
Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, represents in side elevation, a safety
bicycle, provided with front wheel supporting framing, constructed and arranged
according to one form of our said invention. Thus, the machine framing and other
accessory parts, are supported upon a half hoop, or semi-circular yielding frame,
directed above the top, and lying in the same plane, as the front wheel, and with
the termination of the said half hoop frame, connected to the spindle, by convergent
radially directed forks lying almost in a direction of a diameter.
Figure 2 represents an inverted plan of the front wheel, figure 1, showing the
convergent and radial double forks.
The same letters of reference, indicate corresponding parts in figures 1 and 2.
a is a half hoop tubular frame, terminated by double forks a³, with the opposite
middles a, gapped into bearings a', which take upon the spindle or axis 6³, of the
front wheel b.
The radially directed double forks a³ are tubular, alike unto the half hoop framing
of them a, upon which the head or steering pillar stem c, is mounted and rigidly
connected.
The upper end of the steering pillar, carries the bar handles, whilst the lower
part, with straps or snugs d³, constitute the bearing for the joint d³, of the main
framing d, d, upon the latter of which, the seat e, is supported.
The back wheel has combined framing and mud guard 9, 9³, 9³, and driving
pedals g, and other accessory parts, common to rear driving bicycles.
By mounting the main framing and other accessory parts, upon a half hoop or like
frame, supported by radially directed struts or forks, the vibration or tremor of the
front wheel is stopped off from the rider.
In this anti-vibration arrangement of framing, or forked framing, we wish it to be
observed that the framing a, may if necessary be more or less a semi-circle, so long
as the same is supported at its ends to admit of deflection or slight straightening
out, whereby the said frame is made yielding, and consequent upon it, tremor,
vibration, or jolting of the wheel, to which it is connected, is stopped off.
The bow of the half hoop may be made semi elliptical, instead of semi-circular.
Or the framing a, may be made to come on the two opposite sides of the wheel, and
below its periphery, and connected together, or bridged over, by a short fork, directed
from the steering pillar.
Although the steering pillar, rod, or head, is shown directed upwardly from the
crown of the spring or yielding framing a, yet the same may be suitably connected
fore and aft of the said crown or middle part.
The rear wheel, as well as the front wheel, may be provided with spring or yielding
framing, alike in construction as described.
Figure 3 represents in side elevation a front wheel, provided with a hoop fork,
constructed and arranged, according to another form of our invention.
This said hoop fork, is made of a double bow, and is adapted to constitute *

page_text: yielding support for the front framing, whereby vibration or tremor of the said front
wheel, is stopped off from the framing.
a are bows or elliptical hoops, disposed on the two opposite sides of the front
wheel b, and with the middle parts a³, of them, formed into bearings, which take
upon the spindle or axis 63, of the said wheel, whilst the upper middle parts at, ara
bridged by a connection a', with steering pillar or rod c, directed upwardly from it,
and from which said pillar or rod, the framing d, with its joint connection do,
supported
is
From this, it will be thus seen, that the branches of the framing, commonly called
the fork, consists of circular or other shaped hoops or enclosures, supported upon
the spindle or axle of the wheel, and connected or bridged together by framing or
parts directed upwardly from them.
By thus making the branches of the fork, hoop or enclosurewise, vibration and
jolting of the wheel, is stopped off from the main framing, and further, the said main
framing, is made highly yielding or elastic.
Figure 4 represents in side elevation, a modification of the arrangement
figure 3.
The fork supporting framing, instead of being made of double hoops, disposed on
the opposite side, we make the said supporting framing, from a single hoop or
enclosure, with one half disposed on one side of the wheel, and the other upon the
other side, and with the top middle of the frame crossing the wheel diagonally.
a
is the fork framing, consisting of a single hoop, diagonally disposed, with respect
to the wheel b, and with the one side a³, connected to the near side of the axle b³, by
a terminal bearing a³, and the other side a, connected also by a terminal bearing a³
to the offside of the spindle or axis of the said wheel.
The main framing d, and its accessory fore parts, are mounted and carried from the
middle a of the said hoop a, which is skewed or bent diagonally, for its branches a³,
to come upon the two opposite sides of the wheel, and there be connected to the outer
ends of the spindle.
By mounting the framing of a machine upon a hoop fork, which yields in obedience
to pressure exerted upon it, vibration or tremor is stopped off from the said framing,
when the same is made highly elastic.
Figure 5 represents in side elevation, a tricycle, or rear driving one provided
with steering mechanism or means constructed and arranged according to our
said invention.
Figure 6 is a part plan, and part horizontal section of the said steering parts, and
front wheel with framing, upon an enlarged scale. From this it will be seen that the
said steering wheel turns round or loose upon a cross axis or spindle, whose end are
pivoted respectively in an erect manner to a fixed bearing, and a movable one, the
latter is made to slide within a bearing sleeve, terminating one end of the forked
framing, in manner, to admit of the said wheel making the desired angular movement,
consequent upon the turning of the steering handles.
.
By mounting the wheels upon such shifting and pivotedly supported bearings,
a freeness, and sensitiveness in steering is thereby attained, which is unattain-
able in steering wheels whose pivots or axes are connected to the rigid ends of
framings.
Figure 7 represents partly in vertical section, and partly in end elevation, the said
wheel, and steering parts of it, and which said section of the parts, is taken upon the
dotted lines A B, figure 6.
Figure 8 is an end view of the steering rod, and its accessory parts.
Figure 9 is a modification of the said steering arrangement, figures 5, 6, and 7.
a is the steering wheel, with hub a turning upon a non rotating spindle or axis b
whose ends are provided with double sided and erect pivots 162, with their upper
and lower ends taking within coned bearings c², d², of fixed and movable forked bear-
ing brackets c, d. The forked and upright bracket c, is rigidly connected to the end e²
of the steering wheel bow framing e, whilst the upright bearing bracket d, is movable

page_text: and has a stalk or stem d which slides within a bearing sleeve f, directed and fixed to
the other ende, of the front wheel framing e, as aforesaid.
.
The wheel and its axle or spindle, turns about the pivot 63, as a centre, on the wheel
changing its position, or making an angle with respect to its supporting framing, as
represented in dotted lines, figure 6.
The said stalk or stem d³, works piston-like within the bearing sleeve ƒ, connected
to the end of the said framing e.
By supporting and jointedly connecting the steering wheel by means as described,
the front carrying frame e, admits of taking a horizontal or nearly horizontal
direction, whereby the machine is made to run smoother, and with less vibration than
is the case when the supporting frame of the wheel is directed obliquely or vertically
upwards.
The wheel is turned upon its pivot centre, or the jointed connection made to fold
either one way, or the other, by a connecting rod g, pivotedly connected at g³ to the
bearing bracket d, and at the other end g' to the outer end of a steering arm h, whose
inner end is connected to, and turns with the steering rod i, directed through the
steering pillar j, carried upon the main framing k.
The inner and jointed end of the said steering arm h, has a flat h³, against which, a
block 1, with spring, attached to it, presses, and by which means, the steering wheel,
is always taken back to a neutral and straight position, on the steering handles being
released.
Turn the steering handle, when the steering rod i is turned, and with it, the arm h,
and the connecting rod g, are made to assume the positions of the dotted lines adjacent
to them.
The travelling outwards of the rod and arm, forces outwardly the movable side
of the shifting support, into the position as represented in dotted lines, thereby
turning the wheel to an angular position, and making the axis take an obtuse angle,
with respect to the axis of the movable bearing, whose stalk is made to slide within
the bearing sleeve.
It will be observed that the distance of the supporting end of the frame ‹³, is at a
greater distance from the wheel to that of the side e, in order to admit of the knuckle
of the joint part, making the necessary angular and sliding movement.
On the steering handle being turned the reverse direction, the movable and sliding
joint part, is moved inwards, instead of outwards, for the taking of the wheel into a
direction opposite to that indicated by the dotted lines.
In the modification figure 9 the connection of the movable joint with the framing is
made by folding links, instead of by a sliding stalk as aforesaid.
a is the steering wheel, with non-turning axle b, whose outer ends are provided with
erect pivots b', 6', turning within bracket and forked bearings d, connected
respectively to the end e³, of the framing e and a link m, whose outer end m³, is
connected to a second link 2, having its inner end n², jointedly connected to the
other end e³, of the said framing e, so that by pulling in or pushing out the
connecting rod g, through the intervention of the arm h, and steering rod i, the said
link, and pivot connection of the movable side, is made to fold or open out, according
to the position the steering wheel is made to assume on being turned upon or around
the pivot b, as a centre.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
First Interposing, between the framing part of a safety, or other velocipede,
and the axle or axles of a wheel, or the wheels thereof, a half hoop yielding frame, or
tubular half hoop yielding frame, or frames, substantially as and for the purpose as
described and set forth in figures 1 & 2,

page_text: 4
Secondly-Mounting or carrying the front framing part, or the body framing
part, of a safety or other velocipede, upon a half hoop yielding frame, or upon half
hoop yielding frames, a, connected to, or supported upon, the axle or axles,, of a wheel
or wheels, by tubular or other forks, rods, or other yielding stays a³, substantially as
and for the purpose as described and set forth in figures 1 and 2. of the accompanying
- drawings.
Thirdly-Mounting or carrying the front framing part, or the body framing part,
of a safety or other velocipede, upon an interposed yielding hoop framing or a yielding
hooped forked framing a, substantially as and for the purpose, as set forth in figure 3.
Fourthly-Mounting or carrying the front framing part, or the body framing
part, of a safety, or other velocipele, upon a single yielding hoop framing, (for each
wheel) or an interposed yielding hoop frame a, whose terminal ends a³, a³, are
connected to, or supported upon, the opposite sides of the axle or spindle of a
wheel respectively, and with the top middle part of the said hoop framing, crossing
the wheel, substantially as and for the purpose, as described and set forth in
figure 4
Fifthly-Mounting the steering wheels of tricycles, or the axles or spindles thereof,
upon erect pivots or joints, connected respectively to a fixed side, and a movable and
sliding side, of the said. wheel framing, whereby the body framing of the said wheel,
admits of taking a horizontal course, and the wheel itself, a turning movement, upon
the pivot of the fixed side as aforesaid, as a centre of motion, substantially as described
and set forth in figures 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Sixthly: The mounting, construction, and arrangement of the parts of steering
wheels, and their framings, as described and set forth in figures 5, 6, and 7.
Seventhly Jointing the axles of the steering wheels, upon erect pivots, or joints,
connected to a fixed and movable side respectively, and with the movable side,
provided with link connections or supports m, m2, n, n³, which fold or open out, for
the purpose substantially as described and set forth in figure 9.
Dated the 11th day of January 1890.
HENRY WILLIAM JAMES.
JOHN THOMAS JAMES.
By Henry Skerrett,
Agent for Applicants.