Improvements in Bicycles.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application; 21st Oct., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 21st Aug., 1893-Accepted, 23rd Sept., 1893
PROVIDIUNAL DI DUIFICATION.
Improvements in Bicycles.
I, ALGERNON SPENCER, of Netherby, The Avenue, Gipsy Hill, in the County
of Surrey, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to an improved method of constructing bicycles whereby
their riding is facilitated.
In what is commonly known as the "Safety" bicycle, the axis of the front wheel
is in advance of the plane in which the axis of the front fork lies. Under such
circumstances, the rider cannot relinquish the grasp of the handle-bar without
incurring risk. Owing, moreover, to the position of the handle-bar in relation to
the saddle and pedals, it is necessary for the rider to reach inconveniently far
forward, or for the handles to be considerably bent in a backward direction.
In order to overcome the objection above referred to, I arrange the axis of the
front wheel either in the plane, or in the rear, of the plane in which the axis of the
front fork lies; and 1 communicate motion to the steering-bar by means of
connecting rods arranged one on either side of the machine these being connected
to a handle-bar mounted on a pivot within convenient reach of the rider. Or,
instead of employing a vibrating steering-bar and imparting motion thereto by
means of connecting rods, motion may be communicated from the handle-bar to the
shank of the front fork by means of a revolving shaft furnished at each end with
mitre gear.
By this mode of construction, the tendency for the leading wheel to turn out of
a true course is either avoided or a tendency for it to turn into a true course is
developed.
.
In applying my invention to tandem bicycles, I arrange one pair of pedals in the
position they usually occupy in a "Safety," a second pair being arranged con-
centrically with the rear wheel; gearing of any known kind for increasing the
power (preferably in the same ratio as the front pair of pedals is geared to the
driving wheel) being interposed between the rear pair and the hub of the rear
wheel.
In some instances, I dispense with the suspended pedal-shaft, commonly placed
immediately in advance of the rear wheel, and 1 apply the power of the front rider
to the front wheel; the pedals operated by him being mounted concentrically with
that wheel and geared thereto to increase the power, in the manner previously
referred to in connection with the rear wheel. Under such circumstances, the two
riders may occupy similar positions in relation to the respective wheels, the machine
presenting a symmetrical appearance; suitable appliances being provided for
enabling either rider, but preferably both, to steer the machine.
Dated this 11th day of October 1891
G. G. M. HARDINGHAM,
191; Fleet Street, London, E.C., Chartered Patent Agent.

page_text: :
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Bicycles.
I, ALGERNON SPENCER, of Netherby, The Avenue, Gipsy Hill, in the County
of Surrey, Engineer, 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 method of constructing bicycles whereby
their riding is facilitated.
The accompanying drawing shows in side elevation a bicycle made in accordance
with the present invention.
In carrying out my invention, I apply the power of the front rider of a tandem
to the front wheel A; the pedals operated by him being mounted' concentrically or
nearly so with that wheel and geared thereto so as to cause the wheel to rotate
faster than the pedal-shaft A'. The pedals are omitted in the drawing, but the
cranks are shown. The power of the rear rider is applied in a similar manner to
the rear wheel B. B' is the rear wheel pedal-shaft. Any known differential gear
may be employed in connecting each of the pedal-shafts A' and B' to its particular
wheel. The two riders occupy similar positions in relation to the respective wheels,
the machine presenting a symmetrical appearance. C is the saddle for the front
rider, and D the saddle for the rear rider. The upper part E of the frame is made
of double tubing. The frame may, however, be varied in design in many respects.
A is the front handle-bar mounted in the usual way on the steering post A³, which
passes through the head A' of the machine. To enable the rear rider to steer or
to assist in steering the machine, I mount the rear handle-bar B' on a post F
arranged to rotate in a sleeve G secured to the upper part E of the frame of the
machine. A chain-wheel A is fitted on the steering, post A2; a similar chain-
wheel F being secured on the lower and projecting end of the post F. These
chain-wheels are connected by chains A and F2, and two connecting rods, one on
each side of the machine. The left-hand connecting rod is visible in the drawing,
and is marked H. It will be readily understood that, when the rear handle-bar B²
is turned in either direction, a corresponding movement is imparted to the steering
post A3 and consequently to the front handle-bar A². Thus the handle-bars move
in unison, and both riders or either rider can steer the machine.
Having now particularly described and, ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I claim :-
1. The improved bicycle adapted for two riders and constructed' substantially as
shown in the accompanying drawing, each wheel being provided with gearing
through which the power of one of the riders is applied independently of the other
rider.
2. The improved bicycle constructed substantially as herein described, and
wherein the front or steering wheel and the rear wheel are each independently
driven, whilst the front wheel may be controlled (steered) by citlier rider."
3. In a bicycle of the kind herein referred to, the employment of connecting rods
arranged as shown and a handle-bar-pivoted in the framework for enabling the rear
rider to assist in steering the machine.
Dated the 21st day of August 1893.
G. G. M. HARDINGHAM,
191, Fleet Street, London, E.C., Chartered Patent Agent.