Improvements in and relating to Saddles for Velocipedes and the like.
Year: 1897

page_text: Improvements in and relating to Saddles for Velocipedes and the like.
JAMES WILLIAM BOYCE, Ebenezer Villa, Cheltenham, in the County of
Gloucester, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
The invention relates to saddles for, and to methods of adjusting the same to,
velocipedes and the like, and has for its object the construction of the saddle proper
in two, or more parts, as may be desired; that is to say, the pommel, or the cantle,
or the pommel, and the cantle may be portable, or detachable in relation to the
actual seat portion; or the last named may be auxiliary in relation to a base plate
forming the pommel, and cantle, thus effecting a composite saddle, the contour
whereof may be modified without necessarily entirely disconnecting the pommel,
or cantle from the seat portion in the one case, or the auxiliary seat plate, or
plates from the base, or primary plate in the other case.. By means of this
arrangement a modified adjustment of the seat may be effected, and a prominent
pommel which is an undesirable feature-obviated.
It is desireable in reference to a cycle saddle, to minimize vibration, friction,
and perennial pressure, whilst allowing for freedom of movement, and the use of
full power by the operator. Therefore in such a case the weight of the rider
should lodge upon, and be directly supported by the seat portion of the saddle-
thereby throwing the pressure upon the ischial bones of the rider-and indirectly
by the cantle in such manner as to avoid undue pressure on the coccyx, or small
bones at the extremity of the spine, and that by such disposition or distribution
of the weight, the pommel of the saddle shall still fully serve the purpose for
which it is intended, namely, to afford grip and lateral support. It is intended
that there shall be suitable tilt, or angle of the saddle in the longitudinal direc-
tion, and that such adjustment shall be automatic, or otherwise independently of,
or in addition to the modification in length of pommel, or contour of seat.
The detachable pommel may be hinged, or otherwise secured in any desirable
manner to the seat plate ring, or frame; and be so constructed as to admit of its
being lengthened, or shortened, or tilted, or folded, or drawn under the seat, or
otherwise. It may consist of a plate, rib, or frame of metal, or equivalent padded,
or not, as desired, and may be covered with leather, or its equivalent. This
detachable pommel may, if desired be permanent as, and when the cantle is
detachable.
The seat may be formed from a stamped, or other metal, or equivalent plate,
such plate being of round, or elliptical, or other shape, made concave, if desired,
and carrying a suitable pad, or pads of felt, flock, caoutchouc, cork, or equivalents.
Or a ring of any desired section may carry a woven wire, cane, leather, or

page_text: other centre, and may be padded, or may be covered with hogskin, cowhide, or
other material, and the same may be combined in any desirable manner.
Or a metallic frame may carry a stuffed kersey, or other roll, or a solid, or hollow
caoutchouc ring, and a leather or equivalent cover overall, such cover being secured
by means of a ring, or by eyelets, or the like. This frame may be in two sections,
and the sections may be pivotted, if desired.
Or a slotted primary, or base plate may carry an auxiliary seat plate, or two
such auxiliary seat plates, or wings lying parallel, and pivotted, or otherwise
connected in such a manner that by the disposition of such auxiliary plate, or
plates, the forepart, or pommel of the base plate may be partially occupied, or
unoccupied by such auxiliary plate or plates; the effect being a shortened
or lengthened pommel, as desired. When two auxiliary plates, or arms are used,
the contour of the seat may be modified laterally, in addition to its length, and
in either event without bifurcation of the pommel.
The detachable cantle may be hinged, or otherwise secured in any desirable
manner to the aforesaid plate ring, or frame, and may consist of a suitably covered
plate, or equivalent carrying, if desired a small stuffed, or inflated roll, or equi-
valent. This detachable cantle may, if desired, be permanent, as and when the
pommel is detachable.
The L, or pin, or equivalent may be of any desired section, and be single,
double, or triple bar; and whilst the saddle may be connected thereto in any
desirable manner, the following are outlines of methods which may be adopted.
The plate, ring, or frame may be adjusted to bars disposed longitudinally, or trans-
versely, which may be cushioned by means of caoutchouc blocks, or by means
of spiral springs carried upon, or by shouldered bolts, or the like, in connection
with sockets, and a clamping, or equivalent device; or may be pivotted, or other-
wise connected to a crosspiece transom, or like support detachable fixed to, or
constructed to ride upon plain, or serrated guideways, or upon a grooved, or slotted
Lor T pin, in order, if desired, that the plate ring, or frame may be free to oscil-
late, and for the purpose of accomodating this the pommel may rest upon, and be
carried by a spring, which may in turn, as to one end thereof, be passed into,
and carried by the aforesaid L or T pin, or equivalent or a push spiral spring
may be carried by a clip, or be otherwise suitably adjusted at, or upon the forepart
of the seat pillar, or thereabouts, and this spring may in turn carry, and be
operated by the pommel, or by the forepart of the aforesaid plate, ring, or frame,
as and when the pommel is either folded, or detached.
The plate ring, or frame may also be adjusted to the L or T pin by means of
a suitable cast, or stamped metal frame bracket, clamp, or the like, of semicircular
elliptical, or other shape slotted, flanged, or bossed in any desirable manner for
the purpose of carrying springs, and if desired, a caoutchouc block; and in con-
nection herewith a slotted bridge piece, or two slotted plates, or equivalents having
a groove, or channel at one end, or one end bent over into tubular form for the
purpose of carrying the springs, or other portions of the frame, and a caouthouc
block when desired. Screws and nuts may be used for the purpose of securing
the frame bracket, or equivalent on the L, or T pin, and a bolt having a thread
at one end, may be used in connection with the plates, and if desired, flexible
steel rods, or equivalents may be disposed laterally, or longitudinally in relation
to the pommel and cantle, and they may carry a base plate, and be connected to
a clamping device, or to a slotted, or other Ụ or like shape bracket, or equivalent
on the pin, and the base plate may also be connected by means of two straps,
or chains, or equivalents to suitable guide, or regulating rods, or springs disposed
longitudinally.

page_text: Improvements in and relating to Saddles for Velocipedes and the like.
JAMES WILLIAM BOYCE, of Ebenezer Villa, Cheltenham, in the County of
Gloucester, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to saddles for, and to methods of adjusting the same
to velocipedes, and the like, and has for its object the construction of the saddle
proper in two, or more parts, as may be desired, that is to say: the pommel, or
the cantle; or the pommel and the cantle, may be portable, or detachable in rela-
tion to the actual seat portion; or the last named may be auxiliary in relation to
a base plate forming the pommel, and cantle; thus effecting a composite saddle,
the contour whereof may be modified without necessarily entirely disconnecting the
pommel, or cantle from the seat portion in the one case, or the auxiliary seat
plate, or plates from the base, or primary plate in the other case. By means of
this arrangement a modified adjustment of the seat may be effected, and a too
prominent pommel, or a hard cantle, or insufficient support thereat-which are
undesirable features-may be obviated.
It is desirable in reference to a cycle saddle, to minimize vibration, friction and
perineal pressure whilst allowing for freedom of movement, and the utilization
of full power by the operator. Therefore the riders weight should lodge upon
and be directly supported by the scat portion of the saddle-thereby throwing the
greatest pressure upon the ischial bones of the rider-and indirectly by the cantle
in such a manner as to avoid undue pressure on the small bones at the extremity
of the spine; and that by such distribution of the weight the pommel of the saddle
shall still fully serve the purpose for which it is intended, namely, to afford grip
and lateral support; thereby aiding the steering of the machine and rendering it
less liable to side slip. It is intended that there shall be a suitable tilt or angle.
of the saddle in the horizontal plane, and that such adjustment shall be automatic,
or otherwise. In the accompanying drawings:-
Fig. 1, is representative of a side elevation of saddle with detachable pommel.
Fig. 2, is representative of a side elevation of saddle with. detachable cantle.
Fig. 3, is a plan view of saddle with adjustable pommel.
Fig. 4, is a plan view of saddle with detachable cantle.
Fig. 5, is a plan view of saddle with detachable pommel.
Fig. 6, is a plan view of saddle with adjustable cantle.
Fig. 7, is an elevation of saddle with adjustable pommel.
Fig. 8, is a front elevation of saddle with adjustable cantle.
Fig. 8, is a cross section of section of seat plate, connecting piece, liner mem-
bers, and pommel.
Fig. 8", is representative of a side elevation of saddle with detachable pommel.
Fig. 9, is representative of a side elevation of saddle with detachable cantle.
Fig. 10, is a plan view of the foregoing saddle, shewing in broken lines, the
detachable pommel sheathed, and the detachable cantle adjusted.
Fig. 11, is a plan view of saddle with pivotted plates, or wings, and slotted
base, or primary plate.
Fig. 12, is a plan view of a folding pommel. -
Fig. 13, is a plan view of a pommel hinged to a section of a seat.
Fig. 14, is representative of a side elevation of a dished saddle plate.
Fig. 15, is a plan view of a saddle having pivotted auxiliary plate, and hinged

page_text: Fig. 16, is representative of a section of seat plate, and seating.
Fig. 17, is representative of a sectional elevation of the lower rib of a detachable
pommel.
Fig. 18, is representative of a section of the forepart of the pommel of Fig. 15.
Fig. 19, is representative of a side elevation of saddle similar to that shewn
in elevation Fig. 7.
Fig. 20, is a plan view of the underside of a section of seat plate, shewing
adjustable cantle plates.
Fig. 21, is representative of a side elevation of a section of an endless roll
pommel.
Fig. 22, is representative of an end elevation of a pommel, as hinged to a seat.
plate.
Fig. 23, is a plan view of saddle with hinged pommel.
Fig. 24, is representative of a section of the pommel shewn in the last pre-
ceding figure.
Fig. 25, is representative of a section of a seat, and adjustable cantle.
Fig. 26, is representative of rear elevation of the bracket shewn Fig. 2.
Fig. 27, is representative of a longitudinal section of the pommel shewn Fig. 1,
and Fig. 5.
Fig. 28, is a plan view of a hinged pommel similar to that shewn end eleva-
tion Fig. 22.
Fig. 29, is representative of a side elevation of saddle with detachable cantle.
Fig. 30, is a plan view of the pommel end of a primary seat plate equivalent.
to that shewn Fig. 11.
Fig. 31, is a plan view of the underside of a section of saddle similar to Fig. 29,
and shewing detachable cantle.
In the aforesaid drawings like letters indicate like or equivalent parts.
A indicates a base, or seat plate, a, ears thereon, a¹, a bridging, or connecting
piece, a², ears for the purpose of connecting seat plate, and pommel, a slots in the
saddle plates, a threaded liner member at front end of seat plate, a bolt on
which plates A A are pivotted, a guide bolts or pins connected to the plates A A,
a auxiliary seat plate pivot.
A A, auxiliary seat plate, or plates:
B, the seating, or the cushionêts, 6 the skirting thereon, b¹ the welt, or beading,
63 the seat cotton, 3 the kersey, or equivalent roll, 64 the overall cover, 65 filling,
66 a flat ring, 67 screw, 68 wing nut thereon, 69 an inner plate, 610 stuffing base,
611 seat quilts.
C; the detachable or adjustable pommel, c¹ the air, or equivalent chamber therein,
c² section of the rib of a detachable or adjustable pommel, an ear thereon,
ca pommel retaining bolt, the vertical rib of a detachable, or adjustable
pommel, the leather or equivalent.cover, c7 a loop, or equivalent on the pommel
for engaging the retaining bolt, the kersey or equivalent roll, c screw pins
carrying pommel arms, c¹o ears on folding pommel, el male and female screws
for connecting pommel to the ears on seat plate, c18, liner member on the pommel,
13 smaller pommel ribs, c14 threaded bolts, c¹5, eye on pommel rib, c6 pommel
filling, pommel rib carrying suspended cover c18, c19 pommel base rib, 2²ºªpierced
arm or rack on the pommel c.
C, C, a pommel plate or rib.
D, the detachable, or adjustable cantle, d¹ a cantle retaining screw, and wing
nut, screw bolt for the purpose of connecting the cantle and seat plate,
d³ sliding stud for hingeing cantle to seat plate, d the cantle cushions, d³ cantle
backing plate, de screws for connecting the backing plate to the cantle plate,
d adjustable cantle pivots,
E, the spring, or springs, e the clips thereon, e¹ the bolt e² nut on the bolt.
EE the guide rods, e e the chains, thereon.
F; clamp on pin. clamp screws. fl mit thereon.

page_text: G, bracket on pin, 9 lugs, or bosses thereon, gl set screws, g³ ears, g³ cross
pin, or stop bolt, gears for closing the top of the bracket.
H, washer.
In reference to Fig. 1, the principle of adjustment of the saddle to the L pin
is such as to afford a firm abutment, and in reference to a pommelless saddle
is intended to make amends for the absence of the pommel by effecting greater
rigidity of bearing laterally. When the pin projects as in Fig. 2, the forward
spring shewn in Fig. 1 may, if desired, be dispensed with, and a block of india-
rubber be substituted.
The base plate A Fig. I may be stamped, or pressed from sheet steel, or its
equivalent, or suitable substitute, and it may be plain, or be channeled, ridged,
corrugated, or beaded in any desirable manner for the purpose, if desired of
increasing its rigidity without adding unduly to its weight. The ears a may be
formed from an integral portion of the plate, by cutting out U shape pieces, and
turning them down at right angles to the plate; or such ears may be formed,
provided with suitable eyes, and be fixed, or detachable in relation to the plate.
If detachably connected screws, or the like may preferably be passed through the
plate with their threaded ends upwards, small nuts being used in connection
therewith, if desired, and pieces of leather may be lodged between the portable
ears, and the plate. The seat B may be formed in various ways, and of sundry
material; a suitable method of construction is to form the seat proper in two
detachable parts, by means of two endless metallic, or equivalent rings shaped
to fit the base plate A, whereon they lodge, and being slotted perforated, or eye-
leted, if desired, which is dependent upon their form in cross section; and
securing to the said rings a suitably charged kersey or equivalent roll, and there-
after setting up to the roll, with flock, horsehair, or the like, or a combination
thereof; the limit of the setting being determined by the seat cotton. The
leather or its equivalent forming the cover may be blocked to shape, and be
afterwards secured in position by means of a bent needle, and hemp thread, or
otherwise. The portable ring, or collar b¹ may be of round, triangular, or other
cross section, and if desired, covered with any suitable material.
The pommel C may be constructed by means of a suitably charged roll es
Fig. 27, or a caoutchouc ring rendered inflatable, if desired, and secured to a
metallic, or other rib, c¹ Fig. 27 and be formed endless, or not as desired, and be
covered with hogskin Fig. 27, or any material equivalent thereto for the purpose,
and be provided on each side with a steel, or like rib Fig. 27, the same being
secured by means of rivets, or small threaded bolts and nuts; or in any equivalent
manner. The underside rib may be provided with small ears by turning at a
right angle a portion of the metal near its rear extremity, and such ears c³ Fig. 17
may be pierced for the purpose of receiving a cotter pin or its equivalent; or an
ear or ears may be secured to the rib, if desired, in place of forming them
integrally; but in either case the base plate A would be slotted for the purpose
of receiving the ears which upon being passed therethrough would be secured
by means of the cotter pin aforesaid. By these means the pommel C may be
drawn forward, or be pushed backward, either entirely, or partially, and be secured
by means of a set screw or equivalent, thereby forming in contour a pommelles
saddle Fig. 5, the broken line here represents the pommel as drawn forward-or
a saddle with full length pommel Fig. 1, or a pommel of medium length. The
ears hereinbefore mentioned may be dispensed with, and the alteration of pommel
from maximum to minimum, or medium may be effected by means of the threaded
bolts Fig. 5, the pommel in such a case being lifted back, or laid aside after
the screw bolts c are withdrawn, the base plate A having holes cut in it at
suitable points for the purpose of receiving the bolt, or bolts. Fig. 27 represents
a longitudinal section of this pommel.
When the saddle plate is adapted for the sliding pommel the lower rib c²
Fig. 17 of the pommel may be provided with ears as hereinbefore indicated. Or
as a slight modification the two ribs may be constructed in one piece, open at its

page_text: front end, and formed at the rear of the pommel, into an eye c15 as shewn by
means of Fig. 21. The saddle plate A is here shewn in section, ears a² being
formed on, or connected to the plate and pierced in order to correspond with the
eye on the pommel rib c¹³. This pommel may be disconnected by removing the
vertical, or equivalent retaining screw c¹, and the transverse bolt and cotter pin
used for connecting the pommel rib to the ears a²; or the pommel may by remov-
ing the retaining screw aforesaid, be thereafter simply turned back and lodge
upon the saddle plate. A similar arrangement may be effected by means of the
pommel illustrated Fig. 22, and Fig. 28, the ribs, in this case, being of vertical
section, secured by means of screws c¹ to ears a² on the seat plate; a vertical
retaining screw being afterwards passed through the boss c7 Fig. 28, and through
the seat plate; the ribs may be covered with leather 6 or its equivalent, a filling
of indiarubber, cork, or other suitable material being placed next to the rib prior
to the cover being drawn thereover and sewn round the edges thereof. The ribs
are preferably formed in one piece, and bent at front end as shewn Fig. 28.
○ or
C
The pommel e Fig. 12 may be constructed in two longitudinal halves by placing
or like cross sections of steel or equivalent against each other, and
pivotting, or hingeing them near the front of, and under a base plate whereby
they may be folded backwards when not required, and be secured in either
position by means of screws passed through bosses, or ears 10 thereon; an india-
rubber roll, or cork or equivalent filling c₁6 suitably covered may, if desired, be
lodged in the grooves, or channels, and be secured by sewing the cover; the
filling c¹6 is here represented as being uncovered, and as being secured in the
grooves by means of cement. The small ears c¹0 may be formed at or near the
or rear, or centre of the sections for the purpose of their adjustment to each othe
and to the base plate; thus the sections may turn upon pivots passed vertically
through eyes 15 near the rear, and be secured to a base plate by means of nuts;
and when the sections are brought together, a small screw bolt may be passed
vertically through a hole in the forepart of the base plate and through the rear
ears co which would be in position thereunder the forward ears c¹0 would be
secured together by means of a small screw and nut.
The ears may be formed integrally with the ribs, or be connected thereto. A
pommel which is hinged underneath a base plate may be formed as of a single
metallic, or equivalent rib, curved to allow the leather covering to be suspended
from end to end thereon. Fig. 13 represents a pommel of this character, shewing
in broken lines the metallic, or equivalent rib c, and the leather covering c¹8
as suspended thereon. This pommel is shewn as hinged to a saddle plate con-
structed of an outer metallic, or equivalent frame A and a woven wire, or equi-
valent centre, an overall cover B of kersey lined hogskin or its equivalent being
secured to the aforesaid frame in any ordinary manner. The rear of this pommel
is shewn as having been turned into circular form, for the reception of a transverse
screw bolt or bolts c9, or the like, thereby forming, with a similar arangement
on the seat frame a fixed hinge. The vertical pommel retaining screw c4 is
situated forward of this hinge.
In reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the seat plate may be dished, or hollowed
near the near and the offside to a somewhat greater extent than the centre of the
plate; and the edge of such plate may be either left flat, or be formed convex,
or, as shewn, by means of Fig. 14, concave; with any desired number of perfora-
tions therein; a light metallic plate of equivalent shape being provided, if desired
to fix thereunder, by means of small screw pins having their threaded ends down-
wards; the heads of such pins C14, may as relates to the pommel end of the saddle,
bear upon a metallic, or equivalent rib C3 Fig. 4 provided for the purpose;
whilst the heads of the pins round the seat and cantle portion of the plates may
bear directly upon the top plate, being placed in position prior to the flexible roll,
and the filling; the roll being secured by lacing it to the top plate, the aforesaid
perforations being for the purpose of facilitating this arrangement, and the
securing also by lacing of the overall cover; the skirting 6 shewn Fig. 2 being

page_text: preferably seamed to the cover. In the dished near and offsides of the seat plate
may be placed any desirable flexible body, or material, and the channeled, or other
edge of the plate may be provided with a roll likewise consisting of any such
flexible body, or material. The outer cover may be provided with quilts 61, or
the like set up thereon, and preferably in the forn of rings, in order that the mini-
mum diameter thereof may lodge, and obtain bearing against the edges of the
dished portions. When a flat plate is used there may, in lieu of a metallic under
plate, be an upper, or inner plate of any suitable material, preferably wood to
which the roll and seat cotton may be secured, and whereupon the flock or equi-
valent may be lodged, and the cover be either nailed, or otherwise secured; such
an upper or inner plate may be secured to the saddle plate by means of screws,
and nuts, or the like, or the seat plate may be formed like that shewn Fig. 16.
The detachable cantle D may be constructed of kersey, or the like stuffed to shape,
covered with hogskin, and secured by means of lacing, or otherwise to a curved
plate; a backing plate d being thereafter secured to the aforesaid curved plate
by means of small screws engaging eyes in the plates. This cantle may be con-
nected to the seat plate by means of screws and nuts, or by turning at. a right
angle, a portion of the cantle plate in order to form an ear, or ears or the like,
which upon being passed through the seat plate may be secured by means of
small cotter pins, or the like passed transversely through the said ears.
The metallic bracket G may be bent into the form shewn Fig. 2, side elevation,
and Fig. 26 rear elevation, and may be provided with a tubular liner in either,
or both the circular ends, and lugs or ears 92 may be formed on the bracket for
the reception of the guide, or regulating rods E E, and also lugs g, for the recep-
tion of screws g₁ which may be passed through them into any one of a series of
eyes provided in the pin as indicated; or a rib may be formed on the pin
by means of a piece of steel having its ends bent over at a right angle and fitting
the ends of the pin which may be notched to receive them. The rib when its
ends are bent would be slightly shorter than the normal length of the L pin.
The bracket may then be formed to embrace the L pin and the rib, a-screw being
passed vertically thereinto for the purpose of preventing movement of the bracket
lengthwise of the L pin; or a slot may be cut in the L pin, and the bracket may
be provided with a tongue to engage it. The bracket may, if desired, be cast in
the form of O, and be provided with suitable bosses, or ears, and be drilled out
to take on the L pin. The guide rods E E and chains e e Fig. 2 may be secured
to the seat plate in an ordinary way, and a swivel hook, or equivalent may be
secured to the ends of the rods, or to the chains, as desired for the purpose of
lengthening or shortening the said chains, and thereby effecting any suitable tilt,
or angle of the saddle independently of the slight oscillating movement which
may be afforded by the clips e, which carrying the springs E are provided with
eyes, for the reception of a spindle, or bolt e'; which may, when desired, be
secured against oscillation by means of either screw pins g³ or cotters passed
through the bracket G, and likewise passed transversely through the aforesaid
spindle or bolt el, which may be formed square at the upper part of the shank
under the head, in order to fit an equivalently shaped eye in the clip. The
spindle or bolt may then be made to allow of a slight oscillating or rocking move-
ment of the saddle by simply withdrawing the screw pins, or equivalents. The
spindle, or bolt may likewise be squared near its threaded or its pierced end;
one of the clips e, in this event, having a smaller eye than the other, for the pur-
pose of its being engaged by the same bolt, or both eyes may be the same size,
and a collar be carried on the smaller end of the bolt thereby making up the dif-
ference in size. The clips e may, if desired, be pivotted to a clamping device
having cheeks like that shewn Fig. 1, ears equivalent to those shewn Fig. 2 and
Fig. 26, being formed on the said cheeks, by turning a portion of the metal at a
right angle for the purpose of carrying the guide rods E E.
In reference to Fig. 3 the arrangement of the pommel C is such that the ribs
thereon may be slotted in place of the saddle plate, and with this arrangement

page_text: the upper, or plate rib C, C, may be slotted along each of its sides; which, as
to a portion of its length, are turned down at a right angle thereby forming ears
for effecting adjustment to the clip on the L pin; or small pierced ears may be
formed on the seat plate, and be connected directly to the clip after the manner
shewn in reference to Fig. 1; the adjustment bolt or bolts on the clip, passing
through the slotted sides of the pommel plate, or rib C C, or not, as desired. Thus
by means of the vertical bolts passed through the seat plate, and the pommel
ribs, the arrangement would admit of a reciprocal movement of the pommel C
and seat plate A. The seating B may be constructed after the manner described
in reference to Fig. 1.
In reference to Fig. 6, and Fig. 8, the seat plate A in Fig. 6 may be formed flat,
or with slightly sloping sides; the cushionets B being formed and set up on the
stuffing base leather 610 and afterwards covered with hogskin, or equivalent and
stitched round. The plate may be lined underneath with leather, if desired,
such lining being sewn to the aforesaid base leather. The seat plate A of the
saddle Fig. 8 may be suitably curved, and formed with sloping sides; the leather
of this plate may be blocked with the skirting in one piece, and be connected
to the plate by means of stitching, or rivetting, or be detachably
secured by means of corresponding eyelets in cover and plate at suitable points
being engaged by small pins provided with eyes for the reception of a cotter, or
equivalent; the cushionets B, may be formed after the manner described in
reference to Fig. 6. The adjustable cantle D, may be constructed in two parts,
the base plate of each being pivotted to the seat plate A, the pivots being
shewn Fig. 20,--and likewise riding in slots a³ Fig. 20; or upon curved ribs in
lieu of the slots, such ribs being secured to the plate; or being formed by turning
the edges thereof, and forming the cantle plates to ride upon them by bending
the particular portion of the said cantle plates into the form of an U, and piercing
it for the purpose of receiving a screw pin or the like; the aforesaid ribs would
likewise be pierced at suitable points, as shewn Fig. 25, for the purpose of being
engaged by the same pins d² Fig. 25, and thereby admitting of modification in
the position of the plates relative to each other; that is to say allowing them to
be in contact Fig. 6, and Fig. 20; or to be moved round towards the near and
offsides of the saddle, Fig. 8. These plates may, if desired, afford a slight bearing
laterally of the seat. The cantle cushions + may be constructed as already
described in relation to Fig. 2. The cantle retaining screw and wing nut are
for the purpose of regulating the movement of and supporting the plates. The
springs E máy be of any ordinary character.
In reference to the saddles Fig. 7, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 19, the cushionets B
may be formed, and constructed as hereinbefore described in relation to Fig. 1,
and the seat plate A may be formed with an shape, or nearly cylindrical centre,
whereby a pommel C, circular, or nearly so, in cross section may be carried, such
pommel telescoping with the shape rib arranged lengthwise of the seat plate A.
This pommel C may be covered by winding or lapping around it caoutchouc, and
cork, or leather; or inflatable, or other tubing, as shewn by broken lines Fig. 10,
and the said material may be secured at front end of pommel, and be extended
through the enlarged rear end thereof, and when inflatable may be connected to
a valve thereat. In such a case the pommel liner member c Fig. 8 may be
threaded exteriorly, and the tubular member on the cantle plate may be threaded
interiorly. The pommel may be provided with a liner member when circular in
cross section Fig. 8, at its rear, which liner may be threaded in order that, if
desired, when the pommel is sheathed a suitable false cantle D, such as shewn
Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, may be secured thereto by turning at a right angle portions
of the cantle plate, in order that they may fit the inside, or the outside of rear end
of the pommel, and be secured thereto, and to the seat plate by means of a threaded
bolt d, or bolts being passed therethrough. Or this portion of the cantle may be
connected to a tubular member, said member being threaded on its surface, or
interiorly for the purpose of fitting the corresponsively threaded portion of the

page_text: pommel. Screw pins may be passed through the seat plate into the pommel for
the purpose of preventing its forward, backward, or lateral movement; a metallic
strip, or connecting piece a¹ Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 19; of suitable shape in'
cross section may, if desired, be secured to the seat plate by means of rivets, or
screws for the purpose of bridging the shape channel. The inflatable or like
chamber carried by the pommel Fig. 7, and rig. 19, may be provided with a
suitable valve when desired; and such valve may extend from the forward extremity
of the pommel, or elsewhere; the exact position thereof being dependent upon the
form of the pommel, and the air, or equivalent chamber, c¹. It is intended that
when this chamber is deflated of air, or emptied of liquid, or their equivalents,
it shall when desired, be pressed within the outline of the pommel, in order that
the said pommel may be thereupon pushed back under the seat plate, thereby
constituting, when desired, a pommelless saddle as shewn Fig. 9. Any suitable
material may be used in place of, or in constructing the air, or liquid charged
chamber or chambers. The cantle cushions & Fig. 9, Fig. 10 may be constructed
and connected to the plates as hereinbefore described in reference to other figures.
Any ordinary springs, and clamping device may be used under the seat plate.
In reference to Fig. 11 an arrangement is effected whereby a primary, or pommel
plate A may be used, in connection with a pair of auxiliary seat plates, or
wings A A, carrying the cushionets B; such wings being pivotted at or near
their forward extremity, or working independently of each other, whereby the
saddle may be modified in its lateral dimensions in addition to its length. The
primary plate is provided with a slot a³ along its pommel as shewn, for the purpose
of allowing the bolt a, on which the auxiliary plates or wings are pivotted, to
travel to and fro; and the aforesaid plate is likewise provided with serpentine,
or oblique slots a³, shewn in broken lines, on each side of a central longitudinal
line for the purpose of accomodating the to and fro and lateral movement of the
guide pins studs, or bolts 6, shewn in broken lines, connected to the said auxiliary
plates, or wings. The primary plate may preferably be formed with a raised edge
all round, as shewn to the pommel portion Fig. 30. The auxiliary plates may
be bossed for the reception of a screw for the purpose of locking them at any one
of several points in the pierced primary plate, as shewn by means of broken
lines. The cushionets may be constructed as hereinbefore described, and any.
ordinary springs may be used in connection with the plate A.
The saddles Fig. 8 and Fig. 23 may be provided with either a flat, or curved
seat plate A and the seating B or cushionets, as the case may be, are constructed
as hereinbefore described in reference to Fig. 1, or in accordance with Fig. 16.
The hinged pommel C, shewn in position Fig. 8 and Fig. 23, and in cross section
Fig. 24 may be constructed of a curved or bent rib c of vertical section provided
with a cushion, layer or filling of indiarubber, or equivalent lodged next to the
rib, and such filling may be in the form shewn, or it may be formed as an inflat-
able chamber, for the purpose of affording a soft bearing. The cross section is
representative of the thickened portion of the pommel which may be suddenly,
or gradually tapered, and the arms, which embrace portion of the seat plate may,
when desired, be formed as shewn Fig. 8, to lie under the cushion, or cushionets
as the case may be. The small screws Fig. 8' and Fig. 23, or eye bolts whereby
the arms of the pommel are connected to the ears on the seat plate may be with-
drawable so that the pommel may be thereafter disconnected from the seat plate
by withdrawing the vertical retaining screw Fig. 23 at the front of the said
plate, and be thereafter laid aside, or if desired, the arms of the pommel may be
reversed, that is to say, the near side arm may be adjusted to the offside of the
seat plate; and the offside arm to the near side of the said plate; and the pommel
may be lodged at the rear in the horizontal, or in an inclined position; in which
event the seat plate may be extended slightly beyond the cushion at the rear and
be slotted for the reception of the vertically extended arms shewn in broken lines
Fig. 24, of the pivotted, or other loop e on the pommel; said arms being pierced
laterally with holes at suitable distances apart, a small eye bolt, or the like being

page_text: used in connection therewith. Unless it is desired to incline the pommel, the
loop c, or equivalent thereon need not be provided with extended arms, or in
the event of a loop or the like with arms being used, the pommel may in place of
being disconnected from the seat plate, when the pommel retaining screw, or
equivalent is withdrawn, be turned over to the rear of the saddle plate, and by
turning the loop half a revolution the curved arms thereof may be passed into the
slotted saddle plate, and the transverse bolt, or cotter be passed through the arms
at the desired point and be thereafter secured.
The pommel may be covered with leather c, and be sewn round. Ordinary
springs may be used under the seat plate.
The pommel may, if desired be provided with skirting b as shewn in broken
outline Fig. 8, the same being effected when covering the pommel.
With reference to Fig. 15 the arrangement includes the use of an auxiliary plate
in addition to a base plate A the first named being constructed in two portions,
and hinged at any desired part of its length thereby forming a connected pommel
plate; the same being pivotally secured to the base plate, in order that when the
pommel is not desired, it may be dispensed with by turning the auxiliary plate
upon its pivot a, and thereby carrying the pommel portion to the rear, where it
may be inclined, and secured at any desirable angle by means of a rack, or per-
forated arm 20-indicated by means of broken lines-secured to, or formed as an
integral part of the aforesaid pommel plate, thereby affording support at the cantle
end. The rack, or arm would work through the base plate, which last named
would be slotted near its front, and rear extremities for the purpose, portion of
the base plate at the cantle end is exposed for the purpose of shewing the slots a³.
The two part pommel plate is connected by turning at a right angle portions of
the plate, thereby forming ears, which are pierced for the reception of small
bolts, which likewise engage eyes formed in the pommel rib. Fig. 18 represents
cross section of the pommel C, forward of the base plate.
The seating B, may be constructed as herein before described, any ordinary
springs may be connected to the base plate.
The saddle Fig. 29, is provided with a suitably curved plate, A which is like-
wise formed with sloping sides; the leather cover of this plate may be blocked
in one piece with the skirting b, and be connected to the plate, by means of
stitching, or rivetting, or be detachably secured by means of corresponding eyelets
in cover and plate at suitable points, being engaged by small pins provided with
eyes for the reception of a cotter, or equivalent. Quilts may be set up on the cover,
and the sides of the seating B, formed of two non endless rolls, or the like set
up to shape on the base leather 610 and afterwards covered with hogskin, or other
suitable material and thereafter stitched round; or taking a piece of skirt leather,
or the like as a cover for the seat plate, and as a stuffing base, a piece of kersey
may be cut to suitable shape, and be sewn on to the leather a piece of hogskin,
or equivalent being likewise stitched on the kersey having been stuffed, the sewing
on of the hogskin may be completed. The under part of the seat plate may be
covered with leather, or equivalent, if desired, in which case it would be preferable
to sew round at the edge of the plate thereby permanently connecting the leather
cover, and the under leather. The detachable cantle D, may be stuffed as herein-
before described in reference to Fig. 2, or it may be rendered inflatable by means
of indiarubber and canvas. Fig. 31 shews the arrangement of a slot a in the
seat plate A of this saddle, and the lodgment therein of portion of a suitably
flanged or other stud, or pin d³, provided with an eye for the purpose of receiving
a screw bolt or pin 2, in order to effect the adjustment thereto of the cantle plate,
which would likewise be provided with an eye by bending a portion of the metal
or otherwise; or the seat plate may be provided with a seperate strip of metal
so as to form a loop or slot thereunder, so that the eye formed on the end of the
cantle plate may be adjusted thereto, and act in connection therewith; such a
slot may be formed as an integral portion of the plate; or
a slot may
be formed in portions of the seat plate as turned down at a right angle

page_text: to the seat. A wing nut and screw may be used for the purpose of retaining
the cantle plate; or the upper surface of the seat plate may be bossed at the two
points where a screw would be passed into it, as holding the cantle in, or out of
the effective position and a simple threaded bolt may then be used for the purpose
of holding the cantle in either position; that is to say, when the cantle is not in
use it may, if desired be pushed under the seat plate to the opposite end of the
slot a³, or its equivalent therein, or thereon, and may be secured by the same means
as those used for retaining it in the effective position. The cushion d Fig. 29
may be connected to the cantle plate by means of lacing, and thereafter adjusting
a backing plate & Fig. 29 and Fig. 31, to the cantle plate by means of screws do
Fig. 31; or screws and nuts, said screws being, if desired passed through the
cantle plate prior to lacing on the cushion, so that the heads of the screws would
lodge thereunder. Or the filling, and cantle plate may be covered with leather
which may thereafter be sewn round at the edges of the plate. Any ordinary
springs and clamping device may be used in connection with this saddle as shewn.
Although springs are shewn, their use under a saddle, is not; as an anti-vibra-
tory device; correct in principle, inasmuch as their yielding, and rising movement-
more or less according to the nature and character of the springs-occasions loss
of power by reason of the constant tendency to modify the thrust of the legs;
that is to say to vary the distance, as between the saddle and the crank axle,
the leg pressure, or thrust being thereby rendered less effective.
The spring E shewn Fig. 1 may have its rear extremity passed into the hori-
zontal portion of the L pin, or through a detachable clip on the said. pin; or
through a slot made in the clamping device F. Threaded bolts e¹, or bolts and
cotters may be used for the purpose of connecting the saddle and the clamping
device on the L pin.
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. As a velocipede saddle the combination of the seat plate A, the seating or
cushionets such as B, and the detachable pommel C, together with the several
appurtenant members; all constructed and working substantially as hereinbefore
specified.
2. A velocipede saddle comprising a seat plate A, and seating such as B, together
with their appurtenant members, in combination with the detachable pommel C,
and the detachable and adjustable cantle D: all constructed and working sub-
stantially as hereinbefore specified.
3. In a velocipede saddle the combination of a primary pommel rib or plate C C,
and its companion, and a seat plate A, together with their several appurtenant
members; the said plates being adjusted. together in such a manner as to admit
of a reciprocal to and fro movement in reference to each other for the purpose of,
and thereby effecting a modification in the length of the pommel of the saddle,
substantially as hereinbefore specified.
4. As a velocipede saddle the combination of a base, or primary plate; and an
upper, or auxiliary plate having a hinged pommel, together with their several
appurtenant members; the said auxiliary plate being constructed to turn upon a
pivot secured to the aforesaid base plate, whereby the pommel end of the said
auxiliary plate may be manipulated, or adjusted to, and act as the cantle end of
the said saddle.
5. In a velocipede saddle the combination of a base or primary plate, and a pair
of auxiliary plates pivotted thereto, together with their several appurtenant mem-
bers; the said base plate being provided with suitable slots, so that the said auxili-
ary plates may be operated thereon, in such manner as to effect by their equiva-
lent movements a modification in the length of the pommel, and the width of
the seat.

page_text: 6. Forming the detachable, and adjustable pommel substantially as and for
the purpose hereinbefore specified.
7. Forming the detachable and adjustable pommel of a hollow tubular shape,
and providing the same with slots so that its accompanying air, or equivalently
charged chamber may when empty be carried entirely within the outline of the
pommel whereby the said pommel may thereafter be located under the seat plate.
8. Forming the adjustable pommel of a tubular member, threaded interiorly
or exteriorly at its rear extremity, and providing the same with slots so that its
accompanying air, or equivalently charged chamber may, when empty, be carried
entirely within the outline of the pommel; whereby the said pommel may there-
after be located under the seat plate; and be adapted for the adjustment of a
detachable cantle, substantially as hereinbefore specified.
9. Forming the detachable, and adjustable cantle, substantially as and for the
purpose hereinbefore specified.
10. Forming the adjustable cantle in sections, and securing the same to the
base plate A of the saddle, so that the said sections may be moved into contact
with, or away from each other.
11. The frame bracket G, provided with perforated ears, or ears and lugs for
the purpose of carrying rigid, or flexible guide rods and chains, and being detach-
ably adjusted to the L pin or crutch; and likewise provided with detachable
clips or perforated ears, and square shouldered bolt and crosspin; whereby either
an oscillating movement, or a stationary position of the saddle may be maintained.
12. Velocipede saddles constructed and working substantially as hereinbefore
specified, and in reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 and Fig. 5
and Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 and Fig. 8 and Fig. 8" and Fig. 9 and Fig. 10
and Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 and
Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 and Fig. 23
and Fig. 24 and Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 and Fig. 27 and Fig. 28 and Fig. 29 and
Fig. 30 and. Fig. 31 of the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 25th dove of Aunt 1000