Year: 1878

page_text: "
I.GEORGE WOODCOCK of 38 Bailey Lane in the City of Coventry in the County
of Warwick Bicycle and Tricycle Manufacturer trading as "D. Rudge & Co
seek
leave to amend the Specification and Drawings of Letters Patent N° 526 of 1878,
as shown in red ink in the Copy of the original Specification hereunto annexed.
My reasons for making this amendment are as follows:-
That it has been brought to my notice that the setting up or adjustment of ball
bearings of wheels by the contraction of the ball containing space between suitably
arranged conical or curved bearing or contact surfaces had been protected prior to
the date of the Letters Patent herein before referred to by Letters Patent N° 3531,
dated the 19th of September 1877, and granted to Joseph Henry Hughes.
That the said Letters Patent No 526, of 1878, are now vested in me by virtue
of an Assignment bearing date the 30th day of September 1880, made by Mary
Ann Rudge, of Wolverhampton in the County of Stafford, Widow of Daniel
Rudge, of Wolverhampton aforesaid, Bicycle Manufacturer, to me, which said
Assignment was duly registered in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 11th day
of October 1880.

page_text: DECISION.
Having beard Mr. Aston Q.C. of Counsel for the Applicant and Mr. Carpmael
of Counsel for the Opponent and Mr. Aston having suggested that certain of the
proposed amendments should be given up by the Applicant and Mr. Carpmael for
the Opponent having stated that he had no objection to offer to the amendment
of the Specification in the manner proposed by Mr. Aston, I do not see any objec-
tion to the proposed amendment and I allow the said Specification to be amended
in the manner proposed by Mr. Aston, and shewn in red ink in the Blue Book
marked "A," filed by Mr. Vaughan on the 21st inst. and initialled by me but upon
the express condition that no action for infringement or other proceeding be taken
by the said George Woodcock or any person or persons claiming under him for
any alleged infringement of the said Letters Patent No 526 of 1878 committed
prior to the 1st day of January 1884.

page_text: זי י
LETTERS PATENT to Daniel Rudge of Wolverhampton in the County of
Stafford, Bicycle Manufacturer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
w
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Daniel Rudge at the Office
I of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th February 1878.
DANIEL RUDGE of Wolverhampton in the County of Stafford, bicycle manu-
facturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN BICYCLES, PARTLY APPLICABLE ALSO TO OTHER
PURPOSES'
"
This invention consists firstly, of an improved adjustable ball-bearing,
secondly, of an improved construction of fork and, thirdly, of an improved:
construction of wheel-rim..
The improved ball-bearing is constructed as follows:-A cylindrical case open at
each end and having a screw-thread cut throughout the inside thereof is fixed to
each end of the fork. Each case is split at one side transversely, the sides of the
split part being drawn together by screws passing through flanges formed on the
outside of the case. A steel bush is fixed to the part of the axle within each case.
The bush has a groove turned on the outside thereof, in which the steel balls are
placed. Two steel collars are screwed into the case, one from each end thereof, the
inner ends of each collar being turned so as together to form a V or other suitable
shaped groove to bear against the balls and be capable of tightening up the bearing
as one of the steel collars is screwed up. Clearance is allowed between the two
collars for adjustment. The collars are prevented from moving (that is are locked)
by tightening up the case by means of the screws passing through the flanges
aforesaid. When it is required to tighten the bearing, after wear, the screws in the
flanges are slackened and the outer collar is screwed up as required and the case
is again tightened up to lock the collars For the back-wheel-bearings it is
preferred to construct the collars of the hub as the cases for the steel collars. If
desired the collars may be fixed and the bush form the adjustment by being
screwed on to the spindle, the bush in this arrangement may be formed as before
described or may be in halves but the groove is shaped so as to be capable of
tightening up the bearing as the bush or part thereof is screwed up. In this
modification the steel collars are formed preferably in one piece and are driven or
otherwise fixed into the case The bush is prevented from moving by means of a
lock-nut or other suitable equivalent. Where both the bush and the steel collars
are formed respectively in one piece, provision must be made for putting in the
balls. This bearing is applicable also to other purposes for which bearings are
used, as will be apparent.
The improved fork is constructed as follows;-A metal tube is split from one end
to the distance required, and each side of the split part is shaped to form one
member of the fork. In the case of the front fork, the unsplit part of the tube
forms the socket; and in the case of the back fork, the back end of the tubular-back-
bone is split to form the fork.
The improvement in the wheel-rim consists in forming the rim for holding the
elastic tire hollow in section.

page_text: ご
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Daniel Rudge in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 8th August
1878.
.
DANIEL RUDGE of Wolverhampton in the County of Stafford Bicycle Manu-
facturer "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE BEARINGS OF BICYCLES PARTLY APPLICABLE
ALSO-TO-OTHER PURPOSES AND OTHER SIMILAR VEHicles.”
0
The invention consists of an improved adjustable ball bearing which is appli-
cable either to the front or hind axles of bicycles, one-or-other-modification-thereof
being-also-applicable to the pedals of bicycles and similar vehicles-and-also to the
bearings of similar vehicles or other similar vehicles.
The improved ball bearing as applied to the front axle of bicycles, and other
similar vehicles and also if desired to the hind axle, is constructed as follows; A
cylindrical case open at each end and having a screw thread cut throughout the
inside thereof is fixed to each end of the fork. Each case is split at one side
transversely, the sides of the split part being drawn to-gether by screws, or a screw,
passing through flanges formed on the outside of the case. A hardened steel bush
is fixed to the part of the axle within each case. The bush has a groove turned
on the outside thereof in which the hardened steel balls are placed. The liability
of fracturing the axle, which would be considerable if the axle itself were hardened
and grooved, is thus avoided. Two hardened steel collars are screwed into the
case, one from each end thereof, the inner ends of each collar being turned so as to-
gether to form a V or other suitable shaped groove to bear against the balls and be
capable of tightening up the bearing as one of the steel collars is screwed up.
Clearance is allowed between the two collars for adjustment. The collars are pre-
vented from moving (that is, are locked) by tightening up the case by means of
the screws (or screw) passing through the flanges aforesaid. When it is required
to tighten the bearing, after wear, the screws (or screw) in the flanges of the case are
slackened and the outer or front collar is screwed up as required and the case is
again tightened up to lock the collars. For the back wheel bearing it is preferred
to construct the collars of the hub as the cases for the steel collars. If desired,
in either ease, whether for the front or back bearing, the collars may be fixed
and the bush form the adjustment by being serewed on to the axle. The bush
is prevented from moving by means of a lock out or suitable equivalent.
The ball bearing which I prefer to apply to the front axle bearings of
bicycles is illustrated by figures 1 and 2. The figures are drawn full size.
Figure 1 is a front elevation with the front collar removed and the bush shewn
in section. Figure 2 is a vertical section on line x x of figure 1. The same
letters of reference occurring upon both views indicate corresponding parts.
A is the case fixed by means of the ear B to the front fork. C C etc are the
balls. D is the bush; E the front collar and F the back collar. The case A is
split at G,‘the sides of the split part being drawn to-gether by a screw a passing

page_text: through flanges. The steel collars E and F are screwed into the case as shewn.
A screw b is fixed in the collar E by which it may be readily pushed round (when
the screw a is slackened) to take up the wear of the bearing. The bush D is
screwed firmly onto the axle or otherwise fixed thereto. The back collar F is held
permanently in position by the screw g, the front collar E only being adjustable.
is a screw inserted in the oil hole to keep it closed. If-desired-the-collars-may-be
fixed and the bush form the adjustment. In such a case the bush is formed in
balves-and the groove is shaped so as to be capable of tightening up the bearing
as the half bush is screwed up. In this modification the steel collars are formed
preferably in one piece and are driven or otherwise fixed into the case which is
not-then-required to be split. The-adjustable-half of the bush-is-prevented-from
moving by means of a look nut-or-other-suitable equivalent. This bearing-as-also
the modification-described-may-be-used-if-desired-for-the-back-axle.
The ball bearing which I prefer to apply to the back axle of bioyoles is illus
trated by figure 3 which is a full size longitudinal-section. K-is-the-hub of the
back-wheel-L-L-eto-are-the balls M is the-axle-and-N-N-the-bottom-ends-of-the
back-fork. 00 are the cases or collars containing the balls, and are screwed or
otherwise-permanently fixed into the hub-K. P is a coned or curved part formed
solid-on-the-axle, and P¹-is-a-corresponding part-to-P but-is-screwed-on-the-axle-to
allow-for-adjustment. The coller à of the part P' is milled on the edge-for-con-
venience-in-serewing-it-up. The-part-P¹-is locked in its proper-position-by means
of-the-nut-R. Each case O may be kept-from-moving by means of a small screw
as-at-e-;-and-the-eases may be serewed up by means of flats outside-or-by-grooves
formed-within-into-which-a-turnserew end may fit. If-desired however the cases
and-hub-of-the-wheel-may-be-east-or-formed in one piece of metal, either gun-
metal, steel or other suitable metal; and the collars of the hub may be formed
therewith-or-fixed-on-afterwards. Both the internal cones-may-if desired-be-fixed
and incline-the reverse-way-on-the inner side of the balls, and one of the cases be
made-to-form-the-adjustment by being serewed up. This bearing may be used for
the back wheels of tricycles, the axle M-in-that-case-forming one of the parts-pro-
jeeting-beyond-the-frame, one-of-the projecting parts having a left-handed serew.
The ball bearing which I prefer to apply-to-the-pedals of bicycles-and-similar
vehicles is-illustrated by figure 4. It is a full-size longitudinal section-and is almost
the same as the back wheel bearing. S-S are the eases containing the balls and
are fixed by means of screws-f-f-ete or by other means-to-the pedal plates T-T.
U is the part of the pedal spindle fixed to the crank V is-the solid coned or
eurved part and W the adjustable coned or curved part looked by means of the
nut-X. The port-W-may-if desired-be-made-to-slide-on-the-spindle-and be kept
in-position-by-means of look nuts If desired the eases,-pedal plates and distance
piece may be formed in one piece of metal.-Figure 5-is-a-modification of figure-4
the outer end bearing only being shewn. The adjustable part Y may have flats
on the lesser diameter or may have a milled collar to facilitate its being screwed
up. This modification will be readily understood--without need for further
description.
In all the bearings illustrated it is assumed that as many balls as can be got in
are used; but a less number (not being less than 3) may be used if desired by
earrying-them-in-a-ring having recesses for the balls, in a manner heretofore used.
It will be observed that the grooves of the collars and bushes are made so as to
give as small a bearing to the balls as is practicable, and thus the friction is reduced
to a minimum.
Having thus stated the nature of my said invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed I declare that I do not limit myself to the exact details
as shewn, but what I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters
Patent is
1st The combination of the split case with the two hardened steel collars sub-
stantially as illustrated by figures 1 and 2 and for the purpose described.

page_text: and-The-grooved and hardened steel bush-serewed on to or otherwise fixed to
the axle substantially as illustrated by figures 1 and 2 or in halves as described,
and-for-the-purpose-described.
3rd-The-improved back wheel bearing for bicycles and tricycles substantially-as
illustrated-by-figure 9 and either with the part P¹-forming the adjustment-or-with
one-of-the-cases-forming the adjustment-as-described.
4th The improved pedal bearing-substantially-as-illustrated-by-figure-4.
: 5th The pedal-bearing substantially as illustrated by figure-s.
6th The application of combined cones or curved surfaces and balls, within the
bub of the back wheel of bicycles and tricycles or connected therewith and to
form the bearing thereof, and also the application of combined cones or curved
surfaces-and-balls connected with the pedals of bicycles-and-other-vehicles-to-form
the-bearings-thereof
7th The-application of the above, bearings, in-forms as may be required, to the
bearings-and-pedals of other vehicles.
'
In witness whereof I the said Daniel Rudge, have hereunto set my hand and
seal this fifth day of August in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
Land and
Witness
STEPHEN WATKINS Assoc. Inst. C.E.
Patent Office
Wolverhampton.
D. RUDGE (L.S.)

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Daniel Rudge, of Wolverhampton, in the County of
Stafford, Bicycle Manufacturer; for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
BICYCLES, PARTLY APPLICABLE ALSO TO OTHER PURPOSES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Daniel Rudge at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th February 1878.
DANIEL RUDGE, of Wolverhampton, in the County of Stafford, Bicycle Manu-
facturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN BICYCLES, PARTLY APPLICABLE ALSO TO OTHER
PURPOSES."
This Invention consists,-
Firstly. Of an improved adjustable ball bearing.
Secondly. Of an improved construction of fork..
And, Thirdly. Of an improved construction of wheel rim.
The improved ball bearing is constructed as follows:- A cylindrical case, open at
each end, and having a screw thread cut throughout the inside thereof, is fixed to
each end of the fork. Each case is split at one side transversely, the sides of the
split part being drawn together by screws passing through flanges formed on the
outside of the case. A steel bush is fixed to the part of the axle within each case.
The bush has a groove turned on the outside thereof, in which the steel balls are
placed. Two steel collars are screwed into the case, one from each end thereof, the
inner ends of each collar being turned so as together to form a V or other suitable
shaped groove to bear against the balls, and be capable of tightening up the bearing
as one of the steel collars is screwed up. Clearance is allowed between the two
collars for adjustment. The collars are prevented from moving (that is, are locked)
by tightening up the case by means of the screws passing through the flanges
aforesaid,
When it is required to tighten the bearing after wear the screws in the flanges are
slackened, and the outer collar is screwed up as required, and the case again
tightened up to lock the collars.

page_text: For the back wheel bearings it is preferred to construct the collars of the hub as
the cases for the steel collars.
If desired the collars may be fixed and the bush form the adjustment by being
screwed on to the spindle. The bush in this arrangement may be formed as before
described, or may be in halves, but the groove is shaped so as to be capable of
tightening up the bearing as the bush or part thereof is screwed up. In this
modification the steel collars are formed preferably in one piece, and are driven or
otherwise fixed into the case. The bush is prevented from moving by means of a
lock nut or other-suitable equivalent.
Where both the bush and the steel collars are formed respectively in one piece,
provision must be made for putting in the balls. This bearing is applicable also to
other purposes for which bearings are used, as will be apparent.
The improved fork is constructed as follows:-A metal tube is split from one end
to the distance required, and each side of the split part is shaped to form one
member of the fork. In the case of the front fork the unsplit part of the tube
forms the socket, and in the case of the back fork the back end of the tubular back-
bone is split to form the fork.
The improvement in the wheel rim consists in forming the rim for holding tlie
elastic tire hollow in section.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Daniel Rudge in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 8th August
1878.
DANIEL RUDGE, of Wolverhampton, in the County of Stafford, Bicycle Manu-
facturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN BICYCLES, PARTLY APPLICABLE ALSO TO OTHER
PURPOSES."
The Invention consists of an improved adjustable ball bearing, which is appli-
cable either to the front or hind axles of bicycles, one or other modification thereof
being also applicable to the pedals of bicycles and similar vehicles, and also to the
bearings of similar vehicles.
The improved ball bearing as applied to the front axle of bicycles, and also, if
desired, to the hind axle, is constructed as follows:-A cylindrical case, open at each
end, and having a screw thread cut throughout the inside thereof, is fixed to cach
end of the fork. Each case is split at one side transversely, the sides of the split
part being drawn together by screws or a screw passing through flanges formed on
the outside of the case. A hardened steel bush is fixed to the part of the axle
within each case.
The bush has a groove turned on the outside thereof, in which
the hardened steel balls are placed. The liability of fracturing the axle, which
would be considerable if the axle itself were hardened and grooved, is thus
avoided. Two hardened steel collars are screwed into the case, one from each end

page_text: thereof, the inner ends of each collar being turned so as together to form a V or
other suitable shaped groove to bear against the balls, and be capable of tightening
up the bearing as one of the steel collars is screwed up. Clearance is allowed
between the two collars for adjustment. The collars are prevented from moving
(that is, are locked) by tightening up the case by means of the screws (or screw).
passing through the flanges aforesaid.
When it is required to tighten the bearing after wear the screws (or screw) in the
flanges are slackened, and the outer or front collar is screwed up as required, and the
case is again tightened up to lock the collars.
For the back wheel bearing it is preferred to construct the collars of the hub as
the cases for the steel collars.
If desired, in either case, whether for the front or back bearing, the collars may
be fixed, and the bush form the adjustment by being screwed on to the axle. The
bush is prevented from moving by means of a lock nut or suitable equivalent.
The ball bearing which I prefer to apply to the front axle bearings of bicycles is
illustrated by Figures 1 and 2. The Figures are drawn full size.
Figure 1 is a front elevation, with the front collar removed and the bush shewn
in section; Figure 2 is a vertical section on line x, x, of Figure 1.
The same letters of reference occurring upon both views indicate corresponding
parts.
A is the case fixed by means of the ear B to the front fork; C, C, etc., are the
balls; D is the bush; E, the front collar; and F, the back collar. The case A is
split at G, the sides of the split part being drawn together by a screw a passing
through flanges. The steel collars E and F are screwed into the case, as shewn.
A screw b is fixed in the collar E, by which it may be readily pushed round (when
the screw a is slackened) to take up the wear of the bearing. The bush D is
screwed firmly on to the axle, or otherwise fixed thereto. The back collar F is held
permanently in position by the screw g, the front collar E only being adjustable.
c is a screw inserted in the oil hole to keep it closed.
If desired the collars may be fixed, and the bush form the adjustment. In such
a case the bush is formed in halves, and the groove is shaped so as to be capable of
tightening up the bearing as the half bush is screwed up. In this modification the
steel collars are formed preferably in one piece, and are driven or otherwise fixed
into the case, which is not then required to be split. The adjustable half of the
bush is prevented from moving by means of a lock nut or other suitable equivalent.
This bearing, as also the modification described, may be used if desired for the back
axle.
The ball bearing which I prefer to apply to the back axle of bicycles is illustrated
by Figure 3, which is a full size longitudinal section. K is the hub of the back
wheel; L, L, etc., are the balls; M is the axle; and N, N, the bottom ends of the
back fork; 0, 0, are the cases or collars containing, the balls, and are screwed or
otherwise permanently fixed into the hub K; P is a coned or curved part formed
solid on the axle, and P' is a corresponding part to P, but is screwed on the axle to
allow for adjustment. The collar d of the part P¹ is milled on the edge for con-
venience in screwing it up. The part P¹ is locked in its proper position by means
of the nut R.
Each case may be kept from moving by means of a small screw, as at e, and
the cases may be screwed up by means of flats outside, or by grooves formed within,
into which a turnscrew end may fit. If desired, however, the cases and hub of the
wheel may be cast or formed in one piece of metal, either gun metal, steel, or other
suitable metal, and the collars of the hub may be formed therewith or fixed on
afterwards.
Both the internal cones may if desired be fixed, and incline the reverse way on
the inner side of the balls, and one of the cases be made to form the adjustment by
being screwed up. This bearing may be used for the back wheels of tricycles, the
axle M in that case forming one of the parts projecting beyond the frame, one of the
projecting parts having a left-handed screw.

page_text: The ball bearing which I prefer to apply to the pedals of bicycles and similar
vehicles is illustrated by Figure 4. It is a full size longitudinal section, and is
almost the same as the back wheel bearing. S, S, are the cases containing the
balls, and are fixed by means of screws f, f, etc., or by other means, to the pedal
plates T, T. U is the part of the pedal spindle fixed to the crank; V is the solid
coned or curved part; and W, the adjustable coned or curved part, locked by means
of the nut ✗.
The part W may if desired be made to slide on the spindle, and be kept in
position by means of lock nuts.
If desired, the cases, pedal plates, and distance piece may be formed in one piece
of metal.
'
Figure 5 is a modification of Figure 4, the outer end bearing only being shewn.
The adjustable part Y may have flats on the lesser diameter, or may have a milled
collar to facilitate its being screwed up. This modification will be readily under-
stood without need for further description.
In all the bearings illustrated it is assumed that as many balls as can be got in
are used, but a less number (not being less than 3) may be used if desired, by carrying
them in a ring having recesses for the balls, in a manner heretofore used.
It will be observed that the grooves of the collars and bushes are made so as to
give as small a bearing to the balls as is practicable, and thus the friction is reduced
to a minimum.
Having thus stated the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, I declare that I do not limit myself to the exact details
as shewn, but what I clain as my Invention, and desire to secure by Letters
Patent is,
1st. The combination of the split case with the two hardened steel collars, sub-
stantially as illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, and for the purpose described.
2nd. The grooved and hardened steel bush screwed on to or otherwise fixed to
the axles, substantially as illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, or in halves, as described,
and for the purpose described.
3rd. The improved back wheel bearing for bicycles and tricycles, substantially as
illustrated by Figure 3, and either with the part P' forming the adjustment, or with
one of the cases forming the adjustment, as described.
4th. The improved pedal bearing, substantially as illustrated by Figure 4.
5th. The pedal bearing, substantially as illustrated by Figure 5.
6th. The application of combined cones or curved surfaces and balls within the
hub of the back wheel of bicycles and tricycles, or connected therewith, and to form
the bearing thereof; and also the application of combined cones or curved surfaces
and balls connected with the pedals of bicycles and other vehicles to form the
bearings thereof.
7th. The application of the above bearings, in forms as may be required, to the
bearings and pedals of other vehicles.
In witness whereof, I, the said Daniel Rudge, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Fifth day of August, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundrad and coventy-eight
Witness,
STEPHEN WATKINS, Assoc. Inst. C.E.. -
Patent Office,
Wolverhampton.
D. RUDGE. (L.S.)