Improvements in Velocipedes. tos in velocipedes
Year: 1897

page_text: Improvements in Velocipedes.
I, SAMUEL HALL, of 56, St. Augustine's Road, Camden Square, in the County
of Middlesex, Watchmaker, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
-
"
My invention relating to improvements in velocipedes" has for its object to
provide improved means for preventing or obviating the strain caused by the
pull of the chain on the plungers of spring devices arranged according to three
former inventions of mine forming part of the subject matter of Letters Patent
No. 4548 of 1881, Letters Patent No. 5589 of 1883, and of Letters Patent No. 19460
of 1895, when applied to the driving wheels of velocipedes in combination with
improvements in fitting the said plungers to the frames of such machines and
adjusting the chain and in the construction of the rear part of the frame of the
velocipede adjacent to the spring devices and likewise to improvements in the said
spring devices and in fitting them to the main axles of tricycles and similar veloci-
pedes, also to provide improved means for fitting chain gear cases to velocipedes
and for applying the brakes.
In carrying out my invention for the purpose of preventing or obviating the
strain caused by the pull of the chain on the plungers of the spring devices
arranged according to my former inventions when applied to the driving wheels
of velocipedes in combination with improvements in fitting the said plungers to
the frames of such machines and adjusting the chain and in the construction of
the rear part of the frame of the velocipede adjacent to the spring devices, as, for
example, in the case of a rear-driving safety bicycle, I proceed as follows:-
Referring to Figures 4 and 5 of my Patent No. 4548 of 1881, which I preferably
arrange to receive one spring instead of two, I braze a tube at the lower end of the
extension of the bearing box in the cylindrical recess in which the spring is situated,
the tube extending about four inches below the bottom of the extension of the
bearing box and being provided at its end with a screwed plug or bottom for
the spring to bear on, which extends down the full length of the tube. I then
fit to slide on the said tube a second and shorter tube having a capped nut at
its lower end to exclude the dirt, and on the upper part I form or braze the screwed
pin or bolt forming part of the screwed sleeve adjustment described with reference
to Figure 3 in my Patent No. 19460 of 1895 for preventing the strain on the
plungers and adjusting the chain. I fit the top of the plungers to the frame of
the velocipede in the manner described with reference to the said Figure 3 but
instead of the bracket to which the screwed sleeve is fitted being connected to the
frame in the way shown in the said figure and instead of the tube of the said
frame being bent up to connect it to the lug T in which the top of the plungers
is fitted, I construct the lower part of the frame at the rear in a special way with
a view to greater strength and rigidity. I form at the end of the said lug T, a
tubular part, the bore being vertical or nearly vertical in which I braze a tube of
about three quarter inch diameter which extends downwards to the level of the

page_text: bottom tubes of the bicycle known as the bottom bracket back stays, in or on
the end of which I braze a lug which has a bore similar to that of, the lug above
and in which I braze the lower part of the said vertical tube which extends some
distance below the said lug and has brazed in or on its end the small bracket
which carries the screwed sleeve adjustment hereinbefore mentioned.
In order
to guard against the possibility of the lower part of the vertical tube bending with
the pull of the chain I strengthen it by brazing a small stay at an angle on the
front thereof at the bottom end, and the top of the stay I braze to the bottom
tube of the bicycle, but I sometimes crank down the end of the said bottom tube
and braze its lug at the bottom of the said vertical tube close to the small bracket,
and then can dispense with the small stay.
In the top of the said vertical tube I braze a small lug or it may be formed on
the lug in which the top of the plungers is fitted, between that point and the
vertical tube, to which small lug I connect by a bolt the lower end of one of
the back stays of the bicycle. When the driving wheel plays up and down
under the action of the springs the tube that contains the spring at the lower
end of the extension of the bearing box slides in the tube connected to the screwed
pin or bolt of my screwed sleeve adjustment and so prevents the strain on the
plungers of the said spring device. I also fit for the same purpose the said tube
with the screwed pin formed thereon of my screwed sleeve adjustment to slide
on the tubular extensions of the bearing boxes of the spring devices described
in my Patent No. 5589 of 1883 and in my Patent No. 19460 of 1895 in order to
admit of which I remove all projections from the exterior of the said tubular ex-
tensions to afford suitable sliding surfaces. In combination with the hereinbefore
described arrangements for preventing the strain on the plungers of the spring
devices I sometimes use a modification of my screwed sleeve adjustment for adjust-
ing the chain in which case I dispense with the sleeve and fit the screwed pin
direct to the bracket in a plain hole with a nut at each end to bind thereon, which
nuts are loosened to admit of the screwed pin being moved backward or forward
when the chain requires adjusting. In another modification I dispense with the
nuts and fit the said pin plain (not screwed) in the said bracket which I make split
in the form of a clip and provide with a bolt and nut to bind and hold the pin firmly
therein. For adjusting the chain the bolt and nut are loosened and the pin slid
backward or forward in the split bracket. I also connect the sliding tube herein-
before described for preventing the strain on the plungers of the spring devices
to the said bracket and provide for the adjustment of the chain by forming on
the said sliding tube in lieu of the screwed pin a flat plate about the same length
and of a suitable width and provided down its centre with a longitudinal slot.
I make the bracket flat and square in form of a suitable shape to receive the said
flat plate which fits edge uppermost in a narrow slot cut through the backet from
back to front, a bolt furnished with a nut being fitted in a hole in the centre and
through the longitudinal slot in the plate to bind it in the said bracket, the bolt
and nut being loosened if the chain requires to be adjusted, when the slotted plate
can be slid backward or forward for that purpose. In another arrangement for
adjusting the chain in combination with the sliding tube for preventing the
strain on the plungers of the spring devices I provide for the chain adjustment
on the said sliding tube instead of in the bracket. I braze on the bottom end
of the vertical tube herein before described as forming part of the frame of the
bicycle a similar lug to that which is brazed on the upper end thereof in which
the tops of the plungers are fitted, and in the elongated square-sided hole of the
Baid lug I fit the said sliding tube in a similar way, a square part being formed
thereon and also a flange next to and above the said square to bear on the top
of the said lug, a nut being fitted on the said sliding tube to bear on the under
side of the lug to secure it firmly thereto. When the chain is adjusted the nut
is loosened the same as that on the top of the plungers, when the spring device
and sliding tube can be moved backward or forward along the said lug for
tightening or slackening the chain. Instead of the arrangements herein before

page_text: described for adjusting the chain and preventing the strain on the plungers of
the said spring devices having a sliding connection with the tubular extensions
of the bearing boxes they may be connected with the lower ends of the plungers
in a similar way, the said sliding tube being made much shorter as it does not
slide on the plungers but plays up and down with them under the action of the
springs. Referring to my improvements in fitting the plungers of the said spring.
devices to the frames of velocipedes at the same time providing for the chain
adjustment, instead of fitting the top of the plungers as described with reference
to Figures 3, 5, 6 and 14 in my Patent No. 19460 of 1895, I fit and preferably
braze them in a round hole in a lug, on or in a projection formed on the side of
which lug and at right angles with the plungers I braze a tube to form an arm
about three quarter inch diameter and three inches in length which I fit hori-.
zontally in a strong split lug or clip provided with a bolt and nut on the top to
bind and hold it firmly therein, the bolt and nut also securing the lower end of
one of the back stays of the bicycle to the said clip, and on its under side I prefer-
ably form a tubular projection which I fit and braze on the top of the vertical
tube hereinbefore described as forming part of the frame. When the chain is
adjusted the bolt in the said clip is loosened and also the adjustable parts of either
of the arrangements hereinbefore described for preventing the strain on the plungers,
when the said tubular arm can be slid backward or forward in the clip carrying
the spring device and wheel with it for tightening or slackening the chain. I
sometimes form a screw on the said arm and fit a nut thereon at each end of the
clip to facilitate the adjustment of the chain, and it is obvious that I may also fit
my screwed sleeve adjustment hereinbefore mentioned in the said clip for the
same purpose.
According to another modification I fit the top of the plungers to the frame of
the velocipede as follows:-I form on the top of the said plungers a flat square
lug with its edge uppermost and with a narrow slot cut through from back to
front like the small bracket herein before described with reference to preventing
the strain on the plungers and having similarly fitted therein in a horizontal posi-
tion a slotted plate, one end being fitted and brazed in a lug on the top of the
vertical tube which forms part of the frame of the machine, an eye being formed
on the top of the said lug to which the lower end of one of the back stays is bolted.
A bolt furnished with a nut is fitted as before in a hole in the centre of the flat
slotted lug and through the slotted plate to bind the said plate firmly in the said
lug. For the adjusting of the chain the bolt and nut are loosened together with
the adjustable parts of either of the hereinbefore described arrangements for pre-
venting the strain on the plungers, and the slotted lug carrying the spring device
and wheel with it is slid backward or forward on the slotted plate connected to
the frame of the velocipede.
Under another modification I form on the top of the plungers the split lug or
clip provided with a bolt and nut at the top to hold firmly the tubular arm fitted
therein herein before described, the other end of which arm I braze in a lug on
the top of the said vertical tube that forms part of the frame, one of the back
stays of the bicycle being connected by the bolt to the said clip, the said back
stay being made adjustable in length preferably by its end being screwed inter-
nally and the end of the eye that is bolted to the clip is screwed into the stay
being provided with a lock nut. When the chain is adjusted the bolt is loosened
and also the adjustable parts for preventing the strain on the plungers, the back
stay also being disconnected at its upper end, when the said clip can be slid
backward or forward on the said arm carrying the spring device and wheel with
it, the length of the back stay afterwards being adjusted to suit the altered position
of the clip.
To facilitate the chain adjustment I may form a screw on the arm as before
5 stated and provide it with a nut at each end of the clip, or I may fit my screwed
sleeve adjustment to the said clip. In fitting the plungers according to the two
modifications last described I sometimes make the said flat slotted lug and the

page_text: split lug or clip removable from the top of the plungers, in which case I form on
their undersides a tubular part screwed internally to screw on to the top of the said
plungers, preferably up to a shoulder or flange.
In the various arrangements herein before described for preventing the strain
on the plungers and adjusting the chain the main object of my invention is to
simplify the construction of the mechanism for those purposes arranged on and in
combination with the sliding principle shown in Fig. 3 of my Patent No. 19460
of 1895, and in the following further modifications the object of my invention is to
still further simplify and cheapen the production and also reduce the weight of
those parts of the velocipede while at the same time the strain on the plungers of
the said spring devices is effectually obviated. According to these arrangements I
connect the plungers at their lower end to the frame of the velocipede in the
position as shewn in Fig. 6 of my Patent 4548 of 1881 and in Fig. 2 of my
Patent 5589 of 1883 but although the said plungers are in a similar position I
connect them to the frame in other ways and for a different purpose.
Under one
modification I crank down the ends of the bottom bracket back tubes of the bicycle
to the level of the lower end of the plungers of the said spring devices and fit them
thereto in exactly the same way as the top of the plungers are fitted hereinbefore
described, either by the split lug or clip to fit on the end of the plain tube of the
said bottom bracket back stay, or its end may be screwed for the purpose of fitting
two nuts to facilitate the chain adjustment or for fitting my screwed sleeve adjust-
ment, or the slotted plate may be brazed in the end of the said tube and the lower
end of the plungers may be fitted thereto by means of the flat slotted lug herein-
before described, or the lug T shown in Figs. 3, 5 and 6 of my Patent No. 19460
of 1895 in which the top of the plungers are fitted may be brazed in the end of the
said cranked bottom tube, in which lug T the lower end of the plungers may be
fitted in the same way. When I connect the plungers to the frame of the velocipede
at their lower end as described I also connect the upper end of the said plungers
to the upper back stays of the machine for which purpose I lengthen the plungers
considerably so that they may extend the required distance above the bearing box
or part in which the axle turns or is fixed, to allow for the play of the springs,
and if the spring device is in the double form and has two plungers I reduce them
in size for about an inch of their length leaving a shoulder, on which smaller part
I form a screw to receive two removable flanges or collars which I screw home to
the said shoulder and I then fit a bridge on the screwed ends of the plungers to
rest on the collars and also two nuts to fix it firmly thereto. I also form a small
lug on top of the said bridge in the centre to which I connect by a bolt and nut
the upper back stay which is made adjustable in length as hereinbefore described
to provide for the chain adjustment. When the chain is adjusted the lower end
of the plungers is loosened on the bottom back tube of the bicycle, and the upper
back stay is disconnected from the bridge on the upper end of the plungers, when
the spring device and wheel can be moved in the required direction for tightening
or slackening the chain, the upper back stay being afterwards adjusted in length
to suit the altered position of the said spring device. By thus connecting the
plungers at their lower end to the said bottom back tube of the velocipede and also
at their upper end to the said upper back stay, instead of the connection with the
frame being only at the top of the said plungers as before, in addition to the upper
back stay doing its duty as a weight support it obviates the strain on the plungers
of the said spring devices and does away with the necessity for the sliding con-
nection between the extensions of the bearing boxes and the small bracket attached
to the frame of the machine.
Under another modification, in connecting the upper end of the plungers to the
upper back stay when the spring device is in the single form with only one plunger,
I reduce the upper part as before and form a screw thereon for about an inch and
a half of its length on which I screw a lug which projects at right angles with the
plunger on the side next to the said stay, a capped nut being screwed on the top
to bear on the said lug. I then form a knuckle joint on the end of the adjustable

page_text: for
part of the upper back stay and secure it by a bolt and nut to the said projecting
lug, the adjustment of the chain being performed as last described. I modify this
mode of adjusting the chain by connecting the said stay to the plunger as last
described but the stay is not made adjustable in length, the knuckle joint being
brazed direct thereto, the said adjustment being provided for by further extending
the length of the screwed part of the plunger to about twice the length of the
tubular part of the said lug, at each end of which I fit a nut on the plunger to bind
on the lug, the bore of which is not screwed, a capped nut being fitted on the top
of the plunger as before. When the spring device is moved backward or forward
in adjusting the chain the nuts abutting on either end of the said lug are loosened,
when it can be slid up or down the plunger carrying the said stay with it and
altering its angle to suit the altered position of the said spring device. Under
another modification I screw a lug on the upper part of the plunger in the same way
as last previously described having a slotted plate formed thereon with its edge
uppermost and projecting on the side next the said upper back stay of the bicycle,
the slot being at right angles with the plunger, a capped nut being also fitted on
the latter to bear on the lug and acting as a lock nut. I then fit and braze a
knuckle joint on the stay and fit it over the slotted plate the bolt passing
through the slot, and the central part of the knuckle joint bearing
on the top edge of the said plate. When the bolt is loosened
adjusting the chain the spring device can be moved backward or forward, the
slotted plate sliding in the knuckle joint. I also fit the slotted plate for the same
purpose directly over the top of the plunger taking the place of the capped nut, the
said plate being formed on the top of the screwed lug instead of on the side thereof.
I sometimes fit and braze the said slotted plate in the end of the said upper back
stay and screw on to the top of the plunger the flat slotted lug hereinbefore
described in which the slotted plate may be fitted and secured by the bolt and nut
for the same purpose. Under a further modification I connect the upper back
stay by screwing on to the top of the plunger the split lug or clip hereinbefore
described in which I fit either the stay itself bent at the end to the required angle
or a suitable arm brazed in or on the said stay which is secured in the clip by
a bolt and nut, to be loosened for chain adjustment. I also fit and braze to the
upper back stay the lug T hereinbefore mentioned with reference to my Patent
No. 19460 of 1895, when I screw on the plunger the part which fits in the lug and
secures it thereto with its nut, a capped nut above it also acting as a lock nut. Re-
ferring again to my improvements in fitting the lower end of the plungers of the
said spring devices to the frame of the velocipede, instead of cranking down the
ends of the bottom bracket back tubes to the required position I braze thereon a lug
with a projection on its under side in which I braze a tube in about a vertical position
which extends down to the level of the lower end of the plungers. I then braze on
the end of the vertical tube the tubular part herein before described formed on the
end of the said lug T, in which the lower end of the plungers are fitted, or I braze
on the said tube in a similar way a tubular part formed on the end of the slotted
plate or on the plain or screwed arm on which the plungers are likewise fitted as
before described. When required I fit on the front of the said vertical tube a
small stay extending from its lower end, at an angle, to the bottom bracket back
stay, and I sometimes fit the vertical tube at a considerable angle and dispense with
the small stay. Under a further modification I braze the lower end of the plungers
in a tubular part formed on a lug the other end of which has a similar tubular
part which I braze on the lower end of the said vertical tube the upper end of
which I braze in a projection formed on the under side of the split lug or clip here-
inbefore described in which I fit the end of the bottom bracket back tube of the
bicycle. When the chain is adjusted the bolt is loosened in the said clip and also
either of the connections between the upper end of the plungers and the upper
back stay, when the vertical tube and spring device carrying the wheel with it can
be moved backward or forward along the said bottom back tube for tightening
or slackening the said chain. In order to facilitate the adjustment I may form a

page_text: screw on the bottom back tube and fit a nut at each end of the clip or I may fit
my screwed sleeve adjustment to the said clip for the same purpose. I also form
on the end of the bottom back stay of the velocipede the slotted plate hereinbefore
described on which I fit the flat slotted lug secured thereto by the bolt and nut,
and in a projection on the under side of the lug I braze the top of the said vertical
tube, the chain in this case being adjusted as before. I sometimes braze on the end
of the bottom back tube the lug T herein before mentioned and braze on the top
of the vertical tube a collar with the flange and square part formed thereon to fit
in and bear on the under side of the said lug, a nut screwed on the top thereof
securing the vertical tube in the lug, the nut being loosened for chain adjustment.
When necessary I fit a small stay on the front of the said vertical tube to strengthen
it as before, but in this case its upper end is connected to the bottom back tube
by a split lug or clip with bolt and nut which are loosened so that it may slide
along the said bottom back tube with the vertical tube and spring device when the
chain is adjusted.
I sometimes provide for adjusting the chain, when the spring devices are used in
the single form with only one plunger connected at its lower end to the bottom
of the said vertical tube in the manner last described, by lengthening the part in
which the axle is fixed and forming therein a slot instead of a hole to enable the
axle when its nut is loosened to be slid along the slot in the required direction for
tightening or slackening the said chain, in which case the top of the vertical tube is
brazed to the end of the bottom back stay of the bicycle as hereinbefore described
or I dispense with the vertical tube and crank down the said bottom back stay to
the required level and braze direct thereto the lug connected to the plunger, a
collar being screwed on the upper part of the plunger above which collar and to
rest thereon I fit a plain eye brazed on the upper back stay which is secured to the
plunger by a nut. By connecting the plungers of the spring devices, when used in
the single form, at their lower end to the bottom bracket back tubes in the manner
herein before described the cross-piece or screw on which the lower end of the spring
bears requires to be fitted higher up the plunger which leaves a space in the said
plunger below the cross-piece of about two inches in which I insert a coil spring
to prevent the bottom of the slot in the plunger coming in contact with the under
side of the said cross-piece or screw when the weight is taken off the bicycle and
the springs cease to be in compression. When the said spring is inserted in the
plunger from below I close it with a capped nut on which the spring bears at its
lower end. In the various arrangements herein before described for preventing
or obviating the strain on the plungers of the said spring devices all the additional
exposed sliding surfaces either on the plungers or on the tubular extensions of
the bearing boxes are covered by the corrugated rubber tubes fitted at their ends
in the recessed collars formed on or fitted to the opposing shoulders or flanges of
the said sliding surfaces for excluding the dirt as described in my Patent No. 19460
of 1895.
Referring to my improvements in the said spring devices one of the said
improvements has reference to the construction of the spring device shown
in Fig. 3 of my Patent No. 5589 of 1883. I apply the spring device in the single
form to the driving wheels of rear driving safety bicycles and fit the plunger at its
lower end to the bottom back tube in the manner herein before described, but in
order to admit of the plunger extending below the tubular extension of the bearing
box or part in which the axle is fixed I dispense with the screwed plug on the
flange of which the lower end of the spring bears and reduce the end of the said
extension of the bearing box on which smaller part I form a screw and screw
thereon up to the shoulder or recessed collar or flange having a hexagon formed
thereon in which I braze a tube which extends up the length of the extension of
the bearing box and fits at the top round the tubular part of same, the spring, which
occupies the same position as formerly, being enclosed by the said tube and bearing
at its lower end on the said flange. The upper end of the spring abuts as before on
the crosspiece, but I now place a coil spring above the said cross-piece to prevent

page_text: metallic contact between it and the top of the slot in the extension of the bearing
box when the weight is taken off the bicycle. Under a modification of this
improvement in the construction of the said spring device, when the plungers are
not connected to the frame of the velocipede at the lower end I dispense entirely
with the screwed collar or flange on which the spring bears and form a screw on
the tubular part of the bearing box immediately below the axle and also inside
the top of the said tube which I screw thereon by means of a hexagon formed
on the top of the tube, a solid bottom being formed on its lower end, which
bottom has a recess on the inside in which the end of the tubular extension of the
bearing box fits for the purpose of holding the tube steady in its correct central
position, the lower end of the spring bearing on the said bottom of the tube which
sustains the full pressure of same.
Another improvement in the said spring devices has reference to the construction
of that shown in Fig. 4 in my last mentioned patent which I apply in the single
form to the driving wheels of rear driving safety bicycles and fit the plunger at its
lower end to the bottom. back tube in the manner herein before described, but
instead of the bearing box or part in which the axle is fixed being at the upper
end of its tubular extension as hitherto, I braze the said bearing box in a position
thereon that is about midway of its length, the chief advantage being that the
points of connection between either end of the plunger and the frame of the
machine are about an equal distance above and below the axle of the wheel, another
advantage is that the connection between the plunger and the bottom bracket back
tube does not require to be so far below the wheel centre, a third advantage is that
the spring can be made much longer and at the same time extra room is provided
for fitting a coil spring above the cross-piece to prevent metallic contact between
same and the extension of the bearing box above it.
When I connect the lower end of the plunger of the spring device shown
in Fig. 6 of my Patent No. 19460 of 1895 to the bottom back tube of the bicycle,
I preferably braze the bearing box or part in which the axle is fixed in a central
position on its tubular extension as herein before described and for the attainment
of the first two advantages hereinbefore mentioned.
A further improvement in the said spring devices has reference to Figs. 1
and 7 of my Patent No. 5589 of 1883 and to Figures 6, 7, and 11 of my
Patent No. 19460 of 1895 the object of the said improvement being
to get as long a spring as possible so that it occupies the whole length of the
spring device. In carrying out this part of my invention I dispense with the
screwed plugs on which the springs rest at the bottom of the tubular extensions
of the bearing box and with the cross-pieces or pins and plates fixed therein and
also with the slots in the plungers, and in the bottom of the said tubular extensions
I fit the flange of a very thin tube of a size to fit the inside of the plunger, the
tube extending up the plunger preferably to within such a distance of the top as
represents the amount of play allowed to the springs. Inside the said tube I fit
the spring which extends from the bottom to above the top thereof and bears on the
top of the inside of the plunger, the object in fitting the said thin tube being to
equalize as much as possible from end to end the size of the cylindrical chamber in
which the spring is located, without which tube the spring would lose its vertical
position at the lower end and break by catching on the descending plunger. In
order to prevent the plungers coming out of the tubular extensions of the bearing
boxes I attach the upper end of the spring to the top of the plunger and if it
is solid and enclosed at the top I preferably fit therein a small bolt in a vertical
hole made central therewith the bolt having a nut to bind on the outside of the
top of the plunger, the lower end passing through the end of the spring, which
has a small central coil, and being provided with a nut to bind thereon, or a
slight flange or head may be formed on the said bolt in lieu of the said nut. The
lower end of the spring bears on the inside of a capped nut screwed on the bottom
of the extension of the bearing box to which the spring is connected preferably
by a small bolt with a broad flange fitting in a recess in the said capped nut, the

page_text: top of the flange bearing on the bottom of the said additional tube, the bolt passing
through the small centre coil of the spring and being furnished with a small nut
to bind thereon. When the top of the plunger is open and covered by a capped
nut I preferably connect the top of the spring thereto in the manner described
with reference to the lower end of the extension of the bearing box. Under a
modification of this improvement I dispense with the additional tube in which
the spring is located and fit instead thereof and partly for the same purpose a small
tube about the same length through the centre of the spring and of a size to fit
properly therein and having a flange at the lower end which is fitted in the
bottom of the extension of the bearing box as before, the capped nut bearing
thereon. As the spring fits properly on the said small tube it cannot get out of
its correct vertical and central position at the part below the plunger, the end of
which is rounded on the inside making it impossible for the spring to catch as the
said plunger descends. To prevent the plungers coming out of the tubular
extensions of the bearing boxes I fit a small rod from the inside in a vertical hole
in the top of the plunger and central therewith, a small flange being formed near
the end of the rod which is fitted with a nut to bind on the outside, or if the plunger
is open at the top and covered by a capped nut the said flange at the top of the.
rod may be larger to bear on the top of the plunger the capped nut binding on the
flange. The top of the said small tube is covered and has a hole in the centre
through which the said rod passes extending down the tube to about the level of
the bottom of the plunger, a small nut with a flange formed thereon being screwed
on the end of the rod, the flange fitting the tube, in which and above the said
flange I interpose a small coil spring which prevents metallic contact between the
flange of the small nut and the top of the said tube when the weight is taken off
the springs.
Another improvement in the said spring devices having reference to all the
figures last mentioned provides means for putting the springs in tension instead of
their being in compression as arranged hitherto, a spring in tension being given
the preference to by many makers of velocipedes. Under one arrangement I fit the
cross-pin or screw in the highest position possible in the tubular extension of
the bearing box or part in which the axle turns or is fixed, the slot in the plunger
being proportionately high, and on the said screw I fit an eye formed on the upper
end of the spring, its lower end having a similar eye. I then preferably screw
a recessed plug in the lower end of the plunger, the said plug having a hole made
transversely therein in which I fit a pin across the recess, the eye at the lower end
of the spring being located in the said recess and fitting on the said pin. When
the plunger descends in the tubular extension of the bearing box the spring will
be put in tension, its upper end being held by the said crosspin or screw fixed
in the said extension of the bearing box. In the case of the plungers being
connected at the lower end to the bottom back tubes of the bicycle I dispense with
the removable recessed plug and fit a cross-pin or screw direct to the plunger from
the outside for connecting thereto the lower end of the spring. Under a modifica-
tion of the improvement herein before last described I dispense with the crosspins
or screws and the slots and screw a plug in the lower end of the plunger having
a hexagon end projecting therefrom and a hole through the centre, the other end
inside the plunger being provided with an extension which is about one third
the size of the other part the said extension which is screwed fitting in a small
central coil formed at the lower end of the spring, a small but deep nut being
fitted on the extension to bind on the inside of the said coil. I then fit to slide in
the screwed plug and its extension a rod about the length of the extension of the
bearing box which passes up through the spring and a small central coil at the
upper end, a nut being fitted on the end of the rod above and below the said coil
to bind thereon, the lower part of the said rod having a shoulder formed on it,
the end being screwed and furnished with a small nut and fitting in a hole in the
centre of the capped nut at the bottom of the tubular extension of the bearing box,
the small nut binding on the outside of the capped nut. When the plunger

page_text: descends with its screwed plug sliding down the rod the spring is put in tension,
the upper end of the spring being supported by the said rod.
A further modification of my improvements for putting the springs in tension
has reference to Figs. 4 5 and 6 of my Patent No. 4548 of 1881, in carrying out
which instead of the cross-piece and slots being at the upper part of the plungers
and the extension of the bearing box they are each situated at the lower end
thereof, the spring having an eye formed at both ends each eye being fitted on a
cross-pin or screw the one at the upper end fitting in a hole in the bearing box
immediately under the axle and across the top of the recess in which the spring
is situated and the pin or screw at the lower end fitting in holes at the extreme
end of the plungers, the screw extending across the said recess from one plunger to
the other, the ends of the plungers being preferably made solid by brazing pieces
therein to afford a proper hold for the said screw. When the plungers descend
carrying the cross-pin or screw down with it the spring is put in tension, its
upper end being supported by the cross-pin or screw above. In each of the
arrangements herein before described for putting the springs in tension there is no
need to make any provision for preventing metallic contact between different parts
of the mechanism as heretofore when the weight is taken off the springs, as, on
account of the closeness of their coils, they do that duty of themselves.
Another improvement relating to the spring devices in my Patent No. 5589
of 1883, and in my Patent No. 19460 of 1895, and also to the improved spring
devices herein before described, has reference to the mode of attachment of the
said spring devices when used in the single form with only one plunger to the
axles of velocipedes, by which mode or means of attachment the said spring devices
in the single form can be fitted direct on the end of the axle and central therewith
instead of being as hitherto on one side thereof. In carrying out this part of
my invention I fit and preferably braze on the single tubular extension of the
bearing box and in lieu thereof a cylindrical part which has formed thereon
two short arms at right angles with the said tubular extension which arms spread
out resembling two sides of a triangle, their ends terminating in a flat plate
formed thereon at right angles with them and extending upward about an inch
parallel with the spring device. In the centre of the said plate is a hole in which
the axle is fitted, the nut being screwed thereon in the space between the plate.
and the spring device to bear on the former, thus securing the said spring device
to the said axle, the one being in a direct line and perfectly central with the other
the result being that the spring devices thus fitted in the single form work more
perfectly and freely. In order to readily detach the spring device from the axle
without entirely removing the nut I make an opening on the under side of the
hole in the said plate between the said arms through which opening the axle can
be removed or replaced with facility, and when the spring device is fitted to the
driving wheel of velocipedes the adjustment of the chain can, if desired, be
provided for by forming in the plate in lieu of the hole a slot at right angles with
the plunger, along which slot when the nut is loosened the axle can be moved
backward or forward for tightening or slackening the said chain. Another
improvement in the spring devices in my three patents herein before mentioned
and also in the improved spring devices herein before described has reference to
excluding the dirt from the sliding parts of the said spring devices and their
connections and in carrying out this part of my invention I form or fit on the
opposing shoulders of the said sliding surfaces flanges of a cup-like shape, the
said opposing shoulders being under cut preferably of a square section, and
extending a quarter of an inch or more in front of the said flanges and I then
make the ends of the corrugated rubber tubes that I have always used for covering
the sliding surfaces of a shape to fit close in to the under cut part of the
shoulders and in the cup-like flanges, the ends of the rubber tubes being formed
over spring rings or it may be solid rings so that when the said ends are forced
over the shoulders the said rings will compress them into the said under cut parts
B

page_text: and flanges, thus securely fixing them and excluding all dirt from the sliding
surfaces, the flanges also rendering it impossible for the rubber tubes to be forced
out of their place when very much crushed up under the action of the springs.
Instead of the said rings being moulded in the ends of the rubber tubes I some-
times dispense with them and use instead thereof a divided metal ring with two
small blocks at the ends drawn together by a small screw, the ring being
preferably fitted on the outside of the said corrugated tubes, their ends being
furnished with raised edges to keep the said rings in their proper position. 1
also fit the corrugated rubber tubes with the extensions fitting in the recessed
collars described in my Patent No. 19460 of 1895, but with the recess under cut
preferably of a square section and on the extensions of the corrugated tubes I
form a suitable flange to fit in the said under cut part. Under a further modifica-
tion I secure the corrugated rubber tubes with the aid of their extensions and the
recessed collars by forming a screw down the inside of the recess in which I screw
an internal collar which fits round the extension of the rubber tube and bears on
a flange formed on the end of the said extensions. By securing the corrugated
rubber tubes in the manner herein before described the said spring devices are
rendered air-tight and I sometimes fit thereto in any suitable way a valve of the
ordinary kind now in use for inflating pneumatic tyres, by which means I pump
compressed air into the said spring devices for the purpose of making them either
partially or wholly pneumatic, in which case I strengthen the said rubber tubes
preferably by lining them with canvas to enable them to stand the air pressure.
Instead of using the corrugated rubber tubes for excluding the dirt from the
sliding parts of the spring devices I sometimes fit to their opposing shoulders
with the aid of the recessed collars and with or without the screwed internal
collars or in any other suitable way, metal tubular covers consisting of a series
of short tubes about 2 inch in length which telescope each other, the outside and
largest one preferably being in the centre, two smaller ones being fitted therein
one at each end and two again in like manner in those and so on until the tubular
cover is the required length when it resembles a barrel in form, the end and
smallest tubes being connected to the said opposing shoulders of the sliding
surfaces, and to prevent the tubes coming apart and to keep them in position I
preferably fit two pins at opposite sides in each tube, except the centre one,
projecting outward and fitting to slide in two longitudinal slots formed down the
tube that is outside it, including the centre one, and if required I may also fit
inside the tubes close to them and having the same barrel like form a spiral spring
with preferably the same number of coils each of which are loosely connected at
two or more points to each tube at opposite sides being sprung into small
projections formed inside the said tubes. When the spring devices are in action
the telescoping tubes will slide in each other the projecting pins on the outside
sliding in the slots and the spring inside keeping the tubes regular and even in
their position. Instead of using plain tubes I may use recessed tubes which may
be in form like one tube in another of the same length with a space between and
joined at one end the longitudinal section of one side of the recessed or double
tube being like a long U. In this case the recessed tube in the centre of the
tubular cover is preferably that thickest and longest and has an opening or recess
at each end in which a thinner recessed tube fits and in those in turn a still
thinner recessed tube fits and so on as before, and I may fit very short springs in
the recesses under each recessed tube instead of a spring inside the tubular cover
for the same purpose.
Instead of tubes I sometimes use a spiral cover with inside and outside spiral
of a section, the inside spiral having its hollow part outwards and the outside
spiral with its hollow part reversed fitting in the other, the one spiral working in
the other being compressed or lengthening under the action of the spring devices
and being connected to each opposing shoulder at their ends.
Referring to that part of my invention which relates to fitting the spring

page_text: devices to the main axles of tricycles and other similar velocipedes I rigidly
connect together the extensions of the bearing boxes that are at each end of the
said axle by preferably brazing thereon about midway of their length suitable
lugs furnished with projections at right angles with the spring devices and on
the sides facing each other, in or on which projections I braze a tube either
straight or, if necessary, cranked in the centre to free the gear box, the said
tube extending from one wheel to the other, the object in thus rigidly connecting
the tubular extensions of the bearing boxes together being to take the strain off
the said main axle, which strain in consequence of the axle being divided at the
central part is very great when there is a yielding connection between the bear-
ings and the frame instead of the usual rigid connection, the additional strain in
this case being borne by the said tube instead of the axle. Another part of my
invention relating to improved means for fitting chain gear cases to velocipedes
has for its object to connect the said gear case to the machine in such a way that
it will always be fixed or held firmly in its correct position central and true
latterally with the gear wheels and chain, thus preventing the very objectionable
noise so commonly caused by their touching and rubbing against the inside of
the gear case. In carrying out my invention I form or fit on the bottom bracket
or part which holds the bearing of the crank axis of the velocipede, as, for
example, in the case of a rear driving safety bicycle, a broad spreading flange or
disc the face of which I make perfectly true with the said bottom bracket and
crank axis, and round the said flange preferably near the edge I make a suitable
number of holes for attaching one side of the gear case by means of screws or
small bolts and nuts, the flange thus affording a firm and solid foundation for the
said gear case. When the gear case is made of slight or flimsy material I
strengthen it preferably with a circular metal plate rivited or otherwise secured
thereto on the side which lays against the flange, and I preferably form or fix on
the said metal plate, or on the gear case itself if of strong and rigid construction,
screwed pins or projections to fit in the holes in the said flange, which pins I
furnish with nuts to bear on the back of the flange and secure the gear case
thereto. When the gear case is made to open in two halves like many now in use
or is made in two or more parts, I cut through the edge of the flange at the holes
and at suitable angles so as to admit of the said gear case being readily removed
by merely loosening the nuts without removing them from the screwed pins or
projections, and when the said metal plate is fitted to such gear cases it may also
be divided into two or more parts as required. For the attachment of the gear
case at the other end by the wheel axle I fit on the said axle a disc between the
cone of the ball bearing or hub and a collar with flat and perfectly true ends
interposed between the said disc and the end of the bottom bracket back tube, or
the collar may be formed on the disc which is perfectly true latterally and in its
position as described is clamped firm and solid by the nut on the axle end. To
the said disc I fit one side of the gear case in the same way as hereinbefore
described with reference to the other side at the crank axis, and as both the said
flange at one end of the gear case and the said disc at the other end are perfectly
true latterally with the gear wheels, and as the said gear case is firmly and
securely held thereby in its correct central position with the chain, it is quite
impossible for the gear case so fitted to be moved from that position or for either
side of it to touch any of the mechanism it encloses, unless the gear case is very
much damaged in itself and bent out of shape by being subjected to extremely
rough usage.
In fitting gear cases as hereinbefore described I do not embed
therein the bottom back tube of the bicycle but form an elongated hole through the
gear case from side to side to free it of the said tube and to allow the said gear
case without any hindrance to find its true position on the face of the flange on
the one side and disc on the other when drawn up thereto by the nuts or screws.
I also fit to the velocipede the two pairs of discs described in my Patent No. 19460
of 1895 for fitting chain gear cases in combination with my spring devices, in

page_text: the manner hereinbefore described with the aid of the broad flange on the
bottom bracket to the face of which flange I connect one side of one of the pairs
of discs by screwed pins or projections formed thereon and nuts or by screws, and
one of the other pair of discs at the wheel end of the gear case I fit directly to the
axle in the same way as the disc fitted thereto hereinbefore described the
advantages being the same as herein before stated.
My invention relating to the application of breaks for velocipedes has reference
to connecting them to the break-lever on the handle bar and to the break
mechanism at the lower end of the break rod in such a way that the steering does
not affect them, and in carrying out my invention I fit to slide easily inside the
tubular steering post of the velocipede at the lower end a cylindrical piece or
tubular part to which I connect the break rod preferably by fitting it to turn or
screwing it in a hole in the centre the said rod passing up the tubular steering
post to the top of the handle bar at which point and through a hole central there-
with I connect it to the break-lever the end of which is brought over the said hole
central with the steering, but I sometimes form a longitudinal slot in the side
of the steering post under the handle bar and next to the break-lever in which
slot I fit its end and connect it to the top of the break rod inside the steering
post there being a swivelling connection in each case between the rod and break
lever so as to prevent any strain on the parts in steering.
The lower end of the said cylindrical piece or the rod itself I connect to the
break in any suitable way through the hole in the bottom of the steering post
under the arch of the fork.
When the break is operated the break rod descends in the steering post carrying
the sliding cylindrical piece with it, the rod swivelling at its upper end when the
machine is steered and the said cylindrical or tubular piece keeping the rod in
its correct central position in the steering post so that the break action is not
affected by the said steering.
Under a modification of this arrangement when the break is in the rear part
of the velocipede and can be operated by a pull from the front about horizontally,
instead of the connection between it and the said rod or cylindrical piece which
slides in the steering post being under the arch of the fork I preferably fit to the
side of the said cylindrical piece at right angles therewith a removable projection
which fits in and protrudes through a slot formed longitudinally in the lower
part of the back of the tubular head of the velocipede, the said removable
projection being connected to the horizontal arm of a bell crank lever suitably
fitted to hinge behind the said head. An elongated hole of considerable width
is also made in the back of the steering post to make room for the said projection
and allow side play in steering, and I preferably strengthen that part of the
steering post on the inside thereof.
In operating the break the rod descends in the steering post as before, carrying
with it the sliding cylindrical piece and its projection which slides down in the
wide elongated hole in the steering post and the slot in the head of the velocipede
in which it fits, so depressing the horizontal arm of the bell crank lever to which
it is connected, and on which it hinges.
When the machine is steered the said projection on the side of the cylindrical
piece holds the said cylindrical piece in one position laterally, the steering post
turning on the cylindrical piece and being permitted to do so on account of the
width of the wide elongated hole formed therein, the lower end of the break
rod also turning in the cylindrical piece as well as at its upper end, or it may turn
at one end only, and in this arrangement of the break connections the mechanism
as before is not affected or strained by the steering.
Dated thin 5th day of Tu 1907

page_text: Improvements in Velocipedes.
I, SAMUEL HALL, of 56, St. Augustine's Road, Camden Square, in the County
of Middlesex, Watchmaker, 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:-
My invention relating to "Improvements in Velocipedes" has for its object to
provide improved means for preventing or obviating the strain caused by the pull
of the chain on the plungers of spring devices arranged according to three former
inventions of mine forming part of the subject matter of Letters Patent No. 4548
of 1881, of Letters Patent No. 5589 of 1883, and of Letters Patent No. 19460 of
1895, when applied to the driving wheels of velocipedes in combination with
improvements in fitting the said plungers to the frames of such machines and
adjusting the chain and in the construction of the rear part of the frame of the
velocipede adjacent to the spring devices, and likewise to improvements in the said
spring devices and in fitting them to the main axles of tricycles and similar
velocipedes, also to provide improved means for applying the breaks.
And in order that my said invention may be clearly understood I shall now
proceed to particularly describe the same and for that purpose shall refer to the
several figures on the accompanying sheets of drawings wherein the same letters
of reference indicate corresponding parts.
In carrying out my invention for the purpose of preventing or obviating the
strain caused by the pull of the chain on the plungers of the spring devices
arranged according to my three former inventions when applied to the driving
wheels of velocipedes in combination with improvements in fitting the said
plungers to the frames of such machines and adjusting the chain and in the con-
struction of the rear part of the frame of the velocipede adjacent to the spring
devices, as, for example, in the case of a rear-driving safety bicycle or a tricycle
with a similar single driving wheel I proceed as follows and as illustrated in
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, each figure representing a
sectional elevation of part of the back of the bicycle or tricycle one side only being
shown and described.
Figure 1 illustrates some of my improvements in combination with the spring
device shown in Figures 4 and 5 of my Patent No. 4548 of 1881, which I preferably
arrange to receive one spring instead of two. At the lower end of the extension A
of the bearing box or part in which the axle B is fitted I preferably braze in the
cylindrical recess in which the spring C is situated the tube A¹ which extends
about four inches below the bottom of the extension A of the bearing box and is
provided with a screwed plug or bottom D for the spring C to bear on which
extends down the full length of the tube A¹. Fitted to slide on the tube A¹ is
a second and shorter tube E having a capped nut F at its lower end to exclude the
dirt from the interior and on the upper part I form or braze the screwed pin or
bolt G of my screwed sleeve adjustment H described with reference to Figure 3
in my Patent No. 19460 of 1895 for preventing the strain on the plungers
and adjusting the chain. I fit the top I of the plungers J in the lug K in
the manner described with reference to the said Figure 3, but instead of
the bracket L to which the screwed sleeve adjustment H is fitted being con-
nected to the frame of the velocipede in the way shown in the said figure and
instead of the tube of the said frame being bent up to connect it to the lug K
I construct the lower part of the frame adjacent to the spring device in a special
way with a view to greater strength and rigidity. At the end of the lug K
I form a tubular part K¹ in which I preferably braze a vertical tube M which

page_text: extends downwards to the level of the bottom bracket back stay N of the bicycle
in or on the end of which I preferably braze a lug O which has a bore 0¹ similar
to that of the lug above it and in which I braze the said tabe M which extends
below the lug O and has brazed in or on its end the bracket L which carries the
screwed sleeve adjustment H herein before mentioned. In order to guard against
the lower part of the tube M bending with the pull of the chain I strengthen it
when necessary by brazing a small stay P at an angle on the front thereof, each
end of the said stay preferably being provided with tubular lugs P1 and P2 formed
thereon or brazed therein, the lug PI being also preferably brazed on the tube M
and the lug P2 on the bottom back stay N of the bicycle. On the top of the
lug K I form or preferably braze a small lug K2 to which I connect by a bolt Q
the lower end of the back stay R of the bicycle. When the driving wheel plays
up and down under the action of the springs the tube A¹ slides in the tube E con-
nected to the screwed pin or bolt G of my screwed sleeve adjustment and so
prevents the strain on the plungers J of the said spring device arising from the
pull of the chain when power is applied at the driving axes S for propelling the
velocipede.
I also fit for the same purpose the said tube E herein before described, in com-
bination with my screwed sleeve adjustment, to slide on the tubular extensions
of the bearing boxes of the spring devices described in my Patent No. 5589 of
1883 and in my Patent No. 19460 of 1895, in order to admit of which I remove
all projections from the exterior of the said tubular extensions to afford suitable
sliding surfaces.
Referring to Figure 2, in combination with the herein before described arrange-
ments for preventing the strain on the plungers of the spring devices herein before
mentioned I sometimes use for adjusting the chain a modification of my screwed
sleeve adjustment in which case I dispense with the sleeve and fit the screwed
pin G direct to the bracket L in a plain hole with a nut H at each end to bind
thereon, which nuts are loosened to admit of the screwed pin G being moved
backward or forward when the chain requires adjusting. In another modification
I dispense with the nuts, as shown in Figure 3, and fit the pin G plain (not
screwed) in the said bracket which I make split in the form of a clip L₁ provided
with a bolt T to bind and hold the pin G firmly therein, which bolt T is loosened
for adjusting the chain, when the pin G is slid backward or forward in the clip L¹.
I also connect the tube E to the said bracket for preventing the strain on the
plungers of the said spring devices and provide for the adjustment of the chain
as shown in Figure 4 by forming on the said tube E in lieu of the pin G a flat
plate G¹ provided down its centre with a longitudinal slot U. Under this modi-
fication the bracket L³ is flat and square in form of a suitable shape to receive
the flat plate G¹ which fits edge uppermost in a narrow slot (indicated by dotted
lines) cut through the bracket from back to front, a bolt T preferably furnished
with a nut being fitted in a hole in its centre and through the longitudinal slot U
in the plate G₁ to bind it in the said bracket which is made slight in substance
and compressible for that purpose, the bolt and nut being loosened if the chain
requires to be adjusted, when the plate G can be slid backward or forward in the
bracket without any hindrance from the bolt T by reason of the slot U.
In reference to Figure 5 showing another arrangement for adjusting the chain
in combination with the sliding tube E for preventing the strain on the plungers J
of the said spring devices I provide for the chain adjustment on the said tube E
instead of in the said bracket. I braze on the bottom of the tube M a similar
lug KK¹ to that on the top thereof and fit in the elongated square-sided hole of
the part K the sliding tube E in the same way as the top of the plunger J is
fitted in the said lug as described with reference to Figures 6 and 14 in my
Patent No. 19460 of 1895, a square part being formed on the said tube E and
also a flange next to and above the said square to bear on the top of the lug K,
a nut V being fitted on the tube E to bear on the under side of the said lug and
secure it thereto.

page_text: When the chain is to be adjusted the nut V is loosened the same as that on the
top of the plunger when the spring device and tube E can be moved backward or
forward along the lugs K for tightening or slackening the chain. It will be
seen that in this figure the small lug 2 to which is bolted the end of the back
stay R is formed on the lug K¹ directly over the tube M instead of on the lug K
as in Figure 1.
Instead of the arrangements herein before described for adjusting the chain and
preventing the strain on the plungers J of the said spring devices having a sliding
connection with the tubular extensions A of the bearing boxes they may be con-
nected with the lower end of the plungers J in a similar way as shown in Figure 4,
the plunger J being lengthened and the tube E being made much shorter as it
does not slide on the said plunger but plays up and down with it under the action
of the springs. In reference to the two figures last mentioned the small screw
plugs F in the bottom of the extension A of the bearing box are for the purpose
of excluding the dirt from the interior, and the capped nut D' seen in Figure 4
is screwed on to a projection formed on the bottom of the extension A the spring
bearing on the inside of the said capped nut, both the capped nut D¹ and screw
plugs being in lieu of the bottom piece formerly used.
Referring to my improvements in fitting the plungers of the said spring devices
to the frames of velocipedes at the same time providing for the chain adjustment,
instead of fitting the top of the plungers as described with reference to Figures 3,
5, 6 and 14 in my Patent No. 19460 of 1895, I proceed as follows:-
I fit and preferably braze the top of the plunger J, as shown in Figure 3, in
a round hole in a lug I, on or in a projection formed on the side of which lug
and at right angles with the plunger I braze a tube I2 which I fit horizontally in
a strong split lug or clip X similar to that herein before described provided with
a bolt to bind and hold the said tube 12 firmly therein, the bolt Q also securing
the end of the back stay R of the bicycle to the said clip X, and on the under
side thereof I form a tubular projection X' in which I fit and preferably braze_the
top of the tube M. When the chain is adjusted the bolt Q in the clip X is
loosened and also the adjustable parts of either of the arrangements hereinbefore
described or mentioned for preventing the strain on the plunger J, when the
tube I can be slid backward or forward in the clip X carrying the spring device
and wheel with it for tightening or slackening the chain. I sometimes form a
screw on the said tube 12 and fit two nuts thereon to bear on each end of the
clip X to facilitate the adjustment of the chain, and it is obvious that I may also
fit my screwed sleeve adjustment herein before mentioned in the said clip X on the
tube I (when screwed) for the same purpose.
According to another modification I fit the top of the plungers to the frame of
the velocipede as illustrated in Figure 2, which I will again refer to.
I form on
the top part I of the plungers J a flat square lug I³ with its edge uppermost, and
with a narrow slot (indicated by dotted lines) extending horizontally from back
to front formed therein similar to the small slotted bracket hereinbefore described
and having similarly fitted therein a slotted plate Y one end of which Y' I pre-
ferably make round and braze in the bore of the lug Z on the underside of which
I form a projection Z' in which I fit and preferably braze the top of the tube M,
an eye or small lug K2 being formed on the top of the lug Z to which the lower
end of the backstay R of the bicycle is fixed by the bolt Q. A bolt W preferably
furnished with a nut is fitted as before in a hole in the centre of the flat slotted
lug 13 and through the slotted plate Y to bind the said plate firmly in the said
lug. For the adjusting of the chain the bolt W is loosened together with the
adjustable parts of either of the herein before described or mentioned arrangements
for preventing the strain on the plungers J, when the lug I carrying the spring
device and wheel with it is slid along on the slotted plate Y in the direction
required for tightening or slackening the chain of the velocipede.
Under another modification I fit the top of the plungers of the said spring
devices to the frame of the velocipede as shown in Figure 4 which I will again

page_text: refer to. On the top part I of the plungers J I form a split lug or clip I' provided
with a bolt Q and fit in the said clip my screwed sleeve adjustment H hereinbefore
mentioned, the screwed arm b in the sleeve being fittted and brazed at one end in
the lug on the tube M. The back stay R is in this case made adjustable in
length, preferably by its lower end being screwed internally, into which is screwed
the eye R which is provided with a lock nut R2, the said eye being connected by
the bolt Q to the clip I*. When the chain is adjusted the bolt Q is loosened and
also the adjustable parts of either of the hereinbefore described or mentioned
arrangements for preventing the strain on the plungers J, the back stay R being
also disconnected at its upper end from the frame of the bicycle, when the clip I*
carrying the spring device and wheel with it can be moved along on the screwed
arm with the aid of the screwed sleeve adjustment H in the direction required
for tightening or slackening the chain, the length of the back stay R of the bicycle
afterwards being adjusted with the aid of the screwed eye R' and lock nut R² to
suit the altered position of the clip I4. I sometimes under this modification fit
the top part I of the plungers J to the frame of the velocipede with the aid of
the clip without my screwed sleeve adjustment when the screwed arm b is fitted
direct to the said clip two nuts being fitted thereon to bind on each end of the clip
to facilitate the chain adjustment, or I may fit the said arm b plain (not screwed)
in the said clip I. In fitting the plungers of the spring devices herein before
mentioned when used in the single form with only one plunger to the frame of the
velocipede according to the two modifications last described I sometimes make
the flat slotted lug 13 and the split lug or clip I removable from the top of the
plungers J in which case I form on the under side of the said lug I³ and of the
clip I a tubular part screwed internally to screw on to the top of the said plungers J
preferably up to a shoulder or flange. Again referring to Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5,
it will be seen that I sometimes dispense with the small stay P connected to the
tube M and bottom back stay N and crank down the said stay N and attach it
nearer to the lower end of the tube M for the purpose of preventing the bending
strain on the said tube M due to the pull of the chain in driving the velocipede.
In the various arrangements hereinbefore described for preventing the strain
on the plungers of the said spring devices and adjusting the chain the main object
of my invention is to simplify the construction of the mechanism for those purposes
arranged on and in combination with the sliding principle shown in Figure 3 of
my Patent No. 19460 of 1895, and in the following further modifications the
object of my invention is to still further simplify and cheapen the production and
also reduce the weight of those parts of the velocipede while at the same time the
strain on the plungers is effectually obviated. According to these arrangements I
connect the plungers at their lower end to the frame of the velocipede in the
position as shown in Figure 6 of my Patent No. 4548 of 1881, and in Figure 2 of
my Patent No. 5589 of 1883, but although the said plungers are in a similar
position I connect them in said position to the frame in other ways and for a
different purpose. Referring to Figures 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, under one modification
I crank down the end of the bottom bracket back stay. N of the bicycle to the level
of the lower end of the plungers J and fit them thereto in the manner hereinbefore
described and mentioned with reference to fitting the top of the said plungers to
the frame, and under another modification instead of cranking down the said
stay N I fit thereto a tube M¹ or M² which extends down to the level of the lower
end of the said plungers for the same purpose. In Figure the plunger J is brazed
in the part I of the clip I which is fitted direct on the stay N and held firmly
thereon by the bolt Q. I sometimes form a screw on the stay N and fit thereon
two nuts to bear at each end of the clip I to facilitate the chain adjustment, or I
may fit my screwed sleeve adjustment in the said clip for the same purpose as
shown in Figure 7 when in order that the several parts shall not be too large I
preferably fit the screwed sleeve H on the arm b instead of on the stay N and
braze the said arm at the tubular part b¹ on the end of the said stay. Figure 9
illustrates my improvement in fitting the lower end of the plunger J to the end of

page_text: the stay N by the aid of the lug K and nut V herein before mentioned, the part K³
which is tubular being preferably brazed on the stay N. I also fit the lower end
of the plungers J together with the part I and flat slotted lug I³ fitted on the
slotted plate Y and secured thereto by the bolt W shown in Figure 8 and herein-
before described, direct to the end of the stay N, when a tubular part is formed at
the end of the plate Y in or on which the said stay is fitted and preferably brazed,
or I may simply flatten the end of the tubular stay N and braze the flattened
parts together and so form the slotted plate Y. Under a modification of the
herein before described arrangements for fitting the lower end of the plungers to
the stay N I fit them instead in the same several ways to the tube M2 as shown in
Figure 8, the said tube which is curved the better to resist the pull of the chain,
being preferably brazed at its upper end in the lug O and also the part 01 of the
said lug is brazed on the stay N. When the tube brazed in the lug O is not
curved but vertical as the tube M' in Figure 10 I preferably fit the small stay P
on the front of the said tube as and for the purpose hereinbefore described with
reference to Figure 1.
Referring to Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 when I connect the plungers
of the said spring devices at their lower end to the bottom bracket back stay N of
the velocipede as herein before described I also connect the upper end of the said
plungers to the back stay R for which purpose I lengthen the plungers J con-
siderably so that they may extend the required distance above the bearing box or
part in which the axle B is fitted to allow for the play of the springs and if the
spring device is in the double form with two plungers as shown in Figure 8 1
reduce them in size for about an inch of their length thus forming a shoulder
and on the smaller part J¹ I form a screw on which I fit two removable flanges or
collars c screwed home to the said shoulders and fit above to rest on them a bridge a
on the screwed ends J¹ of the plungers J and also two nuts c¹ to fix it firmly
thereto, a small-lug Ke being formed on the top of the bridge a to which I connect
preferably by a knuckle R³ and the bolt Q the back stay R which is made
adjustable in length as hereinbefore described to provide for the chain adjustment.
When the chain is adjusted either of the adjustable parts for connecting the lower
end of the plungers to the stay N are loosened and the back stay R is disconnected
at its upper end or else from the lug K² on the bridge a on the upper end of the
plungers J when the spring device and wheel can be moved in the required
direction for tightening or slackening the chain the back stay R being afterwards
adjusted in length to suit the altered position of the said spring device. By thus
connecting the plungers at their lower end to the stay N and at their upper end
to the back stay R instead of their connection with the frame of the velocipede
being only at the top of the said plungers as before, in addition to the back stay R.
doing its duty as a weight support it effectually obviates the strain on the plungers-
of the said spring devices arising from the pull of the chain
Under another modification illustrated in Figure 10, when the spring device is
in the single form with only one plunger I fit on the smaller part J a screwed
lug K which is screwed home to the small shoulder of the plunger J and on the
side of the said lug I form the part K3 which is connected to the back stay R by
the knuckle R³ and bolt Q, a capped nut D¹ being screwed on the part J of the
plunger to bear on the lug K' acting as a lock nut the spring C bearing on the
inside thereof. The adjustment of the chain under this modification is performed
as last described. I modify this mode of adjusting the chain as shown in
Figure 7 by connecting the stay R to the plungers J as last described but the said
stay is not made adjustable in length, the knuckle R3 being brazed direct thereto,
the said adjustment being provided for by further extending the length of the
screwed part J¹ of the plunger J, the lug K, which is made shorter than the one
last described and has a plain bore, having a nut c¹ fitted at each end thereof on
the part J, a capped nut D' being fitted on the top as before, and the removable
flange or collar c with its hexagon part being screwed home to the small shoulder
of the plunger J.

page_text: When the spring device is moved backward or forward in adjusting the chain
the nuts c¹ abutting on either end of the lug K5 are loosened when it can be slid
up or down the part J of the plunger J carrying the said stay R with it thus
altering its angle to suit the altered position of the spring device. Under another
modification shown in Figure 11 I screw a lug K on the part J¹ of the plunger J
in the same way as last previously described having a slotted plate K6 formed
thereon with its edge uppermost on the side next to the back stay R, a capped
nut D¹ being screwed on the top of the part J to bear on the lug K' as before. I
then preferably braze a knuckle R³ on or in the end of the stay R and fit the said
knuckle over the slotted plate K6 the bolt Q passing through the slot U, and the
central part of the knuckle inside bearing on the top edge of the said plate Ko.
When the bolt Q is loosened for adjusting the chain the spring device can be
moved in the direction required the slotted plate K6 sliding in the knuckle R³.
Referring to Figure 12 I also fit the slotted plate K' for the same purpose
directly over the top of the plunger J taking the place of the capped nut the said
plate being formed on the top of the screwed lug K instead of on the side thereof.
Again referring to Figure 6 I sometimes fit for the same purpose and braze
the slotted plate R at the tubular part R5 formed thereon at a suitable angle to
the back stay R and screw on to the top of the plunger J in the manner last
described the screwed lug K' with the flat slotted lug K8 formed thereon herein-
before described in which I fit the slotted plate R' and secure it therein by the
bolt Q preferably furnished with a nut. Under a further modification as shown
in Figure 9, which I will again refer to, I connect the stay R to the top of the
plunger J by screwing thereon as before the screwed lug K with the split lug or
clip K herein before described formed thercon in which I fit either the stay R
itself bent at the end to the angle required or an arm Re formed on or brazed in
a small lug R7 in which lug the stay R preferably brazed, the arm R6 being
secured in the clip K9 by a bolt Q to be loosened for chain adjustment when the
said arm Re or end of the stay R can be slid along in the said clip. I also fit
to the back stay R to provide for chain adjustment as shown in Figure 13 the
lug K hereinbefore mentioned which has preferably formed at one end at a
suitable angle a tubular part K in which I preferably braze the stay R, a
removable flange or collar c being screwed on the part J at the top of the plunger,
the said part J indicated by dotted lines fitting in the elongated hole of the lug K,
the said lug resting on the collar c, a nut securing the said part J in the
lug K, the capped nut D¹ binding on the nut c¹ which are both loosened for chain
adjustment.
Referring again to my improvements in connecting the plungers J at their
lower end to the bottom bracket back stay N of the velocipede, instead of the parts
herein before described and mentioned for adjusting the chain being fitted direct
to the said plungers I sometimes fit the said adjustable parts to the said stay N
as illustrated in Figures 11, 12 and 13, which I will again refer to. I braze the
lower end of the plungers J in the lug I¹ at the other end of which lug in the
part Is I braze the vertical tube M', or the curved tube M³ in the part I, and on
the top of the said tubes I preferably braze the lug O on which I may form as 4
shown in Figure 12 the clip 02 in which I fit the stay N which is held firmly
therein by the bolt Q¹ the small stay P being fitted on the front of the tube M¹
as before described when necessary, but in this case it is made adjustable on the
stay N by the clip P³ and bolt Q2. When the chain is adjusted the bolt Q¹ is
loosened in the clip 02 and the bolt Q2 in the clip P³ and also either of the 5
adjustable connections between the upper end of the plungers J and the back
stay R are disconnected or loosened when the tube M and the spring device
carrying the wheel with it can be moved along the stay N in the direction required
for tightening or slackening the chain. In order to facilitate the adjustment I
may form a screw on the end of the stay N as before described and fit a nut at 5
each end of the clip 0³, or I sometimes fit my screwed sleeve adjustment H in the
said clip for the same purpose as shown in Figure 13. I also form or fit and

page_text: braze on the end of the stay N as hereinbefore described the slotted plate Y as
shown in Figure 11 on which I fit the flat slotted lug 03 formed on the lug O the
bolt W preferably furnished with a nut securing the slotted plate Y in the said
lug, the chain in this case being adjusted as before. I sometimes under this
modification braze to the end of the stay N the lug K preferably in the tubular
part K3 shown in Figure 9 and fit the top of the said tubes M or M³ in the said
lug in the same way as the top of the plungers are fitted therein as described with
reference to Figures 6 and 14 in my Patent No. 19460 of 1895, the nut fitted on
the top of the said tubes above the lug K for securing them thereto being loosened
when the chain requires to be adjusted. Referring to Figure 14 I sometimes
provide for adjusting the chain when the said spring devices are used in the single
form with only one plunger, connected at its lower end in the manner last
described either to the tube M¹ as shown or to the tube M³ or brazed in like
manner direct to the cranked down end of the stay N, by lengthening the part A²
in which the axle B is fitted and forming therein a slot d instead of a hole to
enable the axle B when its nut B₁ is loosened to be moved along the said slot in
the required direction for tightening or slackening the chain. In this case, as
the adjustable parts hereinbefore described may be dispensed with the stay N
is brazed in the part 0 of the lug O the tube M¹ being at a considerable angle
with the spring device the better to resist the pull of the chain in the absence of
the small stay P, a lug a¹ being brazed at the tubular part a² on the back stay R
and fitted on the part J of the plunger J to bear on the screwed flange or collar c
the stay being secured by the nut c. By connecting the plungers of the spring
devices when used in the single form at their lower end to the stay N in the
manner hereinbefore described the cross piece or screw e on which the lower end
of the spring C bears requires to be fitted higher up the plunger J which leaves a
space therein below the cross piece or screw e of about two inches in which I
insert a coil spring C₁ to prevent contact between the bottom of the slot f in the
plunger J and the under side of the screw e when the spring C ceases to be in
compression, the spring C¹ when inserted in the said plunger from below bearing
at its lower end on a capped nut 12 screwed on the end of the plunger J. I may
also use my herein before described arrangements for preventing or obviating the
strain on the plungers of the said spring devices without necessarily combining
with them any of my improvements for adjusting the chain, and although I have
only described my invention as applied to bicycles and tricycles it is equally
suitable for application to other velocipedes.
In the various arrangements herein before described for preventing or obviating
the strain on the plungers of the said spring devices all the additional exposed
sliding surfaces either on the plungers J or on the tubular extensions A and A¹
of the bearing boxes or part in which the axle B is fitted are covered by the corru-
grated rubber tubes y fitted at their ends in the recessed collars h formed on or
fitted to the opposing shoulders or flanges of the said sliding surfaces for excluding
the dirt as described in my Patent No. 19460 of 1895.
Referring to my improvements in the said spring devices hereinbefore mentioned
I proceed in the following manner and as illustrated in Figures 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13
and 14 already referred to and also in Figures 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,
23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29.
Some of the said improvements relate to the construction of the spring device
shown in Figure 3 of my Patent No. 5589 of 1883 which I apply in the single form
with only one plunger to the driving wheels of rear-driving safety bicycles as
illustrated in Figure 12 and connect the plunger J at its lower end to the bottom
bracket back stay N in the several ways herein before described, but in order to
admit of the said plunger extending below the tubular extension A of the bearing
box the screwed plug on the flange of which the lower end of the spring bears as
shown in the said Figure 3 is dispensed with, and I reduce the end of the said
extension A. on which smaller part A³ I form a screw and screw thereon up to
the shoulder a recessed collar or flange D³ having a hexagon formed thereon in

page_text: which I braze a tube i which extends up the length of the tubular extension A
and fits at the top round the part A of the bearing box immediately below the
axle, the spring C which occupies the same position as formerly being enclosed
by the tube i and bearing at its lower end on the flange or collar D³. The upper
end of the spring C abuts as before on the cross piece e¹, but I now place a spring C
above the said cross piece to prevent contact between it and the top of the slot f
in the extension A of the bearing box when the spring C ceases to be in compression.
Under a modification of this improvement in the construction of the said spring
device as illustrated in Figure 15 which represents a sectional elevation of part
of the front of a bicycle or tricycle one side only being shown and described, when
the said plungers are not connected to the stay N of the velocipede at their lower
end I dispense entirely with the screwed collar 13 on which the spring C bears
and form a screw on the part A4 of the bearing box immediately below the
axle and also inside the top of the tube which I screw on the part A* by
means of a hexagon ¹ formed on the said tube, a solid bottom 104
being formed or brazed at its lower end and having a recess provided
on the inside in which the end of the tubular extension A fits for the
purpose of holding the tube i steady in its correct central position-the lower end
of the spring C bearing on the bottom D of the tube i which sustains the full
pressure of same.
Another improvement in the said spring devices in part has
reference to the construction of that shown in Figure 4 of my last mentioned
patent which I apply in the single form with only one plunger to the driving
wheels of rear-driving safety bicycles as illustrated in Figure 9 and connect the
plunger J at its lower end to the bottom bracket back stay N in the several ways
herein before described, but instead of the bearing box or part in which the axle B
is fitted being at the upper end of its tubular extension A as hitherto I preferably
braze the tubular part A of the said bearing box in a position on the extension A
that is about midway of its length, the chief advantage of this improvement being
that the point of connection between either end of the plunger J and the frame
of the velocipede are about an equal distance above and below the axle of the
wheel, another advantage is that the connection between the plunger J and the
stay N does not require to be so far below the said axle B, a third advantage being
that the spring C can be made much longer and at the same time extra room is
provided for fitting a spring C above the cross piece el to prevent contact between
same and the internal part A5 of the extension A above it when the spring C ceases
to be in compression. When I connect the lower end of the plunger of the spring
device shown in Figure 6 of my Patent No. 19460 of 1895 to the bottom bracket
back stay N of the velocipede I preferably braze the tubular part. A of the bearing
box in a central position on its extension A as shown in Figures 7, 11, 13 and 14
and as herein before described, for the attainment of the first two advantages
herein before mentioned with reference to Figure 9.
In
A further improvement in the said spring devices has reference to Figures 1
and 7 of my Patent No. 5589 of 1883, and to Figures 6, 7 and 11 of my Patent
No. 19460 of 1895, the object of the said improvement being to get as long_a
spring as possible so that it occupies the whole length of the spring device.
carrying out this part of my invention I dispense with the screwed plugs on which
the springs rest at the bottom of the tubular extensions of the bearing box and
with the cross-pieces or pins and plates fixed therein, and also with the slots in
the plungers, and in the bottom of the said tubular extensions as illustrated in
Figure 16, which represents a sectional elevation of part of the front of a bicycle
or tricyle one side only being shown and described, I fit the flange j of a very thin
tube of a size to fit the inside of the plungers J to slide easily therein, the said
thin tube extending up the plungers preferably to within such a distance of the
top as represents the play allowed to the springs C, the tube 1 being secured
firmly at the bottom to the extensions A by the flange ; overlapping at its largest
part the end of the said extensions and the capped nut D¹ binding on the said
flange. Inside the tube I fit the spring C which extends from the bottom to

page_text: above the top thereof and bears on the inside of the top part I of the plunger J,
the object in fitting the tube j¹ being to equalise as much as possible from end to
end the size of the cylindrical chamber in which the spring is located without
which tube the spring C would lose its vertical position at the lower end and break
by catching on the descending plunger J. In order to prevent the plungers J
coming out of the extensions A of the bearing box I attach the upper end of the
spring C to the top part I of the plungers if solid and enclosed at the top when I
preferably fit in a vertical hole therein a small pink which passes through a
small central coil of the said spring and is provided with a head or nut to bear
on the inside thereof, a nut k¹ being fitted on the pin k to bear on the top part I
of the plungers J to secure the spring C thereto. The lower end of the spring C
bears on the inside of the capped nut 1¹ on the bottom of the tubular extensions A
to which the spring is connected in a similar way to the upper end, the pin k in
this case preferably being rivetted to a flange fitting in a recess in the capped
nut II the top of the flange bearing on the bottom of the flange j. When the
top of the plunger J is open and covered by a capped nut I preferably connect
the top of the spring thereto in the manner described with reference to the top
part I of the said plunger. Under a modification of this improvement as illus
trated in Figure 17, which represents a sectional elevation of part of the front of
a bicycle or tricycle one side only being shown and described, instead of employing
the additional tube just described I fit partly for the same purpose a smaller tube
through the centre of the spring C of a size to fit properly therein and having a
similar flange j at the lower end fitted at the bottom of the extensions A of the
bearing box as before and secured thereto by the capped nut I). As the spring C
fits properly on the small tube it cannot go out of its correct vertical and central
position at the part below the plunger J the end of which is rounded on the inside
to prevent the spring catching as the said plunger descends. To prevent the
plungers J coming out of the extensions A. I fit a small rod in a hole in the top
part I of the said plungers from the inside having a small flange near the top to
bear on the under side of the part I, a nut k¹ on the top thereof fitted on the rod
securing it thereto, or if the plunger J is open at the top and covered by a capped
nut the rod 7 may be fitted thereto in a similar way. The top of the small tube j
is covered, having a hole in the centre through which the rod passes extending
down the said tube to the level of the bottom of the plunger J a small nut 12 with
a flange formed thereon being screwed on the end of the said rod, the flange fitting
in the tube easily, in which above the nut la I interpose a small spring C¹ which
prevents contact between the flange of the small nut 12 and the top of the said
tube when the springs C cease to be in compression. Another improvement in
the said spring devices having reference to all the figures last mentioned of my
two said patents provides means for putting the springs in tension instead of
their being in compression as arranged hitherto, a spring in tension being given
the preference to by many makers of velocipedes. Under one arrangement illus-
trated in Figure 18 which is a sectional elevation of part of the front of a bicycle
or tricycle one side only being shown and described. I fit the cross pin or screw e
in the highest position possible in the tubular extensions A of the bearing box
the slot in the plungers J being proportionately high and on the said screw e I
fit an eye C formed on the upper end of the spring C its lower end having a
similar eye C. I then preferably screw a recessed plug D³ in the lower end of
the plungers J the said plug having a hole made transversely therein in which I
fit a pine across the recess m, the eye C at the lower end of the spring C being
located in the said recess and fitting on the pin e². When the plungers J descend
in the extensions A the spring C will be put in tension its upper end being held
by the screw e fixed in the said extensions A. In the case of the plungers being
connected at their lower end to the bottom bracket back stay N of the velocipede
I dispense with the screwed plug D5 and fit as shown in Figure 6 a cross pin or
screw e direct to the plungers J through the part I¹ for connecting thereto the

page_text: eye C at the lower end of the spring C. Under a modification of the improvement
last described shown in Figure 19 which is a sectional elevation of part of the
front of a bicycle or tricycle one side only being shown and described, I dispense
with the cross pins or screws and the slots, and screw a plug D in the lower end
of the plungers J with a hexagon part projecting therefrom and a hole through
the centre, the other end inside the plungers being provided with an extension 17
which is screwed and fits in a small central coil at the lower end of the spring Ca
nut n fitted on the said extension binding on the inside of the said coil and
securing the spring C to the plug De. I then fit to slide in the plug De and its
extension a rod o which passes up through the spring C and a small central coil
at the upper end, two nuts n¹ being fitted on the top of the rod o above and below
the said central coil to bind thereon and secure the spring C to the rod o the lower
part of the said rod having a flange o¹ formed on it, the end being screwed and
fitting in a hole in the capped nut D' the flange ol bearing on the inside thereof
and the protruding end of the rod being furnished with a nut n² to secure it to
the capped nut D. When the plungers J descend with the screwed plug 16 sliding
down the rod o the spring C is put in tension, the upper end thereof being sup-
ported by the said rod connected by the capped nut 1 to the extensions A of the
bearing box or part in which the axle B is fitted. A further modification of my
improvements for putting the said springs in tension has reference to Figures 4, 5
and 6 of my Patent No. 4548 of 1881 in carrying out which as illustrated in
Figure 20, which represents a sectional elevation of part of the front of a bicycle
or tricycle one side only being shown and described, instead of the cross piece or
screw e and slots f being at the upper part of the plungers J and the extension A
of the bearing box they are each situated at the lower end thereof, the spring C
having an eye C2 formed at both ends each eye being fitted on a cross pin or
screw e the screw at the per end fitting in a hole immediately under the axle B
across the top of the cylindrical recess in which the spring C is situated and that
at the lower end fitting in holes at the extreme end of the plungers J the ends of
the said plungers being preferably made solid by brazing pieces J2 therein to
afford a proper hold for the said screw e. When the plungers J descend carrying
the cross pin or screw e with them the spring C is put in tension its upper end
being supported by the cross pin or screw e located under the axle B. In each
of the arrangements herein before described for putting the springs C in tension
there is no need to make any provision for preventing contact between different
parts of the mechanism as heretofore when the weight is taken off the springs as,
on account of the closeness of their coils they perform that duty of themselves.
Although most of the hereinbefore described improvements in the said spring
devices are illustrated in the double form with two plungers as applied to the forks
or frames of steering wheels of velocipedes I also apply them, with the execption.
of Figure 20, in the single form with only one plunger to such forks, frames and
wheels in the manner described in my Patent No. 19460 of 1895 and I also apply
the said improved spring devices in the single or double form to the driving wheels
of velocipedes and connect them to the frame in the manner and for the purpose
herein before described and mentioned with reference to the said spring devices.
Another improvement relating to the spring devices in my Patent No. 5589
of 1883, and in my Patent No. 19460 of 1895, and also to the improved spring
devices hereinbefore described, has reference to the mode of attachment of the said
spring devices, when used in the single form with only one plunger, to the axles
of velocipedes, by which mode or means of attachment the spring device in the
single form can be fitted direct on the end of the axle and central therewith instead
of being as hitherto on one side thereof.
In carrying out this part of my invention which I will describe by referring
to Figures 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, Figure 21 being an elevation of part of a spring
device taken at a right angle to the figures previously shown, Figures 22 and 24
being plans in part section of Figure 21, and Figures 23 and 25 being sectional

page_text: the one
elevations of part of the same figure taken at a right angle, I dispense with those
parts described as the bearing box or part in which the axle is fitted and in lieu
thereof I fit and preferably braze on the single tubular extension A as shown in
Figures 21 and 22 a cylindrical part A having formed thereon two short arms A
at right angles with the extension A which arms spread out resembling two sides
of a triangle their ends terminating in a plate A' formed thereon at right angles
therewith, the said plate preferably extending upward and parallel with the spring
device. In the centre of the plate A' I form a hole in which the axle B is fitted
the nut B being screwed thereon in the space between the plate A' and the spring
device to bear on the former, thus securing the said spring device to the said axle,
being in a direct line and perfectly central with the other, the result being
that the spring devices thus fitted in the single form work more perfectly and
freely. In order to readily detach the spring devices from the axle B without
entirely removing the nut 13 I make an opening on the under side of the hole in
the plate A between the said arms A6 as shown in Figure 23 through which the
axle B can be removed or replaced with facility by merely loosening the nut 1',
and when the spring devices are so fitted to the driving wheel of velocipedes the
adjustment of the chain can, if desired, be provided for as shown in Figures 24
and 25 by forming in the plate A', in lieu of a hole, a slot d at right angles with
the spring device, along which slot when the nut B' is loosened the axle B can be
moved backward or forward for tightening or slackening the said chain. In the
figures illustrating the improvement last described the collar or cone on the
axle B against which the plate A bears is not shown, it not being necessary for
the purpose of describing my invention.
Another improvement in the spring devices in my three patents hereinbefore
mentioned and also in the improved spring devices hereinbefore described has
reference to excluding the dirt from the sliding surfaces of the said spring devices
and their connections, and in carrying out this part of my invention as illustrated
in Figures 26, 27, 28 and 29, which are sectional elevations of part of a spring
device, I form or fit behind the opposing shoulders of the said sliding surfaces, as
shown in Figure 26, flanges p of a cup-like shape, the said opposing shoulders p¹
being of a size to admit of their being undercut in which undercut part I fit the
ends g¹ of the corrugated rubber or other flexible tubes 9 that I have always used
for covering the said sliding surfaces, the said ends g¹ being of a shape to fit close
into the undercut part behind the shoulders p', and in the cup-like flanges p, the
ends g of the flexible tubes g being formed over spring rings or it may be solid
rings so that when the said ends are forced over the said shoulders the rings q
will compress them into the said undercut parts and flanges thus securely fixing
them and excluding all dirt from the sliding surfaces, the flanges p also rendering
it impossible for the corrugated flexible tubes g to be forced out of their place
when very much crushed up under the action of the springs. Under a slight
modification shown in Figure 27, instead of the said rings q being moulded in the
ends of the corrugated tubes g I sometimes fit instead preferably on the outside
thereof a divided ring 9 with two small blocks q' at the ends drawn together by
a small screw q³, the ends g¹ of the flexible tube g being furnished with raised
edges g² to keep the rings o̟ in their proper position. I also fit the said corrugated
tubes for the same purpose with the extensions fitting in the recessed collars
described in my Patent No. 19460 of 1895, but with the recess undercut preferably
of a square section as shown in Figure 28, and on the extensions ³ of the flexible
tubes
9. I form a flange g to fit in the said undercut part of the recessed collars h,
the said extensions g³ being forced into the said collars and securely held therein
by the flange g*.
Under a further modification I secure the corrugated flexible or rubber tubes
with the aid of their extensions and the recessed collars as shown in Figure 29, by
forming a screw down the inside of the collars h in which I screw an internal
collar which fits round the extension g³ of the corrugated tube g and bears on

page_text: a flange g formed on the end of the said extension g³ thus securing the said flexible
tube in the said collars h.
By securing the corrugated flexible or rubber tubes in the manner herein before
described the said spring devices are rendered air-tight and I sometimes fit thereto
in any suitable way a valve of any ordinary kind used for the purpose of inflating
pneumatic tyres by which means I pump compressed air into the said spring
devices for the purpose of making them either partially or wholly pneumatic, in
which case I preferably strengthen the said flexible tubes when made of rubber by
lining them with canvas or other suitable material to enable them to stand the air
pressure.
Referring to that part of my invention which relates to fitting the said spring
devices to the main axles of tricycles and other similar velocipedes I rigidly con-
nect together, as illustrated in Figure 30 which is a back view of part of a tricycle
the extensions A of the bearing boxes at each end of the axle B by preferably
brazing thereon lugs furnished with projections r¹ in or on which projections
I preferably braze a tube s preferably straight or when necessary cranked in the
centre to free the gear box as shown in the said figure, the object in thus rigidly
connecting together the extensions A of the bearing boxes being to take the strain
off the said axle B, which strain, in consequence of the said axle being divided
at the central part is very great when there is a yielding connection between the
bearings and the frame u of the velocipede instead of the usual rigid connection,
the additional strain in this case being borne by the tube s instead of by the said
axle.
Since filing my Provisional Specification I have found that the improvements
in fitting chain gear cases described therein are not novel, and I therefore shall
not proceed with that part of my invention.
X,
My invention relating to the application of breaks for velocipedes has reference
to those which are applied to the rear wheels of such machines and to connecting
them to the break-lever on the handle-bar and the break mechanism at the lower
end of the break rod in such a way that the steering does not affect them, and in
carrying out my invention as illustrated in Figures 31, 32, 33 and 34-Figure 31
being a sectional elevation of part of the front of the velocipede, Figure 33 a portion
of a similar view, and Figures 32 and 34 horizontal sections of the two previous
figures through the part indicated by dotted lines I fit to slide easily inside the
steering post v of the velocipede at the lower end a cylindrical piece w about
2 inches in length in the centre of which I preferably screw the break rod the
said rod passing up the tubular steering post to the handle bar y, shown only in
section, at which point I connect the rod in any suitable way to the break-lever z
shown in section only, the said break-lever, which is fitted to hinge in the usual
way on the under side of the handle-bar y being preferably connected to the said
break rod through a longitudinal slot 1 formed down the side of the steering post v,
but I sometimes crank up the break-lever z and bring its end above the handle-
bar Y, and through a hole in the top of the said handle-bar central with the said
steering post I connect the said break-lever to the said rod, it being preferably a
swivelling connection between them in both cases the adjustment of the length
of the rod also being provided for in any suitable way. I then fit in the side of the
cylindrical piece w in a hole formed therein, preferably of a square section, a remove-
able projection w¹ held firmly in its place by the rod a being screwed therein, the
said projection which fits in and protrudes through a slot 2 formed longitudinally
in the lower part of the back of the head 3 of the velocipede being connected to the
arm of a bell crank lever 4 fitted to hinge in or on a bracket 5 behind the head 3,
the circular end 6 of the said arm of the bell crank lever preferably fitting in a
square-sided recess 7 formed in the said projection wl, the other end of the bell
crank 4 being connected to the break by the rod 8. A longitudinal slot 9 of con-
siderable width is also made in the back of the steering post v to make room for
the said projection w¹ and allow side play in steering the velocipede, the slot 2

page_text: in the head 3 and the slot 9 in the steering post being of an equal length but very
dissimilar in width, and I preferably strengthen the said steering post on the
inside on account of the width of the said slot formed therein.
When the break is operated the end of the break lever z descends down the slot 1
at the top of the steering post v the rod a descending likewise in the steering post
and carrying the sliding cylindrical piece w with it and its projection w' which
slides down in the wide slot 9 in the steering post and also in the slot 2 in the
head 3 in which it fits, thus depressing the arm of the bell crank lever 4 con-
nected thereto by the circular end 6 of the said arm fitting in the recess 7 of the
said projection in which it hinges and has a slight forward movement, the result
being a pull on the rod 8 through which the break is actuated. When the machine
is steered the projection w³ on the side of the cylindrical piece w by fitting in the
slot 2 of the head 3 holds the said cylindrical piece always in one position laterally,
the steering post v turning on the cylindrical piece and being permitted to do so
on account of the width of the slot 9 formed therein the break lever z or its con-
nection also turning on the upper end of the rod x, or if desired the said rod may
turn at its lower end, at which point as the said rod is always held in its correct
central position in the steering post by the said cylindrical piece the said break
connections are not affected or strained when steering the velocipede. Under a
slight modification of this improvement as shown in Figures 33 and 34, instead of
the projection w¹ of the cylindrical piece w fitting in the slot 2 of the head 3 and in
the slot 9 of the steering post v I dispense with the said projection and fit instead
thereof in the said slots for the same purpose the said arm of the bell crank lever 4
in which case the circular end 6 of the said arm is located deeper in the recess 7
which is in this case formed in the said cylindrical piece itself instead of in its
removeable projection, the said arm doing the duty of the latter in holding the
cylindrical piece always in one position laterally when the velocipede is steered as
hereinbefore described. In this case the rod x is fitted in the upper part of the
said cylindrical piece above the recess 7.
said
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is:
-
1. The constructions and arrangements or combinations of parts for preventing
the strain caused by the pull of the chain on the plungers of the said spring
devices that form part of the subject matter of my three patents herein before
mentioned and also of the improved spring devices hereinbefore described when
they are applied to the driving wheels of velocipedes, also provided improved
means of fitting the said plungers to the frames of such machines and of adjusting
the chain, all arranged substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 of the accompanying drawings under various modifications.
2. The constructions and arrangements or combinations of parts for preventing
or obviating the strain caused by the pull of the chain on the plungers of the said
spring devices that form part of the subject matter of my three patents herein-
before mentioned and also of the improved spring devices hereinbefore described
when they are applied to the driving wheels of velocipedes, also providing improved
means of fitting the said plungers to the frames of such machines and of adjust-
ing the chain, all arranged substantially as herein before described and illustrated
in Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of the accompanying drawings under
various modifications.
3. The constructions and arrangements or combinations of parts for connecting
the lower end of the plungers of the said spring devices that form part of the sub-
ject matter of my three patents hereinbefore mentioned and also of the improved
or its
spring devices hereinbefore described to the bottom bracket back stay N
equivalent of the velocipede, all arranged substantially as and for the purpose
5 hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14
of the accompanying drawings under various modifications.
D

page_text: 4. The constructions and arrangements or combinations of parts for connecting
the upper end of the plungers of the said spring devices that form part of the subject
matter of my three patents hereinbefore mentioned and also of the improved spring
devices hereinbefore described to the back stay R or its equivalent of the velocipede
all arranged substantially as and for the purpose herein before described and
illustrated in Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of the accompanying drawings
under various modifications.
5. The constructions and arrangements or combinations of parts constituting the
improved construction of the rear part of the frames of velocipedes adjacent to and
in connection with the said spring devices all arranged substantially as and for
the purpose hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 1 to 14 both inclusive
of the accompanying drawings under various modifications.
6. The constructions and arrangements or combinations of parts constituting
the improved spring devices for the wheels of velocipedes all arranged sub-
stantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore described and illustrated in
Figures 12 and 15 of the accompanying drawings under two modifications.
7. The constructions and arrangements or combinations of parts constituting
the improved spring devices for the wheels of velocipedes arranged substantially
as and for the purpose herein before described and illustrated in Figures 6, 7,
9, 11, 13 and 14 of the accompanying drawings.
8. The constructions and arrangements or combinations of parts constituting
the improved spring devices for the wheels of velocipedes all arranged substantially
as and for the purpose herein before described and illustrated in Figures 16 and 17
of the accompanying drawings under modifications.
9. The constructions and arrangement or combination of parts constituting
the improved spring device for the wheels of velocipedes arranged substantially
as and for the purpose herein before described and illustrated in Figure 19 of the
accompanying drawings.
10. The constructions and arrangements or combinations of parts constituting
the improved spring devices for the wheels of velocipedes all arranged substantially
as and for the purpose herein before described and illustrated in Figures 6, 18
and 20 of the accompanying drawings under several modifications.
11. Connecting the spring devices hereinbefore mentioned and also the improved
spring devices herein before described, when used in the single form with only
one plunger, to the wheels of velocipedes in the manner substantially as and for
the purpose hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25
of the accompanying drawings.
12. The improved means of securing the corrugated flexible tubes g used to
exclude the dirt from the sliding parts of the spring devices forming part of the
subject matter of my three patents herein before mentioned and of the improved
spring devices herein before described, all substantially as herein before described
and illustrated in Figures 26 and 27 of the accompanying drawings under two
modifications.
13. The improved means of securing the corrugated flexible tubes g used to
exclude the dirt from the sliding parts of the spring devices forming part of the
subject matter of my three patents hereinbefore mentioned and of the improved
spring devices hereinbefore described, all substantially as herein before described
and illustrated in Figures 28 and 29 of the accompanying drawings under two
modifications.
14. Connecting rigidly together by means of the tubes or its equivalent the
extensions A of the bearing boxes of the spring devices which form part of the
subject matter of my three patents hereinbefore mentioned and of the improved
spring devices hereinbefore described when they are applied to the main axles of
tricycles and other velocipedes in the manner and for the purpose substantially
as hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figure 30 of the accompanying
drawings.
15. The mechanism for operating the brakes of velocipedes the said mechanism

page_text: being constructed arranged and operating substantially as and for the purpose
herein before described and illustrated in Figures 31, 32, 33 and 34 of the accom-
panying drawings under two modifications."