Year: 1898

page_text: A communication from GEORGE SHERMAN WEBB, Manufacturer, a citizen of the
United States, residing at 52, North View Street, in the City of Aurora, in
the County of Kane and State of Illinois, United States of America.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of 111, Hatton Garden, in the County of Middlesex,
Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
The present invention relates in part to the mechanism for adjusting the axle
of one sprocket wheel in its relation to the axle of a second sprocket wheel for
the purpose of putting the drive-chain which embraces them under proper
tension, the said mechanism being also instrumental in holding the axle to its
adjustment while tightening the check-nuts by which it is secured in the frame,
this mechanism being technically known in the art as the "chain adjustment.'
This part of the invention relates more especially to that class of chain adjust-
ments that enable the wheel to be removed from the frame and replaced and
secured therein without disturbing the relations of those parts upon the posi-
tions of which the adjustment of the chain depends, and the object of this part
of the invention, stated broadly, is to provide an improved chain adjustment of
this particular class.
66
To this end the frame of the machine is provided (whether it be a bicycle or
other machine) with a seat for the axle, said seat being disposed in the general
direction of the two laps of the drive-chain and being of sufficient length to
permit such adjustment of the axle as may be necessary in order to put the
drive-chain under proper tension, and a gauge is provided which may be
pivotted either to the frame or to the axle and which has a feature (hereinafter
called a
gauging-seat") which is adapted to engage the axle, if the gauge is
pivotted to the frame, or to engage the frame (or a part associated therewith)
if the gauge is pivotted to the axle. The feature called a gauging-seat prefer-
ably take the form of a hook which results from cutting a notch in the edge of
the sheet-metal plate of which the principal part of the gauge is made, but it
is desired to be understood that the invention is not limited in this respect.
The principal object of this gauging-seat is to indicate the position that the axle
should occupy upon its seat and hence any pivotted gauge so constructed that
when, in one position it will accomplish this result and when moved from that
position will permit the unrestricted lateral movement of the axle upon its
seat is within the scope of this invention, regardless of the character of the
gauging-seat or the part with which it directly co-operates.
The invention relates in part also to the construction of the rear fork ends of
the frames of bicycles and similar machines. Usually the rear fork of a frame
of a bicycle comprises four tubular fork-arms, two of which are practically hori-
zontal and extend rearward from the crank-shaft hanger, and two of which are
inclined. Usually the rear end of each of these horizontal fork-arms is con-

page_text: nected to the rear end of the inclined fork-arm on the same side of the frame
through the medium of the fitting which has the axle-seat already referred to,
and for this purpose this fitting has two branches which enter the ends of the
tubular fork-arms and are permanently secured therein. The angle formed by
the horizontal and inclined fork-arms differs in wheels of different builders and
prior to the present invention this difference has necessitated the use of fittings
correspondingly differing as to the positions and angular relations of the branches
aforesaid. The object of this part of the present invention is to provide, for
uniting these fork-arms, a fitting which may be made to accomodate itself to
fork-arms having different angular relations, and thus dispense with the present
necessity for making and keeping in stock a large variety of these fittings in
order to meet the requirements of different builders. To this end one of the
branches of the fitting is so constructed that the fork-arm receiving it may,
(within limits of this provision) occupy any desired angle with relation to the
other crank-arm.
66
The inclined and the horizontal fork-arms, and the fitting through the medium
of which they are united in the manner hereinafter described, are herein referred
to collectively as a fork-end." The fitting is provided with a seat for the axle.
Preferably the scat is formed on the lower edge of the upper one of two tongues
that are the result of cutting in the fitting a slot which is disposed in the general
direction of the two laps of the chain and whose sides are parallel, this being
preferred for the reason that it gives a seat of sufficient length to permit the
necessary lateral (fore and aft) movement of the axle for the purpose of adjust-
ment, and for the further reason that the lower one of the two tongues aid in
holding the axle in place. A sheet metal plate is provided, and of which the
principal part of the adjustable gauge is made. It has a notch near one of its
ends which forms a hook, the inner surfaces of which, in this, the preferred
form, constitute the gauge-seat herein referred to. Near its other extremity
it is bent twice at right angles to form a U-shaped loop, and it is provided with
a slot which extends from a point in the vicinity of the gauging-seat to the loop.
Between the two sides of the loop is disposed a thumb-nut which fits a threaded
stem projecting from a ring or washer, the two sides of the loop being perforated
for the easy passage of the stem. With this arrangement the nut is restrained
against any movement excepting rotation and when it is rotated it causes the
stem to move endwise and thereby cause the ring or washer to change its posi-
tion with relation to the gauging-seat, and when adjusted it may be locked by
the nut.
The ring or washer fits upon a short stud or bolt which has a non-circular
portion that fits an opening of corresponding shape formed through the fitting
forward of the axle seat, a nut being turned on to the bolt for clamping the
gauge to the fitting with sufficient friction to hold it against any movement
relatively to each other. When the nut is loosened, the gauge may be moved
upwards. When the gauge is in its lower position the gauging seat is in
engagement with the axle, and, by reason of the particular character of the
gauging-seat so long as the gauge remains in this position any lateral movement
of the axle upon its seat is prevented. When, however, the gauge is moved on
its pivot the axle may be moved forward to the end of its seat or backward so
far as the slack of the drive chain will permit. If it is desired to remove the
axle, and the slack of the drive-chain is not sufficient to permit it, the drive-
chain is run off of one or both of the sprocket-wheels, and in order to slack it
sufficiently to permit this, the axle may, if necessary, be moved to the forward
extremity of its seat. It is in order to permit this forward movement of, the axle
upon its seat that the parts are so constructed and arranged as to enable the
gauge to be moved entirely beyond the axle-seat. Having removed the axle,
when it is desired to again replace it, by bringing the gauging-seat of the gauge
into engagement with it it will be compelled to return to the exact position
from which it was moved, and by making this gauging-seat in the form of a

page_text: hook, as above described, it will perform the additional function of holding
the axle temporarily in place while the checknut is being tightened. When
it is desired to change the position of the axle for the purpose of adjusting the
tension of the chain, the checknuts and the locknut are loosened and the thumb-
nut is rotated in the direction that will give the desired result, the effect of
rotating this thumb-nut being to adjust the gauging-seat and the pivotal point
of the gauge with relation to each other. During the acts of removing and
replacing the axle the stem is locked against endwise displacement and conse-
quently these acts may be performed without disturbing the adjustment of the
parts upon whose relative positions the adjustment of the chain depends.
In a modified form the gauge does not differ in construction from the gauge
described but the manner of using it differs somewhat. The gauge described is
pivotted to the frame and its gauging-seat engages the axle while in the modi-
fied construction it is pivotted to the axle and its gauging-seat engages a stud
that is secured to the frame forward of the axle-seat. The principal features of
this invention are however, present in both of these arrangements. That is to
say, in both there are two parts, namely a frame and an axle whose positions
with relation to each other are to be gauged and there is a gauge pivotted to
one of these parts and having a gauging-seat adapted to engage the other, and
thereby either indicate or determine the proper relative positions of the parts.
In both the pivotal axis of the gauge is parallel with the axle so that the gauge
may be moved in a plane which is perpendicular to the axle to a
position which
will permit the axle to be removed from its seat, without disturbing the adjust-
ment of the gauge itself. In both the gauging-seat and the pivot of the gauge
are adjustable with relation to each other, and in both the details in the con-
struction of the gauge are similar.
In order to temporarily hold the gauge in place while the checknut is being
tightened, it is provided on its inner face with a slight protuberance which
projects into a slot in the fitting.
The fitting has two stubs which project into the tubular fork-arms. Prefer-
ably the fork-arms retain, throughout, their cylindrical cross-section, and plugs
or fillers are secured to the stubs in order to provide ample surfaces to which to
braze the fork arms. The stub and its plug may be of customary construction,
but if desired both stubs and their plugs may be constructed in accordance with
the invention as hereinafter described, although this is not necessary since the
desired result may be attained by making one of customary construction and the
other in accordance with the invention. Furthermore, where only one of them
is constructed in accordance with the invention, the one for the horizontal fork-
arm may be selected, but preferably the one for the inclined fork-arm is selected,.
and with this understanding of the possible variations which may be made with-
out departing from the spirit and essence of the invention the following descrip-
tion will be confined to the arrangement shown in the drawing.
The stub tapers and has near its base a spur which is adapted to enter an
opening in one side of the plug. This plug is, in effect, practically a cylindrical
body having a radial, longitudinal slot which divides it into halves (practically).
connected by a thin web, but in order to minimize its weight it is formed of a
single piece of sheet metal. It comprises two halves each of practically semi-
cylindrical shape, the web connecting them and having the same curvature, the
flat, longitudinal webs disposed parallel with each other and upon opposite sides
of the longitudinal centre of the plug, and the enlarged two-part end resulting
in a flange. The longitudinal slot of the plug is of just sufficient width to
receive the stub and the external diameter of the plug is such that it fits snugly
the interior of the fork-arm. This plug when placed upon the stub may be
so adjusted that its longitudinal axis forms the desired angle with relation io
the longitudinal axis of the plug, and when brought to the desired position it
may be permanently secured to the stub by brazing, welding, or otherwise.
The flat sides of the stub and the flat surfaces of the longitudinal webs of the

page_text: plug provide ample brazing surfaces. When the two plugs are secured to their
respective stubs, the result is a fitting having two practically cylindrical branches
for receiving the fork-arms, each branch of the fitting having a shoulder against
which the end of the fork-arm bears.
Excepting where the minimum angle is being provided for, it will be neces-
sary, after securing the plug to the stub to dress off the upper edge of the latter
above the flange and in the immediate vicinity thereof, so as to bring it flush
with the cylindrical surface of the plug, above the flange.
Dated this 16th day of August 1808
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.
A communication from GEORGE SHERMAN WEBB, Manufacturer, a citizen of the
United States, residing at 52, North View Street, in the City of Aurora, in
the County of Kane and State of Illinois, United States of America.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of 111, Hatton Garden, in the County of Middlesex,
Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:-
The present invention relates in part to the mechanism for adjusting the axle
of one sprocket wheel in its relation to the axle of a second sprocket wheel for
the purpose of putting the drive-chain which embraces them under proper
tension, said mechanism being also instrumental in holding the axle to its
adjustment while tightening the check-nuts by which it is secured in the frame,
this mechanism being technically known in the art as the "chain adjustment."
This part of the invention relates more especially to that class of chain adjust-
ments that enable the wheel to be removed from the frame and replaced and
secured therein without disturbing the relations of those parts upon the posi-
tions of which the adjustment of the chain depends, and the object of this part
of the invention, stated broadly, is to provide an improved chain adjustment of
this particular class.
To this end the frame of the machine is provided (whether it be a bicycle or
other machine) with a seat for the axle, said seat being disposed in the general
direction of the two laps of the drive-chain and being of sufficient length to
permit such adjustment of the axle as may be necessary in order to put the
drive-chain under proper tension, and a gauge is provided which may be
pivotted either to the frame or to the axle and which has a feature (hereinafter
called a
gauging-seat") which is adapted to engage the axle, if the gauge is
pivoted to the frame, or to engage the frame (or a part associated therewith)
if the gauge is pivoted to the axle. The feature called a gauging-seat prefer-
ably takes the form of a hook which results from cutting a notch in the edge of
the sheet-metal plate of which the principal part of the gauge is made, but it
is desired to have it understood that the invention is not limited in this respect.
The principal object of this gauging-seat is to indicate the position that the axle
should occupy upon its seat and hence any pivoted gauge so constructed that
when in one position it will accomplish this result and when moved from that
position will permit the unrestricted lateral movement of the axle upon its

page_text: seat, is within the scope of the invention, regardless of the character of the
gauging-seat or the part with which it directly co-operates.
с
The invention relates in part also to the construction of the rear fork ends of
the frames of bicycles and similar machines. Usually the rear fork of a frame
of a bicycle comprises four tubular fork-arms, two of which are practically hori-
zontal and extend rearward from the crank-shaft hanger, and two of which are
inclined. Usually the rear end of each of these horizontal fork-arms is con-
nected to the rear end of the inclined fork-arm on the same side of the frame
through the medium of the fitting which has the axle-seat already referred to,
and for this purpose this fitting has two branches which enter the ends of the
tubular fork-arms and are permanently secured therein. The angle formed by
the horizontal and inclined fork-arms differs in wheels of different builders and
prior to the present invention this difference has necessitated the use of fittings
correspondingly differing as to the positions and angular relations of the branches
aforesaid. The object of this part of the present invention is to provide, for
uniting these fork-arms, a fitting which may be made to accommodate itself to
fork-arms having different angular relations, and thus dispense with the present
necessity for making and keeping in stock a large variety of these fittings in
order to meet the requirements of different builders. To this end one of the
branches of the fitting is so constructed that the fork-arm receiving it may,
(within limits of this provision) occupy any desired angle with relation to the
other fork-arm.
The invention consists in the features of novelty that are particularly pointed
out and in order that it may be fully understood it will be described with refer-
ence to the accompanying drawings, which is made a part hereof, and in which
Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation of a chain-adjustment, and of a fork end embody-
ing the several features of the invention in their preferred form:
Fig. 2 is a section thereof on the line 2-2, Fig. 1:
Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation of similar parts, showing a slight modification
in the chain adjustment:
Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the fitting on which the axle seat is formed and
which connects the fork-arms.
Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5-5, Fig. 1.
Figs. 6 and 7 are elevations, viewed from different positions of a plug or filler
hereinafter described.
A and A represent, respectively, the inclined and the horizontal fork-arm,
and A the fitting through the medium of which they are united in the manner
hereinafter described, these parts being herein referred to collectively as a
fork-end." The fitting A2 is provided at a with a seat for the axle 13.
C represents the sprocket-wheel, and D the drive chain. Preferably the seat
is formed on the lower edge of the upper one of two tongues A" that are the
result of cutting in the fitting A2 a slot a which is disposed in the general direc
tion of the two laps of the chain and whose sides are parallel, this being preferred
for the reason that it gives a seat of sufficient length to permit the necessary
lateral (fore and aft) movement of the axle for the purpose of adjustment, and
for the further reason that the lower one of the two tongues aid in holding the
axle in place. E is a sheet-metal plate of which the principal part of the adjust-
able gauge is made. It has a notch e near one of its ends which forms a hook,
the inner surfaces of which, in this, the preferred form constitute the gauge-
seat herein referred to. Near its other extremity it is bent twice at right angles
to form a U-shaped loop E, and it is provided with a slot el which extends from
a point in the vicinity of the gauging-seat to the loop. Between the two sides
of the loop is disposed a thumb-nut F which fits a threaded' stem projecting
from a ring or washer G, the two sides of the loop being perforated for the easy
passage of the stem q. With this arrangement the nut is restrained against
any movement excepting rotation and when it is rotated it causes the stem to
move endwise and thereby cause the ring or washer to change its position with
relation to the gauging-seat, and when adjusted it may be locked by the nut F.

page_text: As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the ring or washer fits upon a short stud or bolt H
which has a non-circular portion that fits an opening of corresponding shape
formed through the fitting A2 forward of the axle seat, a nut H being turned
onto the bolt for clamping the gauge to the fitting with sufficient friction to
hold it against any movement relatively to each other. When the nut His
loosened, the gauge may be moved to the position indicated by dotted lines.
When the gauge is in the position shown by full lines, the gauging-seat is in
engagement with the axle B, and, by reason of the particular character of the
gauging seat shown in the drawing, so long as the gauge remains in this position,
any lateral movement of the axle upon its seat is prevented When, however,
the gauge is moved to the dotted position, the axle may be moved forward to the
end of its seat or backward so far as the slack of the drive chain will permit.
If it is desired to remove the axle, and the slack of the drive-chain is not suffi-
cient to permit it, the drive-chain is run off of one or both of the sprocket-
wheels, and in order to slack it sufficiently to permit this, the axle may, if neces-
sary, be moved to the forward extremity of its seat. It is in order to permit
this forward movement of the axle upon its seat that the parts are so constructed
and arranged so as to enable the gauge to be moved entirely beyond the axle-
seat as indicated by dotted lines. Having removed the axle, when it is desired
to again replace it, by bringing the gauging-seat of the gauge into engagement
with it it will be compelled to return to the exact position from which it was
moved, and by making this gauging-seat in the form of a hook, as above described,
it will perform the additional function of holding the axle temporarily in place
while the checknut I is being tightened. When it is desired to change the
position of the axle for the purpose of adjusting the tension of the chain, the
check nuts H and I and the locknut F¹ are loosened and the thumb-nut Fis
rotated in the direction that will give the desired result, the effect of rotating
this thumb-nut being to adjust the gauging-scat and the pivotal point of the
gauge with relation to each other. During the acts of removing and replacing
the axle the stem g is locked against endwise displacement and consequently
these acts may be performed without disturbing the adjustment of the parts
upon whose relative positions the adjustment of the chain depends.
The gauge shown in Fig. 3 does not differ in construction from the gauge
shown in Figs. 1 and 2, but the manner of using it differs somewhat. In Figs. 1
and 2 the gauge is pivoted to the frame and its gauging-seat engages the axle
while in Fig. 3 it is pivoted to the axle and its gauging-seat engages a stud H
that is secured to the frame forward of the axle-seat. The principal features of
this invention are however, present in both these arrangements. That is to
say, in both there are two parts, namely, a frame and an axle whose positions
with relation to each other are to be gauged and there is a gauge pivoted to one
of these parts and having a gauging-seat adapted to engage the other, and thereby
either indicate or determine the proper relative positions of the parts .In both
the pivotal axis of the gauge is parallel with the axle so that the gauge may be
moved in a plan which is perpendicular to the axle to a position which will
permit the axle to be removed from its seat, without disturbing the adjustment
of the gauge itself. In both the gauging-seat and the pivot of the gauge are
adjustable with relation to each other, and in both the details in the construc-
tion of the gauge are similar.
In order to temporarily hold the gauge in place while the checknut H¹ is
being tightened, it is provided on its inner face with a slight protuberance e
which projects into a slot a¹.
The fitting A has two stubs J and K which project into the tubular fork-
arms A and A¹ respectively. Preferably the fork-arms retain, throughout, their
cylindrical cross-section, and plugs or fillers L and M are secured to the stubs
As shown
in order to provide ample surfaces to which to braze the fork arms.
in the drawing the stub K and its plug M. are of customary construction, but
if desired both stubs and their plugs may be constructed in accordance with the

page_text: invention as hereinafter described, although this is not necessary since the
desired result may be attained by making one of customary construction and
the other in accordance with the invention. Furthermore, where only one of
them is constructed in accordance with the invention, the one for the horizontal
fork-arm may be selected, but preferably, the one for the inclined fork-arm is
selected and with this understanding of the possible variations which may be
made without departing from the spirit and essence of the invention the follow-
ing description will be confined to the arrangement shown in the drawing.
The stub J tapers and has near its base a spur j which is adapted to enter an
opening in one side of the plug L. This plug, is, in effect, practically a
cylindrical body having a radial, longitudinal slot which divides it into halves
(practically) connected by a thin web, but in order to minimize its weight it
is formed of a single piece of sheet metal. It comprises the two halves each
of practically semicylindrical shape the web connecting them and having
the same curvature, the flat, longitudinal webs 2 disposed parallel with each
other and upon opposite sides of the longitudinal centre of the plug, and the
enlarged two-part end resulting in a flange. The longitudinal slot of the
plug is of just sufficient width to receive the stub J and the external diameter
of the plug is such that it fits snugly the interior of the fork-arm. This plug
when placed upon the stub may be so adjusted that its longitudinal axis forms
the desired angle with relation to the longitudinal axis of the plug M, and when
brought to the desired position it may be permanently secured to the stub by
brazing, welding, or otherwise. The flat sides of the stub and the flat surfaces
of the longitudinal webs of the plug provide ample brazing surfaces. When
the two plugs are secured to their respective stubs, the result is a fitting having
two practically cylindrical branches for receiving the fork-arms, each branch
of the fitting having a shoulder against which the end of the fork-arm bears.
Excepting where the minimum angle is being provided for, it will be neces-
sary, after securing the plug L to the stub J, to dress off the upper edge of the
latter above the flange and in the immediate vicinity thereof, so as to bring it
flush with the cylindrical surface of the plug, above the flange.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said in-
vention as communicated to me by my foreign correspondent and in what
manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is:-
1. In a bicycle or other vehicle, the combination of a sprocket chain, a sprocket
wheel embraced by the chain, an axle upon which the sprocket wheel is mounted,
a frame having a seat disposed in the general direction of the two laps of the
sprocket chain upon which the axle is adjustable for the purpose of adjusting
the tension of the chain, and a gauge for determining the relative positions of
the frame and axle, said gauge being pivotted to one of the last named parts,
the pivotal axis of the gauge being parallel with the axle so that the gauge may
be moved in a plane which is transverse to the axle to a position which will permit
the axle to be moved forward upon its seat for the purpose of slacking the chain,
substantially as described.
2. In a bicycle or other vehicle, the combination of a sprocket chain, a sprocket
wheel embraced by the chain, an axle upon which the sprocket wheel is mounted,
a frame having a seat disposed in the general direction of the two laps of the
sprocket chain, upon which the axle is adjustable for the purpose of adjusting
the tension of the chain and an adjustable gauge for determining the relative
positions of the frame and axle, said gauge being pivotted to one of the last
named parts, and its pivotal axis being parallel with the axle so that the gauge
may be moved in a plane which is transverse to the axle to a position which will
permit the axle to be removed from its seat without disturbing the adjustment
of the gauge, substantially as described.
3. In a bicycle or other vehicle, the combination of a sprocket chain, a sprocket
wheel embraced by the chain, an axle upon which the sprocket wheel is mounted,

page_text: a frame having a seat disposed in the general direction of the two laps of the
sprocket chain, upon which the axle is adjustable for the purpose of adjusting
the tension of the chain and an adjustable gauge for determining the relative
positions of the frame and axle, said gauge being pivotted to the frame and hav-
ing a gauging seat adapted to engage the axle, the pivotal axis of the gauge
being parallel with the axle so that the gauge may be moved in a plane which
is transverse to the axle to a position which will permit the axle to be removed
from its seat without disturbing the adjustment of the gauge, substantially as
described.
4. In an adjustment substantially as described, a gauge having in combination
a part provided with a gauging-seat, a ring or washer for receiving a pivot
about which the gauge may be moved, and means for adjustably securing said
ring or washer to the part aforesaid, substantially as described.
5. In an adjustment substantially as described, a gauge having in combination
a part provided with a gauging-seat and having a slot for the passage of a pivot,
a ring or washer adapted to receive said pivot and means for adjusting the posi-
tion of the ring or washer with relation to the part aforesaid, substantially as
described.
6. In an adjustment substantially as described, a gauge having in combination
a part provided with a gauging-seat consisting of a hook, a ring or washer
adapted to receive a pivot, and means for adjusting the position of the ring or
washer with relation to the part aforesaid, substantially as described.
7. In a bicycle or other velocipede, the combination of a sprocket chain, a
sprocket wheel embraced by the chain, an axle upon which the sprocket wheel
is mounted, a frame having a slot disposed in the general direction of the two
laps of the sprocket chain and providing a seat for the axle, and a gauge pivotted
to the frame and having a gauging-seat for the axle, the pivotal axis of the
gauge being parallel with the axle and the gauge being provided with a pro-
Luberance adapted to enter the slot, substantially as described.
8. The combination of a fork-arm, a fitting, a plug, adjustable with relation
to the fitting, through the medium of which the fork-arm is secured to the fitting,
and means for permanently securing the fork-arm to the plug and the plug to
the fitting, substantially as described.
9. The combination of a tubular fork-arm, a fitting having a flat stub, a plug
fitting within the fork arm, and having a longitudinal slot adapted to receive
the stub, said plug being adjustable to different angles with relation to the
stub, and means for permanently securing the plug to the stub and the fork-
arm to the plug, substantially as described.
10. The combination of a fork-arm, a fitting having a stub, and a practically
cylindrical plug through the medium of which the fork-arm and fitting are con-
nected, said plug comprising the practically semicylindrical halves, the web con-
necting them, the flat longitudinal webs, and the two part end, substantially
as described.
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