IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES, PARTLY APPLICABLE TO WHEELS FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Bate, of Wolverhampton, in the County of Stafford,
Lock Manufacturer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES,
PARTLY APPLICABLE TO WHEELS FOR OTHER PURPOSES."
Sealed the 28th January 1879, and dated the 14th November 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Bate at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th November 1878.
JAMES BATE, of Wolverhampton, in the County of Stafford, Lock Manufacturer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES, PARTLY APPLICABLE TO WHEELS FOR OTHER
PURPOSES."
A tricycle made according to one modification of this Invention is constructed
with a large driving wheel behind, and two small steering wheels in front. The
driving wheel is carried between bearings in the bottom ends of a vertical fork, and
the steering wheels are carried in bearings at the bottom ends of a second vertical
fork, the said steering wheels being preferably outside the said fork. The two forks
aforesaid are connected to-gether by means of a horizontal, or partly, or somewhat
horizontal fork, the back ends of which are rigidly fastened to the hind fork, and
the front end of which forms a pivot or swivel in the head of the front or steering
fork. An arm or bracket is rigidly connected to each of the sides of the hind fork,
and extends backwards and downwards therefrom, terminating in a centre or
fulcrum, from which a lever extends forwards and terminates in a treadle (that is,
one lever on each side of the driving wheel). From a point in each of the said
levers a connecting-rod passes to one of the cranks (which are set at or about
opposite centres). The saddle is set over the driving wheel and somewhat forward
of the hind fork, and is carried on a spring, preferably resting upon the top of
the hind fork at its back end, and connected at its front end to a supplementary
fork. The said supplementary fork is rigidly connected at its bottom ends to the
horizontal, or partly, or somewhat horizontal fork aforesaid, and terminates at its
upper end just in front of the saddle. The said supplementary fork carries a pair

page_text: of steering handles (similar to those of a bicycle), turning easily in a socket at the
top of the said supplementary fork. The said supplementary fork is connected to
the hind fork by means of a rod. The said steering handles are connected by
means of rods or other connections to a rod or bar in the head of the front fork. A
dirt guard may be used to prevent the rider from being splashed with mud from
the driving wheel.
By substituting one front steering wheel within the fork instead of the two steer-
ing wheels described, the velocipede of course becomes a bicycle.
The said tricycle may be arranged for the driving wheel to be the front wheel by
carrying the steering handles in a socket at the top of the driving wheel fork, and
connecting to the small steering wheels, as before explained.
A tricycle made according to another modification of this Invention consists as
before described, except that each of the steering wheels is carried in a separate fork
on each side of the driving wheel, but back from the centre thereof. The separate
forks are pivoted to the sides of the horizontal fork aforesaid, and are steered by
levers fixed in their heads by means of the steering handles and rods aforesaid.
This construction of tricycle also may be arranged for the driving wheel to be the
front wheel, by carrying the steering handles in a socket at the top of the driving
wheel fork.
I prefer to connect the cranks and steering wheels to their respective axles, the
treadle spindles to the lever, and to make all corresponding connections throughout
the machine, according to the method claimed in the Specification of the Invention
for which Letters Patent were granted to Thomas Nott, dated 8th October, A.D.
1873, and numbered 3265.
It
I construct the wheels of velocipedes and similar wheels for perambulators and
other purposes by threading the wire for two spokes through an eye in the rim, and
passing the two ends of the wire through corresponding holes, one at each collar of
the hub. The collars of the hub are formed with shoulders, through which the ends
of the wire project. The projecting ends of the wire are tightened up by means of
nuts against the shoulders aforesaid, or are fixed by means of Nott's method before
referred to. Lock nuts may be used upon the wire at the circumference of the hub
collars if desired, and the wire passing through the shoulders may be stronger than
the main part of the spokes, being attached thereto in any convenient manner.
will be seen that one length or connected piece of wire corresponds to the two
spokes in one segment of the wheel, which pass to opposite ends of the hub. Instead
of threading the ends of the wire through the shoulders on the collars of the hub,
they may be threaded through il ring formed in separate segments, two or more
wires passing through each segment, and being screwed up by nuts, or fixed by
Nott's method before referred to, at the back of the segment. Each segment is then
drawn up to the hub by means of one or more pins passing through one of the
shoulders aforesaid.
The before described method of fixing wire spokes enables a broken spoke to be
removed and replaced expeditiously, and renders easy the adjustment of the tyre.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said James Bate in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 14th May
1879.
JAMES BATE, of Wolverhampton, in the County of Stafford, Lock Manufacturer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES, PARTLY APPLICABLE TO WHEELS FOR OTHER
PURPOSES."
Figure 1 represents a tricycle in side elevation, and Figure 2 is a plan thereof.
A is the driving wheel, and B, B, are the steering wheels. The steering wheels are
in front of the driving wheel. C is the back fork; D, D, a horizontal fork or
frame; E, a fork connected at each bottom end to the frame D, D; and F, a short
back-bone, extending from the top of the back fork C to the top of the fork E.
From each side of the frame D, D, extend horizontal arms G, G, to the outer
extremities of which are formed or fixed sockets H, H. Each of the steering
wheels B, B, is carried in a separate fork, which turns in one of the sockets H. A
steering bar with handles is carried on a loose socket at the top of the fork E, and
the steering wheels are moved through the medium of the lever a (on the bottom
of the loose steering socket), the link b, levers, c, c, spindles d, d, levers e, e, rods f,f,
and levers g, g, at the top of the steering fork spindles. J is the saddle mounted
upon a spring, as shewn. K, K, are levers having fulcrums L, L, as shewn, carried
by the framing. The levers L, L, extend forwards and backwards from their
fulcrums, as shown. At their back ends the levers L, L, are connected to the cranks
(set at opposite centres) by the connecting rods M, M. At the forward ends of the
levers L, L, are placed treadles, as shewn, the said treadles being preferably adjust-
able so as to lengthen or shorten the leverage.
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate respectively a side elevation and plan of another
description of tricycle. A is the driving wheel; B, B, are the steering wheels,
which in this case are at the back of the inachine. C, C, is the front fork; D, D, a
horizontal fork or frame; E, a back bone rigidly connected to the front fork C, C,
and the horizontal fork D, D. The forks of the steering wheels are carried in
sockets F, F, at the extremities of arms G, G, projecting from the frame D, D. The
steering bar is carried on a loose socket at the top of the front fork, and the hind
wheels are steered through the medium of the lever a (fixed to the bottom of the
loose steering socket), rods b, b, levers c and d, rod c, and levers ff, fixed to the
spindles in the hind forks. The rods b, b, are cranked, as shewn, at their forward
ends, to be out of the way of the rider's legs. H, H, are stays extending from the
back bone E to near the extremities of the arms G, G. The saddle J is mounted
upon a spring upon the backbone, as shewn. K, K, are levers working upon
fulcrums L, L, fixed to arms M, M, connected with the framing of the machine.
The treadles are attached to the extremities of the levers K, K, as shewn. Vertical
levers N, N, are formed with or fixed to the levers K, K, aud connecting rods O, O,
pass from the levers N, N, to the cranks (set at opposite centres). In place of the
arrangement illustrated for working the treadles, the ordinary arrangement of
placing treadles at the extremities of the cranks for direct action (as in a bicycle)
may be used. If preferred, of course, chains or other connections may be used in
place of the rods b, b.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate respectively a side elevation and plan of a perambulator.
The front or steering wheels A, A, are carried in forks which turn in sockets at the
extremities of the bar B. The wheels A, A, are steered from the handle C through
the medium of the rod D, lever E, rod F, levers G and H, rod J, and levers K, K,
attached to the forks. The lever E is preferably formed by cranking the lower end
of the rod D. The perambulator may be pulled from the front by means of a handle
pivoted to the bar B, and having the back end extended to work the rod J; and
the arrangement of steering wheels, as illustrated, is applicable also to timber
wagons and other vehicles, a steering rod similar to the rod J being moved by the

page_text: back end of the pole or shafts, or by any suitable mechanism in connection there-
with. A single steering wheel in front of a perambulator or other vehicle may be
worked from the back in the manner illustrated for the two steering wheels of a
perambulator.
Figure 7 is a vertical section through a steering socket. A is the socket; B, the
spindle at the top of and solid with the fork C. Between the bottom of the socket
and the shoulder of the fork are placed as many hardened steel balls a, a, etc., as can
.be conveniently got into the circle. The bearings.under and over the balls a, a, etc.,
are preferably hardened steel, or are case-hardened. Between the ball at the centre
of the steering bar and the top of the socket are placed balls similar to a, a, etc.,
the bearing surfaces against them being also preferably hardened. The ball on the
steering bar is connected to the spindle B by means of a set pin D screwed into the
split end of the spindle according to the method for which Letters Patent were
granted to Thomas Nott, dated 8th October, A.D. 1873, No. 3265. As the ball in
the centre of the steering bar is tightened down, the balls are tightened, the upper
balls being tightened against the spindle, as shewn.
E is a vertical stud or lever working on the fulcrum F; G is the front end of
the saddle spring, and H a spiral spring upon the lever E. The front end of the
saddle-spring rests upon a spiral spring H on each side of the back bone, and thus
tends to reduce the effects of shocks in travelling.
Figure 8 is a vertical section through a steering socket, and is similar to that
illustrated by Figure 7, the difference being that instead of filling up the bottom
circle with balls, a less number (preferably 3) are used, being carried in recesses in
the shoulder of the fork to keep them properly distanced apart. Figure 9 is a
section taken at the base of the spindle and shews the balls in plan.
Figure 10 is a vertical section through a "Stanley" head. Figure 11 is a section
taken on line x, x, of Figure 10, and Figure 12 a section taken at the base of the
socket, shewing the balls in plan. A is the socket; B, the spindle. As many
hardened steel balls a, a, etc., b, b, etc., as can be conveniently got into the circles
are placed at the top and bottom of the spindle, the spindle being shaped as shewn
at the top and bottom, the bearing surfaces being preferably hardened. A plug C
is screwed down inside the socket, and bears upon the balls a, a, etc., thus tightening
up the spindle. The plug C is screwed by means of a spanner upon flats formed at
the top of the plug. The ball E in the steering bar is slipped down over the outside
of the top of the socket. The thin part c at the top of the socket is split down
and also flattened in four places (see Figure 11). An annular wedge F is placed
within the space formed between the part e and a plain part on the plug C. The
cap G is then screwed on the top of the plug C, and forces down the wedge F,
which latter forces out the top of the thin part c, and thus tightens the large ball
E. This method of fastening the ball E is a modification of Nott's Invention before
referred to. A clear way is left through. the parts G and C, through which to
lubricate the top centre of the spindle B. H is a dust shield (preferably sheet
metal) passing partly round the socket, as shewn, and fastened to the neck by the
pins d, d.
A strip of leather or other soft material is preferably riveted or other-
wise fixed inside the shield to prevent it scratching the outside of the socket. The
dust-shield is preferably in two parts, divided down the centre at the back for
convenience of putting in place, and the joint may be afterwards brazed, if desired,
or the shield may be made in any convenient manner for putting in place over the
neck.
Figure 13 illustrates a wheel for velocipedes and similar purposes. A is the rim ;
B, a ring made of flat iron or steel; C, C, etc., are pins fixed rigidly in the rim A;
D, D, etc., are ferrules fixed to the ring B. A spiral spring is placed around each of
the pins C, C, etc., and as any of the springs are compressed or distended, the
corresponding pins slide in the corresponding ferrules.
Figure 14 and 15 illustrate respectively a side elevation (partly in section) and
sectional plan of a method of fixing the spokes of velocipede and similar wheels.
A is one end of a back wheel hub; B, the rim; C, C, the spokes; D, D, are studs

page_text: riveted into the rim B. The spokes C, C, have riveted heads at their outer extremi-
ties, and the inner ends are screwed. The spokes are threaded through the holes in
the studs D, D, and the inner ends are passed through the edge of the hub A, as
shewn, and are screwed (by being turned round) into nuts carried in a groove F
inside the hub. E is a cap screwed into the end of the hub, as shewn, and acts as
a dust shield to the bearing, and also prevents the ends of the spokes from springing
in. In Figure 15 the outer end of the spoke shewn belongs to a spoke passing to
the other end of the hub to that illustrated. The spokes and dust preventer aro
fixed to the hub of a front wheel in a similar manner, as will be readily understood,
the outer side of the dust preventer lapping over the case of the bearing.
Figures 16 and 17 illustrate another method of fixing the spokes of velocipede
and similar wheels. The difference between this method and that illustrated by
Figures 14 and 15 consists in the fixing of the outer ends of the spokes. a, a, are
screwed studs riveted into the rim; b, b, are nipples which tighten up the riveted
heads of the spokes by being screwed up over the studs.
Figure 18 is a section through a velocipede axle bearing, and is suitable for a
front or back bearing, but is shewn as for a front bearing. A is the case; B, a
steel bush; C, C, steel cones; D, D, etc., rollers shaped as shewn (as many as can
conveniently be got in). The cones C, C, are upon a hexagonal, or octagonal, or
other correspondingly shaped part of the spindles, so as to prevent them from
turning. The hub of the wheel is formed to lap over the case as a dust preventer.
The outer cone is set up by the crank, and the crank is preferably fixed to the axle
by Notts' method before referred to, the hexagonal or other correspondingly shaped
part of the spindle being preferably extended through the boss of the crank. In
the case of a back axle bearing the cones are carried in the bottom ends of the fork,
and the outer cone is set up by Notts' method before referred to, or by any conve-
nient method, or the cones may be carried in the hub of the wheel, the back cone
being brazed to the axle or set back against a collar thereon, and the bush B fixed
in the hub. The adjustable cone at each end of the hub is then set up by Notts'
inethod before referred to, closing to-gether the fork, or by any convenient
method.
Figure 19 is a section through another axle bearing for velocipedes. E is the
case; F, a steel bush; and G, G, steel cones. These cones also are made to slide
upon an octagonal or correspondingly shaped part of the spindle, and the outer cone
is set up according to the method shewn by Figure 18, or by other convenient
method. This bearing is suitable also as a back axle bearing by carrying the cones
in the ends of the forks or in the hub (see Figure 21).
Figure 20 illustrates in section a method of fixing and adjusting the cones of a
velocipede front or back axle bearing. The fixed cone H is screwed on to the
spindle, and has a sleeve J formed solid therewith, and screwed inside and out. The
adjustable cone K is screwed up on the sleeve J, and is locked by the nut or
collar L, also screwed upon the sleeve J. This arrangement may be used for a back
bearing in a similar manner as that described and illustrated by Figure 18.
Figure 20a illustrates another method of fixing and adjusting the cones of a
velocipede axle bearing. The fixed coue and sleeve are similar to those illustrated
by Figure 20, except that the sleeve is hexagonal or octagonal or other corresponding
shape at the part where the adjustable cone slides. The adjustable cone is set up
and held in place by the nut M upon a screwed part of the sleeve. The nut M is
held from coming unscrewed by the boss of the crank or other part pressing
against it.
Figure 21 is a section through a bearing for a velocipede, and is specially appli-
cable for the hind wheel bearing of a bicycle or tricycle. N is the spindle, and is
hexagonal or octagonal, or other corresponding shape in section. 0, 0, are the
cones formed to slide upon the spindle N. Both the cones may be adjustable, or
one may be fixed as preferred. The ends P, P, of the hind fork may be brought
closer to-gether to tighten the bearing by means of the nuts Q, Q, or the spindle may
be fixed in the fork ends by Notts' method before referred to.

page_text: I make the axle and treadle pins preferably from octagon, hexagon, or similar
shaped iron or steel bar, and cover the part of the said spindle or pin with a non-
corrosive or a bright steel bar fixed between the hubs of the wheel or the bearings
of the pin, as the case may be. The said tube is screwed or otherwise fixed to the
hubs or bearings, as the case may be.
Figure 22 illustrates a plan of a velocipede treadlo. Figure 23 is a section on
line x, x, of Figure 22. R, R, are the end plates; S, S, bars connecting the end
plates to-gether; T, T, etc., pins connecting to-gether the foot plates U, U, the said
pins T, T, etc., sliding through guide holes in the bars S, S. Spiral springs are
placed between the bars S, S, and plates U, U, as shewn. The treadle pin is octagon
or hexagon or corresponding shape in section. The back cone is either loose or
brazed upon the pin, and the outer cone is set up by means of Notts' method before
referred to, or by other convenient means. This arrangement of pin is suitable for
all descriptions of studs or fixed spindles.
Figures 24 and 25 illustrate respectively a plan and side elevation of a spanner,
specially useful as a velocipede spanner. The different sizes of spanner open out
like the blades of a knife, the spring V corresponding to the knife spring. The
spring V is fixed to the largest spanner, which thus acts as the handle. A double
ended spanner a for small nuts is held to the largest spanner aforesaid by a pin as
shewn, and is capable of being turned upon the pin. is a screw driver formed on
the end of the largest spanner.
"
Figure 26 is a side elevation, and Figure 27 a section shewing my improved
compound velocipede break and foot rest (specially applicable to a bicycle) and
compound crank boss and dust shield. The lower end of the break only is shewn
by Figure 27. A is the break lever, which is in a vertical position; B, the foot rest
at the top; C, the break which extends half round the crank boss, and in a groove
formed to receive it. D is a spring shewn in plan by Figure 28. The said spring
D is fastened to the lever A, and also to the side of the fork, as shewn by Figure 28.
The lever A is fulcrumed to the side of the fork at E. The break is "put on by
forcing the lever slightly forward, and is returned by the spring D. The boss of
the crank forms a dust shield by overlapping the edge of the bearing, as shewn.
Figure 29 is a section through a lubricator for velocipedes and other purposes.
is an internal valve kept up by the spring b; c is a cap screwed on; and d is a
screwed part for connection to the bearing. When oil is poured into the lubricator
the valve is pushed down, and afterwards rises and prevents the ingress of dust.
Having thus described my Invention, I declare that I do not limit myself to the
exact details as described, but what I claim as my Invention and desire to secure by
Letters Patent is,―
a
1st. The tricycle constructed substantially in the manner herein described, and
illustrated by Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying Drawings.
2nd. The method of steering a tricycle, substantially as herein described, and
illustrated by Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying Drawings.
3rd. The tricycle constructed substantially in the manner herein described, and
illustrated by Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying Drawings.
4th. The method of steering a tricycle substantially as herein described, and
illustrated by Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying Drawings.
5th. The method of steering a perambulator or other vehicle, substantially as
herein described, and as illustrated by Figures 5 and 6, or by means of one steering
wheel guided substantially as illustrated for the two wheels, or by means of a pole
or shaft or equivalent gearing with the steering mechanism of the two steering
wheels, as described.
6th. The method of steering tricycles and four-wheeled velocipedes, perambulators,
timber carriages, and vehicles generally by means of carrying the two steering
wheels in separate sockets, substantially as herein described, and illustrated on
Sheets 1, 2, and 3, and working the steering bar connecting the two wheels by
means of the shafts or other attachment as convenient.
7th. The improved socket and "Stanley" heads for velocipodes and other pur-

page_text: 33
poses, substantially as herein described, and illustrated on Sheet 4 of the accom-
panying Drawings, that is to say, with the friction balls as shewn, and also the
method of tightening up the friction balls in the "Stanley head, and the method
of fixing the handle ball to the top of the "Stanley head, and also the improved
dust preventer for "Stanley heads.
"
"
8th. The spiral springs under the front end, or, if preferred, under the back end,
of the saddle spring, substantially as and for the purposes herein described, and
illustrated by Figure 7.
9th. The wheel for velocipede and other vehicles, substantially as herein described,
and illustrated by Figure 13.
10th. The method of fixing the spokes for velocipede and other wheels, substan-
tially as herein described, and illustrated by Figures 14, 15, 16, and 17.
11th. The cap and dust preventer E for the hubs of velocipede and similar wheels,
substantially as herein described, and illustrated by Figures 14 and 15.
12th. The front or back axle bearing for velocipedes and similar purposes, sub-
stantially as herein described, and illustrated by Figure 18, and also the dust
preventer formed on the hub, substantially as shewn by Figure 18.
13th. Forming the spindle for the part to receive the cones for the bearings of
velocipedes, and for similar purposes, octagon, hexagon, or corresponding shape to
prevent the cones from turning, substantially as herein described and illustrated.
14th. The front or back axle bearing for velocipedes and similar purposes,
substantially as herein described, and illustrated by Figures 20 and 20a.
15th. The axle bearing for velocipedes and similar purposes, substantially as
herein described, and illustrated by Figure 21.
16th. The treadle constructed substantially as herein described, and illustrated
by Figures 22 and 23, and the application of the octagonal, hexagonal, or similar
shaped pin (to prevent the cones turning) with the cones, substantially as described,
for studs and fixed spindles generally.
17th. The compound spring-backed spanner and screw driver, substantially as
herein described, and illustrated by Figures 24 and 25.
18th. The compound break and foot rest for velocipedes, substantially as herein
described, and illustrated by Figures 26, 27, and 28.
19th. The compound crank boss and dust preventer, substantially as herein
described, and illustrated by Figures 26 and 27.
20th. The lubricator for velocipedes and other purposes, substantially as herein
described, and illustrated by Figure 29.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Bate, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Twenty-sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-nine.
JAMES BATE. (L.S.)