Improvements connected with the Frames and the Means of Support in Velocipedes and other Vehicles.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 4th June, 1892-Accepted, 13th Aug., 1892
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements connected with the Frames and the Means of Support
in Velocipedes and other Vehicles.
I EDWARD GOODMAN SHEWARD of 110 Cannon Street, City of London,
M.I.C.E. 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 :-
This invention has for object the construction or arrangement of the frames of
velocipedes generally also in the mode of suspending or supporting the frame upon
the wheels in order to obtain an easy seat for the rider, less vibration and oscilla-
tion of the frame than is usual while travelling over rough roads.
My invention as hereinbefore set forth and also some modifications thereof will
be more clearly understood by reference to the annexed drawings.
Figure 1, side elevation of a velocipede (bicycle or tricycle) with frame suspended
upon the wheels.
Figure 2 diagrammatic elevation of velocipede slightly modified in its detail.
Figure 3, similar elevation of a velocipede of a further modified construction.
Figure 4, another similar elevation also slightly modified in detail.
Figure 5, side elevation of bicycle having the same features as previously '
described.
Figure 6 view of tricycle in which the steering wheels have a motion to move
obliquely to that of travel, such as when riding over a hillock or a kerb or a
bank without affecting the position of the machine frame.
For the purpose of my invention the frame is composed of two side bars A, A,
with ends affixed to socket C on steering post D which is the rear, the forward
portions E, E, of said side bars are below and outside the axles or hubs of the
front wheel F say of a bicycle or inside say of a tricycle at which part they are
curved upwardly or have curved spurs attached leading to a socket G on which
the handle bar H is fitted another rod I or a A rod depending from said socket G
and attached to a socket or eye on the curved bars A, A, as a "strut" there being
another shaped "strut" J leading therefrom and to the curved bars A A as a
seat support in conjunction with a horizontal bar K forming the "tie between the
head socket L of the leading wheel and that M of the steering wheel N.
""
The fork P of the steering or trailing wheel N has its lower ends of bent or
spur form similarly to that of the front wheel F and the frame is suspended by
these spurs P and by springs Q preferably helical springs. The axles or hub
sockets are loosely connected to the frame and fork respectively by links R, R, the
outer pivots of which move concentrically in proportion to the weight of the
rider. The springs absorb the vibration and oscillation of the wheels while
travelling.
I may dispense with the curved frame bars and use straight bars as the frame
as at Figures 4 and 5.
It will be seen by referring to Figure 1 that the suspension of the frame is
from the axles of the wheels, and the weight of the rider is borne by the links R, R,
and springs Q, Q.
According to Figure 2, the link R is extended to and carries the pedal cranks,
which when the rider is mounted move concentrically to a distance due to his
weight and governed by the resistance of the spring Q.
At Figure 3, the link R is extended from the wheel axle to a distance beyond
the pedal crank, the end of the link being held by a spring Q to the frame A.
By the arrangement shown at Figure 4, the extension of the link R is bent
upwards and connected by its spring Q to the strut.

page_text: According to Figure 5, the link R and spring Q are the same as those_shown
at Figure 3 but the weight of the rider is more concentrated over and upon
the pedal axle, the sinking of the frame from such weight being resisted by the
springs Q.
The spring, and link, arrangement can be readily adapted for ordinary road
vehicles giving the advantage of cee springs for ease and comfort of the occupants
as will be gathered by referring to Figures 7 and 8 which show a cart body with
the spring link and spur applied.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is:-
:-
1. The method of suspending the frame so that the weight of the rider is borne
by a spring or springs at a distance from the axis of the wheels as, and for the
purposes set forth and as shown on the annexed drawings.
2. So constructing or arranging the frame that the weight of the rider is borne
by a joint which as part of the frame forms the point from which the propulsion
of the machine obtained.
3. The method of suspending the frame so that the weight of the rider coming
upon the same centre as that from which the radial link rocks is borne by a suitable
spring attached to any point upon the radial link preferably from the end opposite
to that which is fixed to the cycle wheel centre.
4. The particular arrangement of frames shown in the. annexed drawings by
which the features above set forth are obtained.
www
H. GARDNER,
Patent Agent, 166, Fleet Street, London,
Agent for the said E. G. Sheward.
H. GARDNER,
Patent Agent, 166, Fleet Street, London,
Agent for the said E. G. Sheward.