Improved Means applicable for use in Varying the Angular Position of Bicycle Handle-Bars.
Year: 1897

page_text: Complete Specification Left, 20th Sept., 1898-Accepted, 26th Nov., 1898
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Means applicable for use in Varying the Angular
Position of Bicycle Handle-Bars.
I, THOMAS WIGSTON KINGLAKE CLARKE, of 9, St. Andrew's Square, Surbiton, in
the County of Surrey, Student, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
This invention relates to an improved mode of mounting the handle-bars of
bicycles whereby the angular position of the handle-bar may be varied to suit the
fancy of the rider, and consists in certain improvements in the means described in
the Specification filed in pursuance of my application for Letters Patent dated
29th December, 1896, No. 29,964.
According to the method described in my said previous Specification, the central
portion of the handle-bar is formed with a circumferential groove in the bottom of
which are a series of holes for the reception of a stud or pin.
According to my present invention, the head of the T-piece is provided with a
laterally projecting socket or bearing in which a stud works. This stud is preferably
eccentric for a portion of its length and has a flat cut upon the side nearest to its
axis of rotation. The fuller portion of the eccentric when turned inwards occupies
one or another of a number of recesses formed in the circumference of the handle-
bar or in a liner with which the handle-bar is fitted. When the flat side of the stud
is turned towards the handle-bar the latter is capable of being rotated in the T-piece.
The outer end of the stud is furnished with a lever whereby it may be turned; the
tail of the lever fitting snugly against the surface of the T-piece.
Dated thin 17th don of Daramban 1007
Improved Means applicable for use in Varying the Angular
Position of Bicycle Handle-Bars.
I, THOMAS WIGSTON KINGLAKE CLARKE, of 9, St. Andrew's Square, Surbiton, in
the County of Surrey, Student, 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 relates to certain improvements in the means described in the
Specification filed in pursuance of my application for Letters Patent dated
29th December, 1896, No. 29,964, for mounting the handle-bars of bicycles whereby

page_text: their angular position may be varied; thus permitting the handles to be raised or
lowered to suit the fancy of the rider, or the handle-bar to be rotated on its stem and
thereby brought into alignment with the frame.
The accompanying drawings illustrate my improved mode of mounting as applied
to the horizontal portion of a bicycle handle-bar; Fig. 1 being an elevation and Fig. 2
a plan in section. Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are transverse sections taken respectively on the
lines xx, y-y and -z in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a transverse section showing the
incans for preventing longitudinal movement of the handle-bar within the T-piece.
According to the method described in my said previous Specification, the central
portion of the handle-bar is formed with a circumferential groove in the bottom of
which are a series of holes for the reception of a stud or pin.
According to my present invention, the head a of the T-piece is provided with a
laterally projecting socket or bearing a¹ in which a stud b works. The portion b¹ of
this stud is preferably eccentric and has a flat b2 cut upon the side nearest to
the axis of rotation. The fuller portion (3 of the eccentric when turned inwards
occupies one or another of a number of recesses c¹ c¹ formed in the circumference
of the handle-bar c or in a liner or sleeve with which the handle-bar is fitted.
When the flat side 2 of the stud b is turned towards the handle-bar, the
latter is capable of being rotated in the head a of the T-piece. The outer end of
the stud is squared and is furnished with a lever d whereby it may be turned; the
lever being secured by a screw or bolt d'. The tail of the lever is curved so as to
fit snugly against the outer surface of the T-piece. The end-portions b b of the stud
fit against the inner surface of the socket a¹ and the circumference of the unrecessed
portion of the handle-bar as shown in Figs. 2 and 5; thus affording a firm bearing for
the stud e, Fig. 6, is a divided ring, secured by screws e¹ passing through holes in the
T-piece, and which serves to prevent longitudinal movement of the handle-bar.
In Fig. 3, the handle-bar is shown locked in position, the fuller portion 3 of the
eccentric being in engagement with one of the recesses c¹. Upon turning
the lever d to the position shown in dotted lines, the flat portion of the eccentric
will be brought opposite the recess c¹ and the handle-bar rendered capable of rotation
about its axis.
In applying the improved means to the steering stem of a bicycle handle-bar for
the purpose of rotating the handle-bar on the stem and of bringing the handle-bar
into alignment with the frame, the number of the recesses in the stem or in the
sleeve with which the same is fitted may be reduced.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said in-
vention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I claim :-
1. In mounting a bicycle handle-bar, the herein described means for varying the
angular position thereof or rotating it on its stem, comprising a stud having an
eccentric portion arranged to engage in one of several longitudinal recesses formed
in the periphery of the handle-bar or stem or in a sleeve secured thereon, substantially
as herein described.
2. In a bicycle, the combination, with a handle-bar, or stem, formed or furnished
with longitudinal recesses c¹, of a stud b, having an eccentric portion 6' whereof the
side 62 nearest to the axis of rotation is flat, while the opposite side b2 is rounded;
the stud being housed in a laterally projecting fixed socket a¹, substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
3. The improved means for mounting bicycle handle-bars constructed or operating
substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
WOLL
1
September 1838.
For the Applicant,
G. G. M. HARDINGHAM,
191, Fleet Street, London, E.C., Chartered Patent Agent.