Improvements in or connected with the Variable Speeding of Velocipedes, and with the Reduction of Friction in such Machines.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Oct.. 1895
Complete Specification Left, 16th July, 1896-Accepted, 22nd Aug., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with the Variable Speeding of
Velocipedes, and with the Reduction of Friction in such
Machines.
We, JOHN DENNIS YOUNG, of Taw Vale Parade, Barnstaple in the County of
Devon, Metal Merchant, and HENRY BURGESS YOUNG, of 24 Penton Place,
Pentonville Road, London, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in or connected with the variable
speeding of velocipedes, and to the reduction of friction in such machines.
It consists as follows:-Where necessary I modify the frame of the machine so
as to form a pair of downhanging fixed brackets, which so to speak constitute a
part of the frame. Between these brackets lie the speeding mechanism and
through them concentrically the crank spindle is situated, the said cranks being
one upon the outside of each. These brackets are further prepared to receive cach
a couc to accommodate balls for ball bearings hereinafter explained, which said
cones are fixed when adjusted by means of radial screws. A gap or open slot is
made in each of these brackets through which the spindle and other parts thereon
may pass laterally, the said gap being filled up by a distance block, and the whole
secured by a holt after the spindle is in position.
The crank spindle at or about the middle of its length is enlarged so as to form
an external cylindrical surface upon which-slides a clutch having teeth or claws at
ench end, which agree with recesses formed upon chain wheels, which said chain
wheels are carried upon the spindle at each end of the aforesaid enlarged part of
the spindle. This clutch is controlled upon its cylindrical sent by means of a key
and keyway, which said key is preferably cut or formed solidly upon (or in one
with) the cylindrical seat and the key way made in the clutch part, or vice versa.
The chain wheels are of different diameters by which the variability of speed is
obtained, and agree with their wheels upon the driven wheel: hub. Two sets of.
bearing balls roll between the central parts of the driving chain wheels and the
spindle. The central drum-like part of the spindle is annularly recessed upon each
side to accommodate such portions of the chain wheels and their bearings. Two
other sets roll between these wheels and the inner part of two sleeves on the
spindle, and two other sets run between the bracket cones and the other part of
these sleeves.
Again. Midway upon the surface of the hereinbefore mentioned clutch is a
groove which receives an actuating roller pin, by which the said clutch is thrown
into or out of gear with either or neither of the two chain wheels. This pin is
carried in or upon a suitable lever by means of adjustable ball bearings, two sets of 1
such balls being usually adopted which thereby reduces to a minimum the friction
between the roller pin and the clutch. This lever is fulcrumed upon a stud or
bracket carried from or formed upon the frame, and to its other arm is connected
the lower end of a connecting rod, the said rod being preferably cranked or bent
so that it may lie as close as possible to the frame of the machine in order to be
free of the riders legs. The upper end of this rod is again connected to a cranked
spindle carried upon a pillar like bracket brazed or otherwise carried upon the
frame of the machine. To this cranked spindle is secured an operating handle

page_text: part, so that the said handle part and the spindle and the crank form as it were n
bell cranked lever. The said lever is further made capable of being retained in
certain given positions. This may be done by making the handle part to be
tubular and to slide upon the lever proper, and so controlled by a spring
that a lump or catch upon its exterior shall engage with and tend to remain
in one of two or more notches formed upon a contiguous quadrant upon the pillar
bracket.
Thus there are two driving chains running parallel with each other engaging
their respective driving wheels upon the spindle and their driven wheels upon the
traction hub. Assuming the chain wheels upon the hub may be similar in size, those
upon the spindle are varied so that when the machine is driven by the one chain
the maximum speed is obtained, but when going up a hill, or otherwise at the will
of the rider the clutch may be readily thrown out of gear with that chain wheel
and into gear with the other, when the minimum speed will be obtained and
therefore require proportionate less expenditure of power on the part of the rider,
or if desired at such times for instances as in descending a hill the clutch may
be retained in the middle position, so as not to genr with either wheels, and
consequently the machine would be free and independent of the cranks.
We further make provision for the reduction of friction which may be used with
or without the foregoing, and which specially admits of application to tricycles
or other similar machines where two wheels are used abreast of each other.
As used for a tricycle for instance :-It is usual in those machines to mount the
spindle for the back wheels in ball bearings adjustably fixed from a cross tube of
the frame which lies parallel to the said spindle.
In this our invention we mount an anti-friction spindle within this cross tube
suitably running in adjustable ball bearings. This spindlo extends sufficiently
boyond each end of the tubo to allow of an anti-friction wheel being securely fixed
at each end. The diameter of these wheels are such that their peripheries bear
upon the main spindle of the back or traction wheels or upon an enlargement upon
the same.
It is desirous that the wheels should be as large as convenient
so as to cause but a very low motion thereto in comparison with the maiu
spindle.
We now further provide two or more (downhanging) brackets or horus, that is,
having a parallel open gap, in which may slide a ball bearing block. These blocks
when in position are suitably prevented from falling out, but are capable of a little
sliding motion, in order that the vertical weight of the rider and machine &c. shall
be carried upon the anti-friction wheels and their spindle, thus leaving upon the
main spindle simply, the horizontal friction. At such points of the main spindle
where the bearings are situated, adjustable cones are placed to conform with those
cones in or upon the bearing blocks. Upon this spindle is further secured in
suitable positions the driven chain wheels.
In bicycles for instance where there is no cross tube conveniently above the main
spindle as before described, we may, mount the anti-friction wheels in ball bearings
carried or formed upon outstanding studs secured to the frame in a suitable position.
above the main opindle.
Thus by these means the friction due to the vertical weight of the machine and
rider is considerably reduced besides affording a larger number of bearing surfaces
to receive the distribution of frictional contact.
Dated this 16th day of October 1895.
CHARLES T. POWELL,
Applicants' Agent.

page_text: CUMI DIN
Improvements in or connected with the Variable Speeding of
Velocipedes, and with the Reduction of Friction in such
Machines.
We, Jons DENNIS YOUNG, of Taw Vale Parade, Barnstaple, in the County of
Devon, Metal Merchant, and HENRY BURGESS YOUNG, of 24 Penton Place,
Pentonville Road, London, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be perforined, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to improvements in or connected with the variable
speeding of velocipedes, and to the reduction of friction in such machines.
In order to more clearly explain this our invention we have appended hereunto
illustrative sheets of drawings upon which are figures and numbers of reference,
similar numbers referring throughout the several views to the same thing or
part.
Fig. 1 is an incomplete view of a bicycle, to which one part (variable speed) of
this our invention is applied.
Fig. 2 is a sectional plan view on line A-B Figs. 1, 3 and 4, through the
bottom (treadle) bracket."
Fig. 3 is a part end view of the bottom bracket &c.
Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the bottom bracket &c.
Fig. 5 is a detached sectional view showing the method of fixing cones, on
line C-D Fig. 3, in bottom bracket.
Fig. 5 is a sectional view, and Fig. 5 is a side view of a modified form of
bracket for carrying crank spindle &c.
Fig. 6 is a sectional view on line E-F Figs. 2 and 4, showing the sliding clutch
and enlarged drum-like part of the spindle.
Fig. 7 is a detached view of one of the chain wheels, showing the recesses with
which the clutch teeth engage.
Figs. 8, 9 and 10 show some of the details of the mechanism by which the clutch
is thrown into or out of gear.
Figs. 11, 12 and 13 illustrate the mechanism for reducing the friction upon such
machines, being arranged to suit a bicycle, while Figs. 14 and 15 show the friction
reducing arrangement as applied to a tricycle. Fig. 16 is a sectional plan view on
line GH Fig. 15. Figs. 144, 17 & 18, are detailed side and front elevations of
modified forms of downhanging brackets for carrying the chain wheel, spindle &c.
Referring to Figs. 1 to 7, where necessary I modify the frame 19 of the machine
so as to form a pair of downhanging fixed brackets 20, which so to speak
constitute a part of the frame. Between these brackets lie the speeding mechanism
and through them concentrically the crank spindle 21 is situated, the cranks 22
being secured at each end.
These brackets are further prepared to receive each a cone 23, for ball bearings
hereinafter explained, which said cones are fixed when adjusted by means of radial
screws 25, see Figs. 3, 4 and 5. A gap or open slot 26 is made in each of these
brackets through which the spindle and other parts thereon may pass vertically
the said gap being filled up by a distance block 27 and the whole secured by a
bolt 28 after the spindle is in position.
Instead
In Figs. 5 and 5B, 17 and 18, we show a modified form of bracket 20.
of making the gap or opening 26 at the bottom we make it at the side, as secu in
Fig. 5. This will facilitate the placing of the spindle 21 &c. in position inasmuch
as the lower part 24 will carry such parts until they are adjusted and fixed. By
neaus of the bolt 28 the cones 23 may be fairly gripped and secured in position."

page_text: The crank spindle at or about the middle of its length is enlarged so as to form
an external drum like part 29 upon whose cylindrical surface or seat slides a
clutch 30 having teeth or claws at each end, which agree with holes 32 formed in
chain wheels 33 and 34 see Figs. 2, 3 and 7, which said chain wheels are carried
one at each end of the aforesaid enlarged part of the spindle. This clutch 30 is
controlled upon its cylindrical seat by means of a key 35 and keyway 36, which
said key is preferably cut or formed solidly upon (or in one with) the cylindrical
seat 29 and the keyway made in the clutch part, see Figs. 2 and 6, or vice versa.
The chain wheels 33 and 34 ore of different diameters by which the variability
ef speed is obtained, and agree as to position with their wheels 37 and 38 upon the
driven wheel hub, see Fig. 1. Two sets of bearing balls 39 and 40 roll between
the central parts of the driving chain wheels and the spindle. The central drum.
like part 29 of the spindle is annularly recessed upon each side to accommodate
such portions of the chain wheels and their bearings.
Two other sets of balls 41 and 42 roll between these wheels and the inner part
of two sleeves 43 and 44 on the spindle, and two other sets of balls 45 and 46 run
between the bracket cones 23 and the other end of these sleeves 43 and 44. Theso
sleeves are made to revolve with the spindle 21 by means of the extended key
point at 47 taking into the keyway 48 upon the spindle.
Again. Midway upon the surface of the hereinbefore mentioned clutch is a
groove 49 which receives an actuating roller pin 50 by which the said clutch 30 is
thrown into or out of gear with either or neither of the two chain wheels 33 and 34.
This pin is carried in ur upon a suitable lever 51 by means of adjustable bull
bearings, see Fig. 2, two sets of such balls 52 and 53 ing sally adopted, which
thereby reduces to a minimum the friction between the roller pin and the clutch.
This lover is fulcrumed upen a stud or bracket 54 carried from or attached to
the frame see Figs. 3 and 4. Its other arm 55 is connected to the lower end 56 of
a connecting rud 57, see now also Figs. 8, 9 and 10, the said lower end of the rod
being preferably cranked or bent so that it may lie as close as possible to the frame
of the machine in order to be free of the riders legs. The upper end of this rod,
is again connected to a cranked spindle 57 carried upon a pillar like bracket 58
brazed or otherwise carried upon the frame of the machine. To this cranked
spindle 57 is secured an operating handle part 59s that the said handle part and
the spindle and its crank form as it were a bell cranked lever. The said lever is
further made capable of being retained in certain given positions. This may be
done by making the handle part to have the tube 59" to slide upon the part 59 aud
60 controlled by a spring 60, that a lump or catch 61 upon its exterior shall
engage with and tend to remain in one of two or more notches 62 formed upon a
contignons quadrant 63 upon the pillar bracket. Thus there are two driving
chains 64 and 65 running parallel with each other, engaging their respective
driving wheels 33 and 34 upon the spindle, and their driven wheels 37 and 35 upon
the traction hub at 68. Assuming the chain wheels 37 and 38 upon the hub 68 to
he similar in size, the wheels 33 and 34 are varied so that when the machine is
driven by the chain 65, the maximum speed is obtained, but when going up a hill
or otherwise out of gear with that chain wheel and into gear with the wheel 33,
then the mmimum speed will be obtained and therefore require proportionate less
expenditure of power on the part of the rider, or if desired at such times for
instance as in descending a bill, the clutch may be retained in the middle position,
so as not to gear with either wheels, and consequently the machine would be free
and independent of the cranks.
We further make provision for the reduction of friction which may be used with
or without the foregoing and which specially admits of application to tricycles or
other similar machines where two wheels are used abreast of each other, see Figs. 14
to 16 inclusive.
As used for a tricycle for instance :-It is usual in those machines to mount the.
spindle for the back wheels in ball bearings adjustably fixed from a cross tube, of
the frame which lies parallel to the said spindle.

page_text: In this our invention we mount an anti-friction spindle 69 within this cross.
tube 70 suitably running in adjustable ball bearings. This spindle extends
sufficiently beyond each end of the tube to allow of an anti-friction wheel 71
being securely fixed at each end. The diameter of these wheels are such that their
peripheries bear upon the main spindle 72 of the back or traction wheels or upon
an enlargement upon the same.
It is desirous that the wheels should be as large
as convenient so as to cause but a very slow motion thereto in comparison with.
that of the main spindle 72.
We provide further two or more (downhanging) brackets or horns 73 that is,.
having a parallel open gap 74 in which may slide a ball bearing block 75. These
blocks when in position are suitably prevented from falling out, but are capable of
a little vertical sliding motion, in order that the vertical weight of the rider andi
machine &c. shall be carried upon the antifriction wheels 71 and their spindle 69,.
At such,
thus leaving upon the main spindle 72 simply the horizontal friction.
points of the main spindle where the bearings are situated, adjustable cones 76 are
placed to conform with those cones in or upon the bearing blocks. Upon this.
spindle is further secured in suitable positions the driven chain wheels 37" and 38",
also upon this spindle are mounted the road or traction wheels not shown upon the-
outer ends of such spindle.
Referring to Figs. 11, 12 and 13:-In bicycles for instance, where there is no.
cross tube conveniently above the main spindle as before described, we may mount.
the anti-friction wheels 71 in ball bearings carried or formed upon the outstanding-
studs 77 secured to the frame 19 in a suitable position above the main spindle 72.
As in Figs. 14, 15 and 16 the main spindle 72 is carried in blocks 75°, which
are adjustable by means of pins 78 in brackets 73", which latter are depending.
from the frame 19.
Thus by these means the friction due to the vertical weight of the machine and
rider is considerably reduced besides affording a larger number of bearings surfaces.
to receive the distribution of frictional contact.
In Figs. 14, 14, 17 and 18, we have shown an extension piece 79 upon the
downhanging brackets, for the purpose of carrying the stay rod 80 by which the-
said brackets may be rigidly kept in their right position and thus preventing any
side movement or spring which would otherwise probably take place from the-
pressure of the balls in their bearings upon the cones &c. Reverting to Fig. 5 it
will be seen that 81 is a thin washer of any suitable material which is fitted upon.
the spindle between the back of the crank 22 and the sleeve 43. This is made to
be only just free of the interior of the cone 23, and is intended to prevent dust or
dirt entering the bearing at such place.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this our
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what.
we claim is
1. The general construction and combination of the wheels 33 and 34, spindle 21.
with drum 29, and clutch 49 with their various bearings &c. all substantially set.
forth and more particularly shown on Fig. 2.
2. The combination and arrangement of mechanism by which the clutch 49 is.
operated, that is to say with the roller 50 and bell crank lever 51, of the cranked
arm 56 and rod 57 with crank 57 and handle 59° all substantially as set forth and.
shown and for the purposes specified.
3. The combination with the clutch operating mechanism and with the handle.
part 59, of the tubular handle 59 having the lump 61 and spring 60, and the
quadrant 63 all, substantially as set forth and described.
4. Carrying the wheel spindles of velocipedes such as 21, 72 or 72" in brackets.
having open slot ways such as 26, or 74, (see Figs. 3, 5, 11 and 15), as substantially
set forth and shown.
5. The general combination and arrangement of mechanism by which the weight
of the rider and the machine is transferred to the chain wheel spindle by means of

page_text: anti-friction wheels 71 or 712, substantially as set forth and shown in Figs. 11, 12, 13,
14 and 15.
6. The general combination and arrangement of the parts constituting these our
improvements in velocipedes substantially as herein set forth and shown upon the
drawings.
D1 .. of t.... 1902
CHARLES T. POWELL,
Applicants' Agent.