Improvements in Bicycle Frames.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Oct., 1896-Accepted, 14th Nov., 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Bicycle Frames.
1, HENRY LEEMING of 51, Bland Street, Moss Side, Manchester in the
County of Lancaster, Machinist, 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 the framework of rear driving bicycles and has for its
object to provide a bicycle which has a bigh stayed frame for use by gentlemen,
readily convertible to a low stayed frame for use by ladies and which is in either
form approximately equal in strength or stiffness to the other.
According to this invention what is termed the "top bar" or "top stay" of a
frame of the "Diamond" or modified "Diamond" type hitherto immovably fixed,
is fitted to the framework at each end by means of a knuckle joint or its equivalent,
each knuckle having a bolt passing therethrough.
Provision is made for another
knuckle joint on the lower stay leading from the bottom or crank bracket to the
steering socket tube. When it is desired to convert the frame for use by a lady,
the bolt in the knuckle at the seat post end of the top bar is removed and that end
of the top bar dropped and secured to the lower stay or bar, aforesaid, at the
kuuckle joint there provided, by a bolt. The angle formed by the junction of the
seat post and the lower stay or bar is bridged over near the knuckle joint to obtain
rigidity thereat.
The sheet of drawings attached hereunto illustrates the carrying out of my
invention.
Figure 1, represents an elevation of a frame of a modified "Diamond" type;
Figure 2, a plan; Figure 3, illustrates a modified form of top bar.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, in place of the usual sockets
provided at the upper parts a a, of the steering post or tube and the seat post for.
the securing of the top bar or stay a', suitable connections a² a3 are formed thereat
and at the ends of the bar or stay a' so that the bar or stay a¹ can be readily
disconnected at a² and permit of being lowered at a and have its end at a
connected to the attachment 6 provided on the lower part of the frame.
The attachment b is in some cases arranged upon the lower part of the seat post
above the crank bearing bracket.
Figure 3, illustrates a modified form of top stay which consists of two parallel
or approximately parallel bars a, a, secured together at each end, by the use of
which greater stiffness laterally is obtained than when the top stay consists of a
single bar.
It is obvious that the improved construction and arrangement of the top stay
and connection on the lower part of the frame for the purpose hereinbefore
described is applicable in all modifications of the "Diamond" frame where a seat
post or an equivalent stay is employed.
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 wbat I
claim is:
First. The improved construction of bicycle frame substantially as and for the
purpose hereinbefore set forth and illustrated in and by the accompanying
drawings.
Second. In a bicycle having a "Diamond" or modified "Diamond" frame the
arrangement of a hinged or detachable top bar or stay, and a connection on the

page_text: lower part of the frame, by which arrangement the steering post socket is stayed
either to the upper part of the seat post or to the bottom bar or stay, or its
equivalent, substantially as described and for the purpose hereinbefore set
forth.
Third. The use and construction of a movable top bar or stay in combination
with a suitable attachment ou the lower part of the frame substantially as
described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, of the drawings and for the
purpose hereinbefore set forth.
Dated the 29th day of September 1896.
R. J. URQUHART,
57, Barton Arcade, Manchester, and 6, Clayton Square, Liverpool,
Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent.