Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 13th June, 1899
Complete Specification Left. 5th Mar.. 1900-Accepted. 7th Apr.. 1900
I, GIUSEPPE MORANDI, of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, Florence, Italy, Manu-
facturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
-;
This bicycle presents several improvements over those hitherto known, viz.:
1. A new form consisting in the front wheel being made smaller than the back
wheel, and the frame shorter;
2. In dividing the handle bar into two parts, and which can be placed in any
desired position, higher or lower upon the handle bar post;
3. The bicycle can be divided into two parts for the purposes of packing and
facilitating transport, or be folded in two in the same way as a book, while it
can be instantaneously placed in position for use;
4. The handle bar and the small saddle may be formed to fold for facilitating
packing.
These different improvements may be applied in their entirety or separately
to bicycles, as hereinafter described and shown in the acompanying drawings,
such bicycles being capable of construction of different forms, to which one or
more of the improvements above indicated may be applied.
The form shown in Fig. 1 folds completely upon itself like a book. Fig. 2
shows the bicycle folded, and in this condition it may be packed in a crate or
carried upon the shoulders. Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6, illustrate the mechanical
arrangement by means of which the folding of the frame in two parts and the
locking of same together may be effected.
Fig. 3 shows in front elevation the mechanism when the bicycle is ready for
use; Fig. 4 the same mechanism in plan; Fig. 5 a side elevation; Fig. 6 shows
the mechanism when the bicycle is folded in two, and Fig. 7 a section of the
mechanism on the line -y of Fig. 5. The mechanism consists of a hinge A the
support for which is applied to the two sides of the double cross bar BB of the¨
frame, which naturally is cut in two. For folding the bicycle, that is to say, for
placing the two parts of the frame one beside the other, the tubular push piece C,
situated on the wing of the hinge upon which are fixed the three teeth D D D,
is forced inwards; these three teeth are thus caused to leave their seats E E E
which are formed in the other wing of the hinge; the rotary movement necessary
for folding is then imparted to one of the parts of the bicycle and then the push
piece C is released. The spring F then raises the push piece C which returns
to its position. The outer tube G having a slot through which pass the three
teeth DDD holds the push piece C in position. When it is desired to place the
bicycle in the position for use, the necessary rotary movement is imparted to one
of the two parts, and when the hinge is at the point of its maximum opening,
the teeth DDD by encountering the hooks I, I, I, automatically together depress
the push piece C until it comes opposite the recesses EEE, when it is raised,
also automatically, by the action of the spring, so that the hinge becomes rigid
and the two parts of the bicycle form a single piece.

page_text: The hinge being very high it suffices to render the connection of the two parts
quite solid, so that the bicycle is placed in position ready for use by a simple
inovement of rotation of one of its two parts, and it is folded back upon itself
by simply pushing the push piece C with the foot, and at the same time effecting
the rotary movement for folding it. If the pin of the hinge is removed, the two
parts of the bicycle may be detached one from the other; so that the bicycle can
be divided into two parts.
Fig. 8 represents a form of bicycle which instead of folding may be divided
directly into two parts, as shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 10 represents a transverse
section of the mechanism which serves for connecting and dividing the two parts
of the bicycle; Fig. 11 represents one of the said parts in front elevation; Fig. 12
represents the mechanism in front elevation at the moment at which the two parts
are about to be detached one from the other, and Fig. 13 is a transverse section
of the mechanism at the moment when the two parts are detached.
mechanism which serves for separating and connecting the two parts of the bicycle
is constructed and operates in the following manner;
The
The two tubes B B of the frame (Figs. 10, 11, 12, and 13), which are arranged
one beside the other as in bicycles for ladies, are cut across transversely, and to
the two extremities of the divided portions are applied two discs L and M; one of
those discs M carries a ring N in the interior of which are applied on one side
two small wings 0 0 having the form of two parts of a circular crown; on the
opposite side this ring carries a small wing having the form of a complete circular
crown 1', which serves to hold and guide it on the disc M. This ring can turn
upon the said disc. Upon the other disc L are applied two small wings Q Q
having the same width as the spaces IR which exist between the small wings 00
of the ring N. When desired to connect the two parts of the bicycle, the two
discs are presented one against the other, as will be seen in Fig. 12, so that the
two small wings QQ of the disc L can enter into the spaces R R of the ring N.
Then the arm S of the lever T is caused to approach the handle U by hand,
and the ring is turned so that the two small wings QQ of the disc L pass under
the wings of the said ring. The small wings are of wedge form, that is to say
they are thin at the part which is to enter the spaces, and thicker at the bottom
part, with the object of facilitating the operation, and at the same time to render
the connection of the two parts more secure when the insertion of the small
wings into their places is completed. Afterwards the arm S of the lever T
is released and the latter enters the recess V formed in the disc M. The two
discs thus become perfectly connected one to the other, and by reason of the
wedge form given to the small wings there is no danger that the two parts of
the bicycle will become detached one from the other. But in order to render
the connection between the two parts still more secure, in the interior of the
two divided tubes in one of the parts of the bicycle two small bars p p are
attached and which are introduced into the spaces of the two tubes which exist
in the other part of the bicycle.
When it is desired to disconnect the two parts of the bicycle, the reverse opera-
tion is effected; the arm S of the lever T is moved towards the handle U and
the ring is turned until this lever. T enters into the recess W. With the object
of facilitating packing and transport the two parts of the bicycle, either when
it separates into two parts or when it folds upon itself, I have thought of making
the handle bar and the small saddle capable of folding. Figs. 14, 15 and 16
represent the system for securing the handle bar. This system is composed of
a catch analogous to that which serves for folding the bicycle in two, and which
is illustrated in Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. The hinge of this mechanism may be
applied either in the form indicated in Figs. 14, 15 and 16, or directly to the
axis of the handle bar.
The same system serves for folding the small saddle on one side in the manner
represented in longitudinal section in Fig. 17 and in Figs. 18 and 19 in which
the mechanism for supporting the small saddle will be seen when such saddle is in

page_text: its position and when it is folded. Round the tube x which serves as a support
for the small saddle, there is a second tube or sleeve y to which is rigidly secured
a saddle bearer b; in this tube are formed two slots a a into which enter the
teeth zz of a third tube y' which slides in the interior of the tube x, and
which remains firm in its position by reason of the two above mentioned teeth.
When it is desired to fold the small saddle to one side, as shown in Fig. 2,
the inner tube y¹ is forced inwards by hand inside the tube x so as to release
the teeth z from the slots a a. Then the sleeve turns in any direction and the
saddle can be folded in any desired position. To replace the parts in the position
ready for use, the sleeve y is turned until the teeth z automatically enter into
their slots a a under the action of the spring c which bears upon same.
Fig. 20 represents the means for arresting the wheel with the brake d when
the bicycle is to be packed or transported. The saddle bearing tube carries an
angle piece e (Figs. 17 and 20); if this tube is lowered the angle piece e comes
in contact with an arc f applied to the stem 7 of a brake h which stops the
wheel. If this tube is raised, the spring i compels the brake to move away from
the wheel.
The bar (Fig. 17) with the spring m serves to determine the height at which
the small saddle is to be placed.
Fig. 21 shows a bicycle having the form of the bicycle above described, but
which cannot be divided. It illustrates an improvement over bicycles hitherto
employed as it is shorter and lighter.
The spring clip n and the knob o (Figs. 15 and 16) serve to connect the two
parts of the handle bar when they are folded together. This system, shown
in Figs. 15 and 16 is also applicable for connecting the wheels in the folding
bicycle illustrated in Fig. 2.
Dated thin 19th
JT1000
ALLISON BROS.,
Agents for the Applicant.
I, GIUSEPPE MORANDI, of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, Florence, Italy, Manu-
facturer 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 bicycle presents several improvements over those hitherto known, viz.:
1. A new form consisting in the front wheel being made smaller than the back
wheel, and the frame shorter ;
2. In dividing the handle bar into two parts, and which can be placed in any
desired position, higher or lower upon the handle bar post;
3. The bicycle can be divided into two parts for the purposes of packing and
facilitating transport, or be folded in two in the same way as a book, while it
can be instantaneously placed in position for use;
4. The handle bar and the small saddle may be formed to fold for facilitating
packing.
These different improvements may be applied in their entirety or separately
to bicycles, as hereinafter described and shown in the drawings filed with the Pro-
visional Specification, such bicycles being capable of construction of different
forms, to which one or more of the improvements above indicated may be applied.
The form shown in Fig. 1 folds completely upon itself like a book. Fig. 2

page_text: shows the bicycle folded, and in this condition it may be packed in a crate or
carried upon the shoulders. Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6, illustrate the mechanical
arrangement by means of which the folding of the frame in two parts and the
locking of same together may be effected.
Fig. 3 shows in front elevation the mechanism when the bicycle is ready for
use; Fig. 4 the same mechanism in plan; Fig. 5 a side elevation; Fig. 6 shows
the mechanism when the bicycle is folded in two, and Fig. 7 a section of the
mechanism on the line x-y of Fig. 5. The mechanism consists of a hinge A the
support for which is applied to the two sides of the double cross bar BB of the
frame, which naturally is cut in two. For folding the bicycle, that is to say, for
placing the two parts of the frame one beside the other, the tubular push piece C,
situated on the wing of the hinge upon which are fixed the three teeth D D D,
is forced inwards; these three teeth are thus caused to leave their seats EEE
which are formed in the other wing of the hinge; the rotary movement necessary
for folding is then imparted to one of the parts of the bicycle and then the push
piece C is released. The spring F then raises the push piece C which returns
to its position. The outer tube G having a slot through which pass the three
teeth DDD holds the push piece C in position. When it is desired to place the
bicycle in the position for use, the necessary rotary movement is imparted to one
of the two parts, and when the hinge is at the point of its maximum opening,
the teeth DDD by encountering the hooks I I I automatically together depress
the push piece C until it comes opposite the recesses EEE, when it is raised.
also automatically, by the action of the spring, so that the hinge becomes rigid
and the two parts of the bicycle form a single piece.
The hinge being very high it suffices to render the connection of the two parts
quite solid, so that the bicycle is placed in position ready for use by a simple
movement of rotation of one of its two parts, and it is folded back on itself
by simply pushing the push piece C with the foot, and at the same time effecting
the rotary movement for folding it. If the pin of the hinge is removed, the two
parts of the bicycle may be detached one from the other, so that the bicycle can
be divided into two parts.
Fig. 8 represents a form of bicycle which instead of folding may be divided
directly into two parts, as shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 10 represents a transverse
section of the mechanism which serves for connecting and dividing the two parts
of the bicycle; Fig. 11 represents one of the said parts in front elevation; Fig. 12
represents the mechanism in front elevation at the moment at which the two parts
are about to be detached one from the other, and Fig. 13 is a transverse section
of the mechanism at the moment when the two parts are detached.
The
mechanism which serves for separating and connecting the two parts of the bicycle
is constructed and operates in the following manner;
The two tubes B B of the frame (Figs. 10, 11, 12, and 13), which are arranged
one beside the other as in bicycles for ladies, are cut across transversely, and to
the two extremities of the divided portions are applied two discs L and M one of
these discs M carries a ring N in the interior of which are applied on one side
two small wings 00 having the form of two parts of a circular crown; on the
opposite side this ring carries a small wing having the form of a complete circular
crown P, which serves to hold and guide it on the disc M. This ring can turn
upon the said disc. Upon the other disc L are applied two small wings Q Q
having the same width as the spaces R R which exist between the small wings 00
of the ring N. When desired to connect the two parts of the bicycle, the two
discs are presented one against the other, as will be seen in Fig. 12, so that the
two small wings QQ of the disc L can enter into the spaces R R of the ring N.
Then the arm S of the lever T is caused to approach the handle U by hand,
and the ring is turned so that the two small wings Q Q of the disc L pass under
the wings of the said ring. The small wings are of wedge form, that is to say
they are thin at the part which is to enter the spaces, and thicker at the bottom

page_text: part, with the object of facilitating the operation, and at the same time to render
the connection of the two parts more secure when the insertion of the small
wings into their places is completed. Afterwards the arm S of the lever T
is released and the latter enters the recess V formed in the disc M. The two
discs thus become perfectly connected one to the other, and by reason of the
wedge form given to the small wings there is no danger that the two parts of
the bicycle will become detached one from the other. But in order to render
the connection between the two parts still more secure, in the interior of the
two divided tubes in one of the parts of the bicycle two small bars p p are
attached and which are introduced into the spaces of the two tubes which exist
in the other part of the bicycle.
When it is desired to disconnect the two parts of the bicycle, the reverse opera-
tion is effected; the arm S of the lever T is moved towards the handle U and
the ring is turned until this lever T enters into the recess W. With the object
of facilitating packing and transport the two parts of the bicycle, either when
it separates into two parts or when it folds upon itself, I have thought of making
the handle bar and the small saddle capable of folding. Figs. 14, 15 and 16
represent the system for securing the handle bar. This system is composed of
a catch analogous to that which serves for folding the bicycle in two, and which
is illustrated in Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. The hinge of this mechanism may be
applied either in the form indicated in Figs. 14, 15 and 16, or directly to the
axis of the handle bar.
The same system serves for folding the small saddle on one side in the manner
represented in longitudinal section in Fig. 17 and in Figs. 18 and 19 in which
the mechanism for supporting the small saddle will be seen when such saddle is in
its position and when it is folded. Round the tube x which serves as a support
for the small saddle, there is a second tube or sleeve y to which is rigidly secured
a saddle bearer b; in this tube are formed two slots a a into which enter the
teeth of a third tube y¹ which slides in the interior of the tube r, and
which remains firm in its position by reason of the two above mentioned teeth.
When it is desired to fold the small saddle to one side, as shown in Fig. 2,
the inner tube y¹ is forced inwards by hand inside the tube a so as to release
the teeth z from the slots a a. Then the sleeve turns in any direction and the
saddle can be folded in any desired position. To replace the parts in the position
ready for use, the sleeve y is turned until the teeth z automatically enter into
their slots a a under the action of the spring c which bears upon same.
Fig. 20 represents the means for arresting the wheel with the brake d when
the bicycle is to be packed or transported. The saddle bearing tube carries an
angle piece e (Figs. 17 and 20); if this tube is lowered the angle piece e comes
in contact with an arc f applied to the stem g of a brake which stops the
wheel. If this tube is raised, the spring i compels the brake to move away from
the wheel.
The bar (Fig. 17) with the spring m serves to determine the height at which
the small saddle is to be placed.
Fig. 21 shows a bicycle having the form of the bicycle above described, but
which cannot be divided. It illustrates an improvement over bicycles hitherto
employed as it is shorter and lighter.
The spring clip n and the knob o (Figs. 15 and 16) serve to connect the two
parts of the handle bar when they are folded together. This system, shown
in Figs. 15 and 16 is also applicable for connecting the wheels in the folding
bicycle illustrated in Fig. 2.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
The improvements in bicycles hereinbefore described and consisting in

page_text: 1. In the perspective sizes of the two wheels;
2. In making the handle to fold in two, and which may-be-situated-where
desired.
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1
T