Improvements in the Construction of Bicycle Wheels.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Jan., 1890-Accepted, 22nd Feb., 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Construction of Bicycle Wheels.
DAVID WILLIAM WILLIAMS M.D. Member of the Royal College of Physicians
London & Member of the Royal College of Surgeons England, Registered Consulting
Physician 14, St. Georges Road Truro, Cornwall, 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:
The object of this Invention is to construct bicycle wheels in such a manner that
bicycles fitted therewith, when stationary, without the aid of any extraneous support,
or when in motion, shall be self-balancing, thus obviating the necessity of the rider
maintaining the balance whilst propelling the bicycle.
According to this Invention, I form the wheel with two rims, one for each set of
spokes, the rims being of equal size, and placed parallel side by side at a distance from
each other equal to the diameter of the hub, or thereabouts. The said rims are
connected by straight, curved, or arched rods or bars, as desired, and each rim is
provided with an india rubber tyre.
And in order that my Invention may be fully understood, I have shewn the same
in the accompanying drawing in which A represents the inner felly, and A' the outer
felly, of my improved bicycle wheel, in which, it will be seen, the spokes are arranged
differently to those of an ordinary bicycle, inasmuch as each felly has its own distinct
set of spokes B, B¹. The two fellies are united by means of short, strong iron or steel
bars C, (which may be straight, curved or arched,) placed transversely between them,
at suitable intervals all round the wheel. Thus it will be seen that by this arrange-
ment, great strength and rigidity of the two fellies are secured. D is the hub, or
nave in which the spokes are inserted, one set on each side of it, and E is the fork."
It will be perceived that by my improved construction and arrangement of bicycle
wheel, a great increase in power, and consequently speed can be obtained, by reason
of the rider being enabled to use the energy he would, in the case of an ordinary
bicycle have used to maintain a balance.
By my Invention the liability of the rider to fall from the machine, and other
accidents incidental to high speed, are reduced to a minimum, and the Invention
can be applied to bicycle wheels as at present constructed and used. It is also
particularly adapted to military requirements.
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. In a bicycle wheel such as described in this Specification, the special construction
and arrangement of the inner felly A, and the outer felly A', side by side, substantially
as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
2. The combination with the two fellies herein described, of the transverse iron or
steel bars C, substantially as and for the purpose described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawing.
3. The improved bicycle wheel, constructed and arranged substantially as described
and shewn in the accompanying drawing, and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 18th day of January 1890.
GRAHAM & GRAHAM
Agents for Applicant.