Improvements in and relating to Velocipedes.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Jan., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 19th Oct., 1893—Accepted, 23rd Dec., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Velocipedes.
WALTER WILLIAM FENN 44, South Street, Havil Street, Camberwell, London,
Tool Maker, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
It relates firstly, to the outer casing or envelope of a pneumatic tyre, a metallic
attachment to same, and to a rim for use with such a tyre, also to the method of
securing the outer casing or envelope to the rim.
Secondly, to an improved ball steering head for use with diamond shape
frames.
Thirdly, to improved means and appliances for taking up the slack of chains, in
chain driven velocipedes.
Fourthly, to improvements in ball pedals.
1. The outer casing consists of a endless rubber tube, strengthened by an insertion
or lining of canvas, or other flexible material; of a diameter to suit the rim, the
smaller circumferance of which casing is split, at this part it is preferably thinnest,
and thickest at the tread. Attached to that part of casing which will be in the rim,
are secured metallic bands or ribbons to suit or correspond with the flanged
edges of rim; the said bands serving the purpose of securing the outer casing to
the rim.
The rim is formed with plain lateral flanges; can also be shaped so as to form a
hollow rim to obtain greater strength and rigidity with lightness.
The metallic bands are secured to the parts of casing which would come in
contact with the flanges of rim; and are made of such shape so as to correspond
with said flanges, they are then extended to edges of rim turned over and inward
toward the centre of rim.
Attached to the inner flanged portion of rim, at suitable distances apart, are
studs or pins. Corresponding with the studs or pins, that portion of the bands which
are turned inward have slots or pieces cut from same; so that it will allow the
turned over edges of band to be brought on to rim flanges: the said slots are
further lengthened at right angles.
The following is the method by which the outer casing is secured to the rim.
One edge of the outer casing with attached metallic band is brought to the edge of
rim, the same is then secured by engaging the slots on band with the corresponding
studs or pins on rim, then turning or twisting the casing so that the continuation of
slots at right angles will follow on to the pins. The other edge is then engaged in
a similar manner. Attached to bands or rim may be a flat spring with projecting
pin, which will go through corresponding holes in band and rim, when the same are
together, so that once locked they will not come apart without lifting pin out of
holes.
The above method of securing the outer casing is the same if the studs or pins
are secured to band, with corresponding slots in rim. The metallic band may also
be secured to rim by the method known as the bayonet fastening as used in paraffin
lamps. Or the band could have pieces or wires attached to it, to take the place of
slots; the said pieces to be at right angles and then 'continued parallel with band;
in this case the band need not be turned over toward centre of rim.
2. The improvements to the ball steering head, consists in making same, so that
the tube known as the socket tube, will not be required; the following is the
manner in which the same is constructed.
On the steering column tube at suitable distances apart are secured two lugs or
collars, the same to be coned or tapering towards the ends. Secured to the tubes
of frame known as the top tube and bottom tube, are suitable lugs, the same having

page_text: a hole through them so that they may pass over the corresponding lugs on steering
column; the said holes being threaded so as to receive threaded adjusting cones.
This style would be known as the toggle or double ball race steering head. In
another style the lugs on steering column tube, may have a recess or groove turned
on the circumferance of same, with corresponding threaded adjusting cones for the
frame lugs; in this case it will consist of a single ball race.
The following is the manner of adjustment. The lugs on top and bottom tubes
are placed over and level with the corresponding lugs on steering column tube, the
'balls used are then placed on the coned or tapering ends of lugs on steering column,
and then the corresponding adjusting threaded cones are placed in the threaded
holes in frame lugs, and turned till the adjustment is sufficient: the adjusting cones
may then be locked by any well known method. Might state that the above
methods may be reversed, that is, the threaded adjusting cones could be used on the
steering column tube, with the corresponding tapered or grooved lugs formed in
the frame lugs, with the same results.
3. The improvements relating to the chain adjustment consists of a threaded pin
or shaft of suitable length and size to insert into the end of back tube; (that part
of frame carrying the axle of driving wheel) the said threaded pin having an eye
formed on its end for attaching to the driving wheel axle, the said axle passing
through the eye and secured by nuts. Round the end of tube is a lug or piece on
the circumferance of which a recess is turned, in which I insert a ring or collar, the
same being in halves; or the lug may be threaded to take a collar. On the threaded
pin a nut is fitted to suit the same; a part of said nut being opened larger so as
to pass over the lug on the end of tube, and up to or over the collar; this part
of nut to be threaded to receive or take a lock nut, which fits on lug the other
side of collar or ring. Or the nut which is fitted to threaded adjusting pin,
could have one or more set screws to go through same from its circumferance
so that the ends of set screws would be in the recess turned in lug; by turning
the nut, the end of screws being in recess; it would cause the threaded pin to
move in or out of tube the amount that is needed for adjustment.
For light
machines I would have no lug or piece, but fix the collar at the end of tube; the
lock nut I would make in halves, or place it on the tube before I fixed the collar.
The above appliance is used in following manner.
The eye end of pin or shaft is placed on axle of driving wheel and secured by
nuts; the threaded end of pin is engaged in the adjusting nut; the pin is then
inserted into tube; the lock nut securing it. It will be seen that by loosening the
lock nut a part turn, and then turning the combination nut; it will cause the
threaded pin to move in or out of tube the amount that is needed for adjustment of
chain, the collar retaining the combination nut in its place, that portion of nut
acting as lock is then tightened up so that all is made fast.
4. The improvements relating to ball pedals consist of forming the pedal pin or
spindle with the fixed cone on the end furthest away from crank, the adjusting
cone being nearest; the crank end of pedal pin is threaded; the side plates are of
the usual cupped or recessed form; the adjustment being as follows: The pin
being inserted through side plates, the balls placed between cones on pin and
cupped sides; the adjusting cone is turned on threaded end of pin till adjustment
is sufficient; the said end of pin is passed through slot in crank and then secured
by nut.
Dated this 20th day of January 1892

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Velocipedes.
WALTER WILLIAM FENN 44, South Street, Havil Street Camberwell London
Tool Maker 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 :-
It relates firstly to the outer casing or envelope of a pneumatic tyre, a metallic
attachment to same, and to a rim for use with such a tyre; also to the method of
securing the outer casing or envelope to the rim.
Secondly to an improved ball steering head for use with diamond shape frames.
Thirdly to improved means and appliances for taking up the slack of chains, in
chain driven velocipedes.
Fourthly to improvements in ball pedals.
1. The outer casing consists of an endless rubber tube strengthened by an
insertion or lining of canvas, also covered with canvas on that part where the
locking band is fixed; of a diameter to suit the rim, the smaller circumference of
which casing is split, at this part it is preferably thinnest and thickest at the tread.
Attached to that part of casing which will be in the rim are secured metallic
locking bands, to suit or correspond with the flanged edges of rim, the said locking
bands serving the purpose of securing the outer casing to the rim.
The rim is formed with plain lateral flanges; can also be shaped so as to form
a hollow rim to obtain greater strength and rigidity with lightness.
The metallic locking bands are secured to the parts of casing which would come
in contact with the flanges of rim; and are made of such shape so as to correspond
with said flanges they are then extended to edge of rim turned over and inward
toward the centre of rim. The edges of rim have slots cut in same at right angles
and then continued parallel with edge.
Attached to the locking bands are rivet shaped studs or pins to suit or
correspond with slots in rim.
In order that my invention may be fully understood, I will more particularly
describe it making reference to the accompanying drawings in which ;
Fig. 1, represents a view of a hollow rim A.
Fig. 2, represents a view of metallic locking bands attached to the outer
casing.
Fig. 3, represents, the rim, locking bands, and outer casing together.
The outer casing C Fig. 3, consists of rubber, and is of an approximately tubular
shape in cross section, divided along its inner circumference; the casing C is
strengthened by an insertion of canvas, the part of casing (which comes in contact
with the metallic locking band B is covered with canvas c'. I fix to the part of
casing C which will be in rim A, metallic locking bands B (preferably phospor
bronze or steel) the said bands B are fixed to the casing C, by preference with
eyelets E, passing through locking band B outer casing C and metallic strip F, as
shewn at E, E, E, in Figs. 2, 3, and 5.
.
The locking bands B are of the shape shewn at B, B, B, Figs. 2, 3, and 5.
Fig. 2, shews the bands B of shape to suit or correspond with the edge of rim A,
they are then extended, turned over and inward toward the centre of rim A; the
rivet shaped studs or pins P, are in this case passed through the upper and lower
part of locking band B, through outer casing C and secured on the inside of
metallic strip F, as shewn at P in Figs. 2, and 3; the said studs are at suitable
distances apart to suit or correspond with the slots in rim.
The rim is hollow for preference as shewn at A, A, in Fig. 1, and 4; with plain
lateral flanges; the said rim is in one method to have slots cut in its edges at right
angles and then continued parallel with edge of rim; the end of slots are then

page_text: enlarged toward the edge of rim as shewn at S, in Fig. 1. The slots may also be
of the shape shewn as S¹, S', Fig. 1.
Or the above method may be reversed, that is the studs or pins could be secured
to the flanges of rim with corresponding slots cut in the locking band.
In another method the rim A Fig. 4, could have wires W, attached to it, to
take the place of slots; the locking bands having corresponding studs.or pins P,
Fig. 5 in this case the locking bands B need not be turned over toward centre of
rim so far.
This method may also be reversed; the studs or pins attached to the rim, with
corresponding wires attached to locking bands.
The following is the method by which the outer casing is secured to the rim.
One edge of the outer casing C, with attached metallic locking band B, is
brought to the edge of rim A; the band is then secured by engaging the studs or
pins P, on band B, with corresponding slots S, in rim; then turning or twisting the
casing so that the studs on locking band will follow on in the continuation of slots.
The inner air tube I, is of the ordinary type; is then placed in position. The
other edge of casing is then engaged in a similar manner..
Attached to the rim A Fig. 3, is a projecting piece L which is threaded to
receive a small screwed pin l, the end of pin to go through corresponding holes in
locking band and rim, when the same are together, so that in case of sudden
deflation of tyre, the outer casing will not come away from rim.
The outer casing and rim may be connected together by any of the methods
hereinbefore specified or by any practicable combination of two or more of them.
2. The improvements to the ball steering head consists in making same so that
the tube known as the socket tube will not be required.
On the steering column tube at suitable distances apart are secured two lugs or
collars, the same to be coned or tapering toward the ends. Secured to the tubes
of frame known as the top tube and bottom tube are suitable lugs, the same having
a hole through them so that they may pass over the corresponding lugs on steering
column tube; the said holes being threaded so as to receive threaded adjusting
cones.
In another method the lugs on the steering column tube, has a recess or groove
turned on the circumference of same, with corresponding threaded adjusting cones
for the frame lugs, in this case it will consist of a single ball race.
I will now proceed to describe the improved ball steering head, making reference
to the accompanying drawings.
Figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, represent sections through the ball steering head and
steering column tube; similar parts are marked with like letters of reference;
B, ball race, C, adjusting cones, L, fixed lug, L', frame tube lug, T, steering
column tube.
On the steering column tube T, Fig. 6, a lug L is fixed the same being coned or
tapering toward the ends. To the top tube of frame a suitable lug L' is fixed;
the same having a hole through it so that it may pass over the corresponding lug
on steering column tube T the said hole being threaded to take threaded adjusting
cones C, C. Similar lugs L, L', and cones C, C, are used for the bottom tube of
frame. This style would be known as the toggle or double ball race steering head.
Fig. 7 shews a different method in which the fixed lug L has a recess or groove
turned in its circumference, in which the balls used are placed, with corresponding
threaded adjusting cones C, C, fitted to frame lug L'. In this case it would consist
of a single ball race. Fig. 8, and 9, shew methods in which there are no fixed lugs on
steering column tube T; in these styles the lugs, or recesses, are formed in the frame
lugs L, L', the steering column tube T; being threaded to take suitable adjusting
cones C, C.
Fig. 10 and 11, shew another plan.
The following is the manner of adjustment; The lugs on top and bottom tubes of
frame are placed over and level with the corresponding lugs L, L; or recesses;
on the stooring column tube, the hall Lain

page_text: of lugs; or in the recesses; the corresponding threaded adjusting cones C, C, are
placed in position and rotated till adjustment is sufficient; the adjusting cones are
then locked by any well known method.
3. The improvements relating to the chain adjuster consists of a threaded pin
or shaft of suitable length and size to insert into the end of the back tube (that
part of frame carrying the axle of driving wheel) the said threaded pin having an
eye formed on its end for attaching to the driving wheel axle, the said axle passing
through the eye and secured by nuts.
On the end of back tube is a lug or piece, on the circumference of which a
recess is turned, in which I insert a ring or collar, the same being in halves; or the
lug may be threaded to take a collar.
On the threaded pin or shaft a nut is fitted to suit the same, a part of said nut
being opened larger so as to pass over the lug on the end of tube, and up to or over
the collar; this part of nut to be threaded to receive or take a lock nut, which fits
on lug the other side of collar or ring. Or the nut which is fitted to threaded
adjusting pin could have one or more set screws to go through same from the
circumference so that the ends of set screws would be in the recess turned in lug;
by rotating the nut, the end of set screws being in recess would cause the threaded
pin to move in or out of tube the amount that is needed for adjustment. For
light machines I would have no lug or piece, but fix the collar at the end of
tube, the lock nut I would make in halves, or place it on the tube before I fixed
collar.
In order that the improvements may be fully understood, I will describe same
in making reference to the accompanying drawings in which;
Figs. 12, 13, 14, and 15, represent sections through chain adjusters, similar parts
are numbered with like letters of reference; C represents collar, E eye, N nut,
N' locking nut, P adjusting pin or shaft, R recess in lug, S set screws, L lug,
T back tube.
The threaded pin P, is made of steel (preferably with square thread) of a
suitable size and length to insert into the end of back tube T, the said threaded
pin P, being flattened at end, and a hole drilled in same to form eye E, through
which, the spindle of driving wheel is passed. On the end of tube a lug Lis
secured, on the circumference of which a recess R, is turned, in which I insert a
ring or collar C, the same being in halves. On the threaded pin P, a nut N is
fitted, to suit the same, the said nut N, being opened larger so as to pass over the
lug L on end of tube and up to or over the collar; this part of nut to be threaded
to receive or take a lock nut N', which fits on lug the other side of collar; the said
lock nut N engaging in nut N, so as to form a combination nut.
In another way
the nut N could have one or more set screws S Fig. 14, to go through nut N from
the circumference so that the end of set screws S would be in the recess R,
turned in lug L. Fig. 15 shews another plan in which no lug or piece is used.
The above appliance is used in the following manner. The eye E end of pins
or shafts are placed on axle of driving wheel and secured by nuts; the threaded
end of pins P are engaged in the adjusting nut N, the pins are then inserted into
tubes, the lock nuts N₁ securing same. It will be seen that by loosening the lock
nut N a part turn, and then rotating the combination nut, it will cause the
threaded adjusting pin to move in or out of tube the amount that is needed for
adjustment of chain; the collar C retaining the combination nut in its place;
that portion of nut acting as lock nut is then tightened up so that all is
made fast.
4. The improvements relating to ball pedals, consists of forming the pedal pin or
spindle with the fixed cone on the front end of pin, the shank or back end of pin to
be threaded to take an adjusting cone; the side plates are of the usual cupped or
recessed form.
In order that the improvements to ball pedals may be fully understood, I will
now describe same in making reference to the accompanying drawing in which
Fig. 16 represents a section of pedal. A fixed cone, A' adjusting cone, B balls,

page_text: C crank, D dust caps, E connecting bars, P pedal pin, N nut, R rubber, S cupped
side plates, T connecting tube, W washer.
In carrying out of my invention the side plates S, are connected together, by the
connecting tube T, connecting bars E, and rubbers in the usual manner.
The pedal pin P being passed through side plates and connecting tube, both sets
of balls B are placed in position between cupped side plates, fixed and adjusting
cone, the adjusting cone A¹ is then rotated till the adjustment is sufficient; the
dust proof caps D are then' sprung on edges of cups in side plates; the threaded
end of pedal pin P is then passed through slot in crank C, and secured by nut.
These improvements beside being a better way of adjustment do away with the
unsightly nut usually used on the outside or front end of pedal pin.
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. The improvements in and relating to velocipedes, substantially as herein before
described and illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
2. In a pneumatic tyre, the combination with a rim of plain lateral flanges in
cross section, of a casing approximately. tubular in cross section, divided along its
inner circumference, having metallic locking bands permanently fixed to same,.
the said locking bands to engage with the flanged edges of rim, as set forth.
3. In a pneumatic tyre, the combination with a rim having plain lateral flanges,
with slots, studs, wires, or their equivalents on flanges; of a casing approximately
tubular, divided along its inner circumference having permanently fixed to same
metallic locking bands, with studs, wires, slots or their equivalents attached,
whereby the said locking bands can interlock with the edges of rim; and of an air
tube adapted to be placed within the said casing for the purpose of inflating
the tyre.
4. In a ball steering head, the combination of a steering column tube, with fixed
lugs, or threaded sides, of frame lugs, with threaded, coned, or recessed parts;
adjustable cones; spherical balls; constructed substantially as hereinbefore
described with reference respectably to and shewn in Figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of
the drawings annexed.
5. In a chain adjuster, the combination of a screwed pin or shaft having an
eye formed in same, of a combination nut, acting on said pin in connection with a
collar, ring, or set screws in recess of lug, the said pin being engaged in end of tube;
and constructed substantially as herein before described with reference respectably
to and shewn in Figs. 12, 13, 14 and 15, of drawings annexed.
6. In a velocipede pedal, having a fixed cone on outside end of pedal pin, an
adjusting cone on threaded end, the same being used nearest crank, in combination
with dust proof caps, and constructed substantially as herein before described with
reference to and shewn in Fig. 16 of the drawing annexed.
Dated this 19th day of October 1893.
WALTER WILLIAM FENN.