An Improved Form of Joint for Use in Cycle Construction.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 8th Apr., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 4th Jan., 1894-Accepted, 3rd Mar, 1994
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Form of Joint for Use in Cycle Construction.
I, WALTER BIDDLES Cycle Manufacturer, 62 Curzon Street Leicester do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
Where it is necessary for one tube to be connected to another and to form
au angle from each other, either at any point between the extremities or at the
extremity of one or both of them, I propose to make the joint at the extremity of
the abutting tube exactly the same size, internally and externally, as the tube which
continues on both sides of joint, and to get another piece of tube or metal which
will fit inside both of these, and fix same in the joint with an equal length of the
inner tube protruding from each side, I shall then cut the continuous tube straight
across at the point where I wish to form an angular joint and put one end of each
on either side of the joint over the connecting or inner tube, and then fasten in
I also claim
position by either soldering, brazing or any other suitable means.
to make the joint and inner or connecting tube all in one solid piece but with
corresponding diameters and sizes if found desirable.
Dated this Seventh day of April 1893.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Form of Joint for Use in Cycle Construction.
I, WALTER BIDDLES Cycle Manufacturer of 62 Curzon Street Leicester in the
County of Leicester 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 is more particularly applicable to handlebars and other parts of
cycles where it is necessary to make a T joint (of any angle) which will be stronger
and neater than those now in use. It can be used in all cases where it is necessary
to form a branch off any other straight (or curved) tubes; it can also be used as a
joint-for-the-ends-of-two-tubes-to-be joined together to form an angle such as
an L seat pillar. In the form of joint now in use handlebars are often broken off
close to the joint, which is in the usual pattern the weakest part of the bar for "
several reasons such as (1) having to withstand the greatest amount of leverage
when the rider is pulling at or leaning on the handles, and (2) because having
square corner it requires more filing up after brazing, and more polishing by the
polishers & platers and is consequently proportionately weaker as well as requiring
more keeping clean when the machine is finished, and being unsightly.
I propose to overcome these defects and to make all such joints perfectly smooth
and clean externally by the means as shown on the accompanying drawings. When
finished and plated the joint will be stronger than those in regular use and will also
be practically invisible.
In the accompanying drawings
Fig. 1 shows A a piece of tube with a joint formed at one end prepared to receive
a splicing tube or piece B. The joint A may be formed in any of the ways now in
general use either with the use of a casting or stamping, or made out of the tube
itself, the latter preferred.
The splicing piece B is made so that it will fit the hole b shown in A Fig. 1 and

page_text: must be of sufficient length to pass through the joint A. and to braze into tubes C
as per Fig. 2; this splicing piece may be either a piece of tubing or solid metal
whichever is found most suitable for the joint to be made, but; tubing (of any
suitable gauge) is preferred as being considerably lighter than solid and better for
brazing &c.
The splicing piece B is then fitted into joint A and held in its position until
brazed by a small peg or rivet.
Fig. 2 shows joint A with splicing piece B in its proper position and ready to
receive the other tubes C which it is desired shall form the remainder of the joint,
the joint A and tubes C shall have an external diameter equal to each other.
A and B B as shown in Fig. 2 may be made in one solid piece if preferred.
Fig. 2 A and B B shows the method of making joints now in general use and also
its general appearance when finished.
Fig. 3 shows this my invention as the joint complete ready for brazing.
Fig. 4 shows my new joint after being brazed, filed, and plated no joint being
.apparent.
Fig, 5 shows a single angle joint such as for an L seat pillar.
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 splicing of tubes and forming joints substantially as described with
a smooth external joint-surface.
(2.) The use of the joint, as described, to any joint of a cycle where it can be
used with advantage or to improve its appearance.
(3.) The use of solid material if found preferable where this is possible.
Dated this 3rd day of. January 1894.
WALTER BIDDLES,
Applicant.