Improvements in Steering Looks for Cycles.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 25th Nov., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 14th Aug., 1894-Accepted. 24th Nov., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Steering Looks for Cycles.
WILLIAM RADFORD, Manager of Clifton Cottage, Foleshill, Warwickshire,
and THOMAS LEIGH MITCHELMORE Engineer, 31 Derby Road, Southampton,
Hampshire, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
:-
The object of this invention is to provide an improved steering lock for cycles,
whereby a lock for fastening up the machine is combined with the usual steering
lock in such a manner that the two can be used separately or together, also we
provide an improved bolt arrangement for steering locks.
In carrying out this invention, and referring to the accompanying drawings,
(which show its application to a form of bolt lock) at the base of the bolt A we
fix a rectangular tumbler piece B, which is assisted in its action by a spring B', and
actuated by a suitable key which may be carried in the rider's pocket. It will be
seen that when the tumbler piece B is turned downwards it falls against the base
of the steering lock bolt A, when it is in action and prevents it being drawn back
until the tumbler piece is raised by means of the key. Our improvement in bolt
arrangement is formed by fixing a flat spring C alongside bolt A, and bearing
against a stud D fixed in the bolt in such a manner as to stiffen its action and at
the same time force the finger stud A' for actuating the bolt against the lower face
of the slot E formed in the outer cover of lock, this slot has a recess formed in
each end for the aforesaid finger stud A' to fall into so as to assist it in remaining
stationary when in or out of action.
Dated this 24th day of November 1893.
THOMAS LEIGH MITCHELMORE.
WILLIAM RADFORD.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Steering Locks for Cycles.
We, WILLIAM RADFORD, Manager of Rudge Cycle Works, Clifton Cottage,
Foleshill, Warwickshire, and THOMAS LEIGH MITCHELMORE, Engineer, of
31 Derby Road, Southampton, Hampshire, 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 provide an improved steering lock for cycles
whereby a lock for fastening up the machine is combined with the usual steering
lock in such a manner that the two can be used separately or together, also we
provide an improved bolt arrangement for steering locks.
The better to explain our meaning reference is made to the drawings lodged
herewith in which
Fig. 1. is a side elevation showing the lock attached to the framework of the
machine at its junction with the steering head.
Fig. 2. is a plan of the same with the top plate removed.
Fig. 3. is a side view with the side plate removed showing the bolt shot forward
and locked.

page_text: Fig. 4. is an end view with the lock spring removed.
In carrying out our invention it will be seen by referring to the drawings that at
the base of the bolt A. which is cylindrical in section, we fix a rectangular tumbler
piece B. which is free to rotate with the screw forming its axle and this tumbler
piece is assisted in its action, that is given a positive movement, by the pressure of
a spring B' which causes it to come to rest in either a vertical or horizontal position,
that is in the unlocked or in the locked position.
This movement is effected by a key K which may be carried in the rider's
pocket. The key may be formed from flat metal or in any other convenient way
and it is inserted through the opening G. upon which its forks enter the slot H. in
the tumbler B. and allow the latter to be turned a quarter of a revolution.
When the tumbler piece is turned downwards it falls behind the base of the
bolt A. when this is in action i.e. shot forward, and prevents it being drawn back until
the tumbler piece is raised by means of the key.
With reference to the bolt arrangement, simply as a fastening device apart from
the locking action of the tumbler, our improvements consists in fixing a flat
spring C. alongside the bolt A. (so that it is bearing against a stud D. fixed in the
bolt) in such a manner as to stiffen its action or prevent it shaking about and at
the same time it forces the finger stud A' (which is provided for actuating the bolt
by the fingers) against the lower face of the slot E. formed in the outer cover of
the lock.
This slot it will be seen has a recess at each end for the aforesaid finger stud A'
to fall into so as to assist it in remaining stationary when in or out of action.
The method of using the steering lock is as follows:-
Assuming it to be already unlocked and it is desired to lock it, the finger stud A¹
is lifted slightly to raise it out of its notch and the bolt is shot forward and enters
the hole drilled in the steering head to receive it. The spring C. acting upon the
stud D. causes the bolt to now remain in this position by forcing the finger stud to
drop into the second notch in the slot E. The machine is now bolted but not
locked. This latter action being effected by inserting the key F. in the opening G.
so that it engages with the notch H. and admits of the tumbler being turned down
and so prevent the withdrawal of the bolt.
Thus it will be seen that this steering lock has two distinct functions, first to
simply bolt, and secondly to lock the bolt, and that the introduction of the flat
spring acting on the bolt improves its action by preventing it shaking about.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
The improved steering lock for cycles substantially as above described.
J. E. EVANS-JACKSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicants.