Improvements in Velocipedes.
Year: 1895

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Velocipedes.
I, SAMUEL HALL, of St. Augustine's Road, Camden Square, in the County of
Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relating to "improvements in velocipedes" has for its object to provide
effective means for increasing the rigidity of the wheels in the forks or frames of
velocipedes to which are applied springs arranged according to two former
inventions of mine forming part of the subject matter of Letters Patent No. 4548,
of 1881, and of Letters Patent No. 5589, of 1883, and also to prevent the strain on
the plungers of the said spring devices when applied to the driving wheels of
velocipedes, arising from the pull of the chain in combination with an improved
means of fitting the said plungers to the frames of such machines and of adjusting
the said chain and likewise to improvements in fitting chain gear cases and in
various parts of the said spring devices.
In carrying out my invention for the purpose of increasing the rigidity of the
wheels in the forks or frames of velocipedes to which are applied springs arranged
according to my former inventions, as, for example, in the case of a rear driving
safety bicycle, I fit to the top of the said fork or to the tubes of the said frame
preferably at a point about an inch above the level of the top of the tyre of the
wheel a link consisting of a rigid frame with four sides formed preferably of steel
tubing. The said link or frame may be in length from five to nine inches and in width
from three to four inches at one end and two to three inches at the other according
to the width of the fork frame or tyre of the velocipede. The said link is fitted
to suitable brackets fixed to the fork or frame of the velocipede, a long bolt passing
through the tubular part at the broad end of the link and also through the said
brackets, being screwed into one of them and the link hinging on the said bolt, the
other and narrower end of the link which extends about horizontally to a point
immediately over the axle of the wheel having a similar bolt fitted to it to connect
it to two upright stays preferably made of steel tubing which stays have eyes
formed at the top through which the said bolt passes, being screwed into one of
them. The lower ends of the said upright stays I connect to the said axle or part
in which it turns or is fixed by means of knuckle joints, the pins or bolts of which
are in line with or take a similar direction to the said axle. When the spring
devices as described in my two Letters Patent hereinbefore mentioned are fitted to
the velocipede in combination with my herein before partly described invention the
wheel plays up and down under the action of the springs, carrying with it the two
said upright stays and the said link, with perfect freedom and exemption from cross
binding in the sliding parts, although held perfectly rigid by the link, and stays,
which render side "give" and want of firmness in the wheel impossible, the width
of the link at the point where connected to the fork or frame of the velocipede,
its rigid construction (being as it were in one piece) and the long bolts on which it
hinges providing a very solid and firm support to the wheel, the hinging at each
end of the link and at the bottom of the stays at the axle ensuring absolutely
perfect freedom in the sliding parts of the said spring devices. I sometimes rigidly
connect the stays to the axle instead of by hinge joints, in which case, instead of
connecting the top of the stays direct to the said link I usually interpose between
them another small link in a vertical position, the top of the said small link being
LD

page_text: connected by a bolt or pin to the top of the said stays, and the lower end of the
small link being connected by a bolt or pin to the main horizontal link.
When the wheel plays up and down under the action of the springs the small
vertical link hinges backward and forward and although the said stays are rigidly
fixed at the axle there is perfect freedom in the long sliding parts of the said
spring devices and no tendency to cross binding. Although I have described this
part of my invention only with reference to a rear driving safety bicycle, it is
obvious that it is equally applicable to other velocipedes, such for example as the
steering wheel of a tricycle.
prevent the strain on the plungers of the said spring devices, arising from the
pull on the chain, when they are applied to the driving wheels of velocipedes, in
combination with an improved means of fitting the said plungers to the frames of
such machines and of adjusting the said chain in the following manner :- form
on the tubular extension of the bearing box, a part in which the axle turns, or is
fixed on the side facing the driving two lugs or projections, one at the upper part
by the axle, and the other at the lower part, there being a space of about three
inches between the said lugs in each of which is made a vertical hole in which I fit
a long bolt that is secured by a nut, the said bolt when fixed in its place in the
lugs being parallel with the said tubular extension of the bearing box. I fit to
slide on the said bolt a cylindrical or tubular piece about an inch in length which
has formed on the side thereof and at right angles and central therewith, a screwed
part or pin about three inches in length, the said pin being screwed its entire
length close up to the said tubular or sliding part. I fit on to the screwed part
or pin, a screwed sleeve with nut head forming a shoulder at one end, the said
sleeve being fitted to turn in a hole in a strong and suitable bracket fixed to or
formed on the frame of the velocipede. The said sleeve enters the hole in the said
bracket, at the back thereof next to the said tubular sliding part and projects beyond
the bracket at the other side, the part that projects being screwed and having a nut
fitted thereon, the said nut when screwed home on the sleeve permitting the said
sleeve to turn in the said bracket. Next to the nut on the sleeve it another nut
on the screwed pin, which nut when screwed tight home bears on the said nut on
the sleeve and acts as a lock-out.
Before explaining the action of the part of my invention just described I will
describe my improvements in itting the plungers to the frames of velocipedes, us for
example in the case of the driving wheel of a rear-driving safety bicycle.
The lug or part to which are connected or brazed the tubes of the frame at the
back of the bicycle 1 make to extend backward beyond the said tubes about two
inches, the said part being about an inch in width, and about half an inch thick, and
it has an oblong vertical hole with straight parallel siles formed therein. In this
hole fit from the underside the top of the plungers, which is made square for the
purpose and next to the square part 1 form a stout flange to take a bearing on the
underside of the said lng, the top of the plungers extending upward beyond
the square part, and Leing screwed to receive a nut which secures the sand top of
the plungers to the said log.
When the pull is on the chain in driving the strain on the plungers (which are
usually at right angles with the chain and therefore subject to a great bending
strain, is effectually prevented by the resistance of the screwed pin fixed in the
bracket by means of the sleeve and nuts, and connected to the tubular part, in which
slides the long bolt held by the two lugs formed on the said spring device, as the
wheel plays up and down under the action of the springs. When the chain requires
to be adjusted the nuts that secure the tops of the plungers to the lugs at the back
of the frame of the bicycle are loosened, and also the lock nut on the screwed piece
fixed in the bracket when, by turning the sleeve by means of its nut-head which
bears on one side of the bracket while the nut screwed tight on the end of the
sleeve bears on the other side, the said screwed piece will move backward or forward
according to which way the sleeve is turned, carrying the spring devices and wheel
with it, the tops of the plungers moving along the elongated holes in their respective

page_text: lugs, thus making the chain tighter or looser as required. I also prevent the strain
on the plungers by means of a rod applied in lieu of the herein before described
arrangement, which also provides a means of adjusting the chain, the mode of
fitting the tops of the plungers, in the lugs at the back of the frame of the bicycle
being the same as herein before described. The said rod is preferably tubular and
is in two parts, each part being screwed at one end, one with a right-handed screw,
and the other with a left-handed screw. I join the two parts of the rod together
by means of a sleeve about two inches in length, the inside being recessed for part
of its length in the centre, one end being screwed with a right-handed screw, and
the other end with a left-handed screw, there being formed on the outside of the
said sleeve a part like a nut, a lock nut being also preferably fitted on each part of
the rod to bind on each end of the sleeve. At each end of the rod I fit a knuckle
joint, one end being fitted to hinge on a suitable bracket near the driving, and the
other end being fitted to hinge on a suitable bracket formed on the extension of
the bearing box of the spring device on the side facing the driving, the hinge
joint at one end being preferably a link joint. When the pull is on the chain in
driving the strain on the plungers is effectually prevented by the resistance of the
said rod, the wheel playing freely up and down under the action of the springs
without any binding in the sliding parts of the spring devices, although tied by
the rod, by reason of the link joint at one end working with the hinge joint at the
other end. In order to adjust the chain the nuts at the tops of the plungers are
loosened as before, and also the two lock nuts on the divided rod, when, by turning
the said sleeve by means of the part formed like a nut, the rod will either lengthen
or shorten according to the way the sleeve is turned, moving the spring device and
wheel backward or forward, the tops of the plungers moving along the elongated
holes in their lugs as before, thus either tightening or slackening the chain. The
two hereinbefore described arrangements for preventing the strain on the plungers
and for adjusting the chain I preferably apply to both sides of the velocipede,
although in some cases they are found to be sufficient when applied in their single
form, and although I have only described them as applied to a rear-driving safety
bicycle they are equally suitable for application to tricycles and other velocipedes.
I may also use my arrangements for preventing the strain on the plungers for
velocipedes of certain special makes without necessarily combining with them my
improvements for adjusting the chain.
Another part of my invention relating to improvements in fitting chain gear
cases in combination with the said spring devices provides a means of fitting an
ordinary gear case to the velocipede in such a way that it will turn at each end,
more or less in circle with the axis of the driving at one end and of the driving
wheel at the other, so that when the driving wheel is playing up and down under
the action of the springs, the gear case will not cause the sliding parts to bind or
prevent their free action. In carrying out this part of my invention I fit rigidly
to the velocipede at the driving axis and in circle therewith in any suitable way
two circular plates or discs rigidly connected together by means of a suitable
number of small ribs or curved pieces, the said circular plates or discs being
arranged one on each side of the chain gear wheel and having holes in the centre
of each through which is passed the driving axis, the space between the two discs
being sufficient to provide proper room for the said gear wheel and passage of the
chain. The said circular plates are preferably smaller in diameter than the
periphery of the gear wheel, and about a quarter of an inch from their edges have
raised edge or rim about
formed on them on the sides next to the said gear wheel
a quarter of an inch in width. The said small ribs or curved pieces I preferably
fix to the disc that is situated behind the said gear wheel next to the central part
of the frame of the velocipede, and inside the raised edge or rim, from which point
the curved pieces or ribs extend upward over the top of the gear wheel teeth and
chain and down to the other disc, to which they are secured by small nuts or screws
at a point inside the said raised edge or rim. Two discs or circular plates, usually
smaller but similarly arranged and rigidly connected together are fitted to the

page_text: velocipede at the gear wheel on the axle of the driving wheel or wheels, and I then
take an ordinary chain gear case and by making the holes at the crank axis and at
the axle of a size to match the raised edges or rims formed inside the said discs.
and by providing the said holes of the gear case with metal collars or rims fixed
therein, I am able to fit it in its place between the said discs, the said metal collars
or rims of the gear case fitting on the internal raised edges or rims of the said dises
and mutually forming friction surfaces, so that when the driving wheel plays up
and down under the action of the said spring devices the said gear case and its
metal collars will turn on the said raised edges or rims between the said discs, and
will thus prevent any tendency to bind in the sliding parts of the said spring
devices. In order to give greater stability, Interally, to the gear case, if of light
construction I sometimes form a flange on the internal raised edges or rims of the
dises to come level with their outer edges, thus forming a channel of a square
section in which the metal collars of the gear case are fitted, by which means the
said gear case has great additional side support and rigidity. This modification of
my improved mode of fitting gear cases can only be used for genr cases which are
formal in two halves similar to many now in use. In order to provide for adjusting
the chain the holes in the two discs on the axle of the driving wheel are made in
an elongated form so as to admit of the said axle moving therein backward or
forward as required for the said adjustment. When any part of the frame of the
velocipede, as for example the horizontal tube of a rear-driving safety bicycle,
which extends from the driving axis to the axle of the driving wheel, comes in the
way of the said gear ense, instead of the said tube being embedded therein as is
usually the case, the gear case is perforated, being provided with an elongated hole
from one side to the other down the greater part of its length to free it of the tube,
which otherwise would hinder the action of the said spring devices.
One of my improvements in the said spring devices relates to Fig. 1 in Letters
Patent No. 5589 of 1883 and in part consists of an improved mode of fitting the
tubular prongs or plungers of the sliding guide fork to the top or urch of the said
fork. Instead of the tubular prongs or plungers being fitted and brazed on two
pins or pillars forming part of the top of the sliding fork I fit the said tubular
prongs or plungers in two vertical holes bored therein and preferably braze them
in, allowing the tubes to project above the top of the fork sufficiently to admit of
the part that projects being screwed and of a capped nut being fitted thereon.
When the springs are in the tubular rongs or plungers of the said guide fork
instead of their upper ends hearing as formerly on the ends of the pins or pillars
they bear on the inside of the capped nut, one advantage being that the springs
can be removed and replaced quickly by merely taking off the capped nut instead
of, as before, having to take the spring device partly to pieces, another advantage
being that with the tubular prongs or plungers of a given length much longer and
more elastic springs can be used, the extra room no longer being occupied by the
pins or pillars and the substance of the top or arch of the fork. I have usually
used the spring device in the said Fig. 1 in combination with the cross pieces or
pins fixed across the tubes of the bearing box for the springs to bear on at their
lower ends, the prongs or plungers of the guide fork being provided with longi-
tudinal slots to admit of their sliding up and down as described in the said patent
with reference to the said Fig. 1. In my improved arrangement of the said spring
device hereinbefore described, the springs being inserted in the tubular prongs or
plungers of the guide fork from the top thereof, instead of at their lower ends as
formerly, admits of my stopping up the lower ends of the said prongs or plungers
preferably by brazing therein thin plates or bottoms, between which and the
underside of the said cross pieces or pius I interpose a thick pad of rubber or other
elastic material to prevent metallic contact between the said cross pieces and the
bottom of the said slots when the weight is taken off the velocipede and the
springs cease to be in compression. I preferably use the said improved spring
device herein before described, in the single form, when instead of it being in the
form of a fork working in two tubular extensions of the bearing box, or part in

page_text: which the axle turns or is fixed, I use only one tube of the fork which is fitted to
slide in an extension of the bearing box formed on one side only instead of on both
sides thereof, this modified form of the spring device being arranged with a view
to cheapness of production and the saving of weight.
In this case, as all the strain has to be borne by one tube only of the extended
bearing box or part in which the axle turns or is fixed instead of the strain being
divided between the tubes, as in the said Fig. 1 of my Patent No. 5589 of 1883,
increase the strength of the part that holds the said tube by making it
cylindrical or tubular and preferably braze the tube therein instead of fixing the
said part to one side of the tube only as in the said Fig. 1 which would not possess
sufficient strength to stand the additional strain on the one tube.
The single tube or plunger of the said guide fork I preferably braze in a vertical
hole in a lug of a suitable shape connected with the fork or frame of the velocipede,
the said tube or plunger projecting above the said lug, the projecting part being
screwed to receive the capped nut hereinbefore mentioned. I also apply the said
improved spring device hereinbefore described in the single form to the driving
wheels of velocipedes in combination with the hereinbefore described arrangements
for adjusting the chain in which case the mode of fitting the top of the said tube or
plunger to the lug at the back of the frame of a rear-driving safety bicycle is
similar to that hereinbefore described with reference to fitting thereto the top of
the guide fork, only that the square part that fits in the elongated vertical hole
in the said lug is formed with its flange on the top part of the said tube or
plunger the screwed part above the lug for the nut being formed on the tube
itself the said screwed part of the tube extending above the said nut sufficiently
to provide for the capped nut being screwed on, the said capped nut acting as a
lock nut to the nut under it. When I use the improved spring device herein-
before described in the single form for application to the wheel of a velocipede
that has a weak fork having a tendency to spring or bend slightly the result is
that the ingle tube or plunger on each side of the wheel will turn in its
respective single tubular extension of the ring box rendering the said wheel
less rigid in one direction ri -the direction the wheel takes in teering, to
prevent which I fit across the single tubular extensions of the bearing boxes in
lieu of the cross pieces on which the lower ends of the springs bear broad plates
for the same purpose to provide more extended bearing surfaces inside the longi-
tudinal slots of the single tubes or plungers in which they slide which slots are
made longer to provide for the width of the said plates and the play of the springs,
the broad plates when once properly fitted in the slots without any shake
preserving their fit a long time, being subject to very little wear and thus
preventing the single tubes or plungers turning in the tubes of the bearing boxes.
Another improvement relates to Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 of the spring devices contained
in my Patent No. 4548 of 1881 and Fig. 1 to Fig. 9 inclusive of my Patent
No. 5589 of 1883 and also to the modifications of the said spring devices herein-
before described and has reference to the mode of securing the corrugated tubes,
usually made of rubber, which I have always used to cover the exposed parts of
the tubes or plungers above the tubes of the bearing boxes to exclude the dirt, the
said corrugated rubber tubes, by reason of their being constantly in action with
the working of the springs having been subject to working out of their place at
their ends and of admitting the dirt to the sliding parts. I form or fix on the tops
of the tubes of the bearing boxes and also on the top part of the tubes or plungers
flanges or collars deeply recessed say for example a quarter of an inch or more,
and have formed on each end of the said corrugated rubber tubes extensions or
parts beyond the corrugations to fit in the deep recesses of the said flanges or
collars by which means without the aid of any other fastening the said corrugated
tubular covers by reason of their elastic nature and compressibility are securely
beld in their places and exclude all dirt and dust from: the sliding parts of the sid
spring devices. It is obvious that the said corrugated tubes can be applied with
the recessed flanges or collars to the sliding bolt hereinbefore described and to the

page_text: tubular part fitted on it in connection with the chain adjustment and preventing
the bending of the plungers for the same purpose.
Dated this 16th day of October 1895.
1, SAMUEL HALL, of 56 St. Augustine's Road, Camden Square, in the County
of Middleses, Watch Maker du 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:-
66
"
My invention relating to Improvements in Velocipedes has for its object to
provide effective means for incren-ing the rigidity of the wheels in the forks or
frames of velocipedes to which are applied springs arranged according to two
former inventions of mine forming part of the subject matter of Letter- Patent
No. 4548 of 1881 and of Letters Patent No. 5589 of 1883, and also to prevent
the strain on the plungers of the said spring devices when applied to the driving
wheels of velocipedes, arising from the pull of the chain, in combination with an
improved means of fitting the said plungers to the frames of such machines and of
adjusting the said chain, and likewise to improvements in fitting chain gear-cases
and in various parts of the said spring devices.
And in order that my said invention may be clearly understood I shall now
proceed to particularly describe the same and for that purpose shall rofer to the
several figures on the accompanying sheets of drawings wherein the same letters of
reference indicate corresponding parts,
In carrying out my invention for the purpose of increasing the rigidity of the
wheels in the forks or frames of velocipedes to which are appliet springs
arranged according to my former inventions, as, for example, in the case of a
rear-driving safety bicycle I proceed as follows and as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3
and 4.
Figure 1 represents an elevation of part of the front of a bicycle one side only
being shown, the spring device shown in combination with any improvement in the
said Figure 1 being similar to Figures 4 and 5 of my Patent No. 4548 of 1881.
The link A consists of a rigid frame with four sides, also shown in Figure 2 in
plan, and is formed preferably of steel tubing brazed together. The said link or
frame A is fitted to the brackets B that are fixed to the top of the fork C, a long
bol D passing through tubular part indicated by dotted lines at the broad end of
the link A and also through one of the brackets B, being screwed into the other,
the link A hinging on the bolt D between the said brackets B. The other nud
narrower end of the link A, which extends about horizontally to a point
immediately over the axle of the wheel has a similar bolt D' fitted to it, by
which means connect it to two upright stays E preferably made of steel tube
which stays liave eyes formed at the top through one of which the said bolt D
passes, being screwed into the other. The lower ends of the upright stays E
I connect to the axle (or part in which the axle turns or is fixed) by means
of knuckle joints G, the bolts of which are parallel with or take a similar
direction to the said axle. When the spring devices as described in my two
Letters Patent herein before mentioned are fitted to the velocipede in combination
with my hereinbefore partly described invention, the wheel plays up and down
under the action of the springs carrying with it the two upright stays E and the
liuk A with perfect freedom and exemption from cross binding in the sliding parts,
although the said wheel is held perfectly rigid by the said link and stays, which
render side "give" and want of firmness in the wheel, laterally, impossible, the
width of the link at the point where connected to the fork or frame of the

page_text: velocipede, its rigid construction (being as it were in one piece) and the long
bolts on which it hinges providing a very solid and firm side support to the
wheel, the hinging at each end of the link and at the bottom of the stays ensuring
absolutely perfect freedom in the sliding parts of the said spring devices.
I sometimes rigidly connect the upright stays E to the axle as shown in Figures 3
and 4 instead of by hinge joints. Figure 3 being a sectional elevation of part of
the back of a bicycle, one side ouly being shown, the spring device shown in com-
bination with my improvements in the said Figure 3 being similar to Figure 1
of my Patent No. 5589 of 1883. In this case, insten'l of connecting the top of
the said stays direct to the link A 1 usually interpose between the said link
and stays another small link A¹ in a vertical position, the top part which is
tubular being connected by the bolt D₁ to the top of the stays E, and the lower
part of the link A¹ which terminates in two eyes I connect by a bolt D² to the
link A the said link fitting between the two eyes of the link A', as shown in an
end view in Figure 4 with part of link A removed, the bolt D being screwed into
one of the said eyes. The other or broad end of the link A I connect to the
frame H of the bicycle by means of the brackets B and the bolt D as hereinbefore
described when applied to the fork of the bicycle.
When the wheel plays up and down under the action of the springs arranged
according to my two Patents herein before mentioned the small vertical link A'
hinges backward and forward as the stays E and link A rise and fall, and although
the stays E are rigidly fixed at the axle F there is perfect freedom in the long
sliding parts of the said spring devices and no tendency to cross binding, the wheel
at the same time being preserved perfectly firm and rigid laterally. In order to
compensate for wear in the friction parts of the links A and A' and the bolts D, D',
and D, I may adopt in combination with the said bolts and links any known conc
adjustments in use for the bearings of bicycles, and although I have described this
part of my invention only with reference to a rear-driving safety bicycle, it is
obvious that it is equally applicable to other velocipedes, such for example as the
tring wheel of a tricycle.
Referring to the part of my invention for preventing the strain on the plungers
of the said spring devices, arising from the pull on the chain, when they are applied
to the driving wheels of velocipedes, in combination with an improved means of
fitting the said plungers to the frames of such machines and of adjusting the
said chain,proceed in the following manner and as illustrated in Figures 3, 5,
6 and 7. In reference to Figure 3, I form on one of the tubular extensions 1 of
the bearing box or part J in which the axle turns or is fixed, on the side facing the
driving axis K, two lugs or projections L one at the upper part by the axle Fand
the other at the lower part, there being a space of three inches or more between
the said lugs in each of which is made a vertical hole in which I fit a long bolt M
that is secured by a nut N, the said bolt when fixed in its place in the lugs L
being parallel with the tubular extension I of the bearing box J. I fit to slide on
the bolt Ma cylindrical or tubular piece U which has formed on the side thereof
and at right angles and central therewith a screwed part or pin P which is screwed
its entire length close up to the said tubular or sliding part O. On the screwed
part or pin P is fitted a screwed sleeve Q with nut head forming a shoulder at one
end, the said sleeve being fitted to turn in a hole in a strong bracket or lug R fixed
to or formed on the frame H of the bicycle. The said sleeve Qeuters the hole in
the lug R at the back thereof next to the tubular sliding part O and projects
beyond the lug R at the other side, the part that projects being screwed and
having a nut S fitted thereon, the said nut when screwed home on the sleeve Q
permitting the said sleeve to turn in the said lug R. Next to the nut S on the
sleeve QI fit another nut S' on the screwed pin P which nut when screwed
tight home bears on the said nut S on the said sleeve and acts as a lock-out.
Before explaining the action of the part of my invention just described I will
proceed to describe my improvements in fitting the plungers of the said spring
devices to the frames of velocipedes, as for example in the case of the driving

page_text: wheel of a rear driving safety bicycle. Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the lug
or part T to which are connected or brazed the tubes of the frame II at tho
back of the bicycle make to extend backward beyond the said tubes about
two inches, the said part T being about an inch in width and about half an inch
thick with an oblong vertical hole U with straight parallel sides formed therein
as shown in Figure 5. In the said hole UI fit from the under side the top
part of the plungers W which top part is made square for that purpose
is shown by dotted lines, and next to and below the said square part I form a
stout fange to take a bearing on the under side of the lug or part T the top
part of the said plungers W extending upward beyond the said lug or part T
and being screwel to receive the nut X which secures the part of the plungers
to the said lug T. When the pull is on the chain in driving the velocipode, the
strain on the plungers W (which are usually at right angles with the chain and
therefore most subject to a great bending strain) is effectually prevented by the
resistance of the screwed pin P fixel in the lug or bracket R by means of the
sleeve and the nuts S and S', and connected to the said spring device by
the tubular part 0 on the long bolt M held by the two lugs L. As the wheel
plays up and down under the action of the springs the long bolt M slides freely in
the tubular part 0, without causing any tendency to binling in the -liling parts
of the said spring devices, even when the pull of the chain is greatest in driving the
machine.
When the chain requires to be adjusted, the nut X that secures the part V of
the plungers W to the lug T at the back of the frame of the bicycle is loosened,
and also the luck-nut S₁ on the screwed pin 1', when, by turning the sleeve by
means of its nut-head which bears on one side of the lug or bracket It while the
nut S screwed tight home on the end of the said sleeve bears on the other si le of
the said bracket, the sand screwed pin P will move backward or forward according
to which way the sleeve Q is turned, carrying the spring devices and wheel with it,
the top parts of the plungers moving along the elongated holes U in their
respective lugs T, thus making the chain tighter or looser as required.
I also prevent the strain on the plungers of the said spring devices by means of
ared applied in lieu of the arrangement just describel which also provides a
means of adjusting the chain when the mode of fitting the top part VI of the
plungers in the lug T at the back of the frame of the bicycle may be the same as
hereinbefore described. Referring to Figure which is a sectional elevation of
part of the back of a bicycle one side only being shown the rod Y, which is
preferably tubular, is in two parts, each part where divided being screwed at the
end, one with a right-handed screw and the other with a left-handed screw. The
two parts of the said rod are joined together by the sleeve 7 its inside being
preferably recessed for part of its length in the centre, one end being screwed with
à right-handed screw and the other cid with a left-handed screw, a part like a nut
being formed on the outside in the centre and a lock-nut Z' being also preferably
fitted on each part of the rod Y to hind on each end of the sleeve Z. At one end
of the said rod fit a knuckle joint G' to hinge on the lug or bracket R' connected
to the frame of the bicycle at a point near the driving axis K and at the other
end of the rod Y I preferably fit a double link-joint. G' to hinge on a lug a, formed
preferably on the part of the said spring device on the side facing the driving
axis K. The said double link-joint is similar in action to the double link-joint
described and illustrated with reference to Figure 4 in my Patent No. 5589 of 1883
but is used in a modified form with a view to simpler construction and compactness,
the bolt & passing through one side of the joint (i³ and also through one end of the
two links G and through an elongated curved hole e formed in the lug a, the said
bolt being screwed into the other side of the said joint. The other end of the
links G are fitted to turn on a pin d fixed at the end of the lug a, the said links
merely consisting of thick flat plates fitted close, preferably without any shake,
between the sides of the joint G and the lug a, the elongated curved hole e in the
said lug being provided" to give freedom to the bolt to admit of the liuks G³

page_text: turning on the pin d and the said bolt b. Another view of the said improved double
link joint taken at a right angle is shown on Fig. 7 for connecting the top of my
spring devices to the frame of the velocipede, which further illustrates the
advantages of this modification of my former invention in regard to compactness
and simplicity of construction. When the pull is on the chain in driving the
strain on the plungers W is effectually prevented by the resistance of the rod. Y,
the wheel playing freely up and down under the action of the springs without any
binding in the sliding parts of the said spring devices although tied by the said rod
which rises and falls at one end with the wheel, the complete exemption from
binding being due to the link-joint G2, which, working with the knuckle joint G'
at the other end of the rod Y, enables the said. rod to describe part of a circle
when the springs are in action and gives to it a capability of to some degree
varying its length.
-
In order to adjust the chain the nut X at the top part of the plungers is loosened
as before, and also the two lock-nuts Z' on each part of the divided rod Y, when,
by turning the sleeve Z by means of the part formed like a nut the rod will either
lengthen or shorten according to the way the said sleeve is turned moving the
spring device and wheel backward or forward, the top part of the said plungers
moving along the elongated hole U in the lug T as before, thus either tightening
or slackening the chain.
The two hereinbefore described arrangements for preventing the strain on the
plungers of the said spring devices and for adjusting the chain I preferably apply
to both sides of the velocipede especially in the case of a rear-driving safety
bicycle, although in some cases they are found to be sufficient when applied to one
side only, and although I have only described them as applied to a bicycle they are
equally suitable for application to tricycles and other velocipedes I may also use
my arrangements for preventing the strain on the said plungers without necessarily
combining with them my improvements for adjusting the chain, as in Figure 7,
which is a sectional elevation of part of the back of a tricycle illustrating the
application of the rod Y to such machines in combination with my spring devices
but without the herein before described arrangement for varying its length.
I preferably apply the said rod Y in the single form and at the central part of
the tricycle, the lug a being connected to the main axle in any suitable way but at
a central point midway between the two driving wheels near the gear-box and
chain, the other end of the rod Y being connected by the bracket R' to the
frame H at a point near the driving axis K. In applying the said rod singly and
midway between the wheels the object is to guard against its hindering the free
action of the said spring devices, and in order to further facilitate this the double
link joint G2 is made to turn or swivel in the rod Y, which being tubular admits of
around parallel pin G formed on the said link joint being fitted therein.
A square hole is made through the rod Y and also through the pin G* that in the
said pin being elongated a little in a transverse direction, and a square pin e
preferably removable is fixed tight in the holes in the said rod, there being.ou
each side of the part of the said pine that passes through the said pin Ga
space, which spaces permit the pin G' to turn round to a limited extent in the
rod, sufficient to prevent any twisting strain on the said rod and its connections,
arising from the irregular and varied movements and oscillations of the driving
axle and wheels of the tricycle under the action of the springs, thus ensuring the
perfectly free action of the sliding parts of the said spring devices.
Figure 8 represents a side elevation in part section and Figures 9 and 10 are
vertical sections of gear-case fittings illustrating another part of my invention
relating to improvements in fitting chain gear-cases in combination with the said
spring devices which provides a means of fitting an ordinary gear-case to the
velocipede in such a way that it will turn at each end, in circle with the driving
axis at one end and with that of the driving wheel at the other, so that when the
driving wheel or wheels are playing up and down under the action of the springs
the gear-case will not cause the sliding parts of the spring devices to bird and
B

page_text: Q
prevent their free action. Referring to Figures 8 and 9 I fit rigidly to the fraine
of the velocipede at the driving axis K in any suitable way two eircular plates or
dises g rigidly connected together by means of a suitable number of ribs or curved
pieces h, the said dises being arranged one on each side of the chain gear wheel i
and having holes K' in the centre of each through which is passed the driving
nxis K, the space between the two dises y being sufficient to provide proper room
for the said gear wheel and the passage of the chain. About a quarter of an inch
from the edge of the said dises on the inside next to the gear wheel i are formed
thereon a raised edge or rimj, inside and next to which I fix preferably by means
of nuts the ribs or curved pieces h, which extend upward over the top of the said
gear wheel i
Two discs similarly arranged and rigidly connected together but usually much
smaller are fitted to the velocipede at the gear wheel on the axle of the driving
wheel or wheels, and I then take an ordinary chain gear-case I and by making the
holes at the driving axis and at the axle of a size to match the raised elges or
rims formed inside the discs g, and by providing the said holes of the gear-e ise
with metal collars or rims & fixel therein I am able to fit it in its place between
the said dises, the said metal collars or rims of the gear-case fitting on the
raised edges or rims of the dises g, so that when the driving wheel or wheels play
up and down under the action of the springs the said gear-case and its metal
collars will turn on the said raised edges or rims j between the said dises and
will thus prevent any tendency to bind in the sliding parts of the said spring
devices.
l
In order to give greater stability, laterally, to the gear-case, if of light
construction, sometimes form a flange on the raised edges or rims of the dises g
to come level with their outer edges, thus forming a channel of a squre
section as shown in Figure 10 in which the metal collars of the gear-rase larg
fitted, by which means the said gear-case has great additional side support and
rigidity. This modification of my improved mode of fitting gear-cases can only be
used for such as are formed in two halves, like many now in use.
When any part
of the frame of the velocipede, such, for example, as the side tube of a rear driving
safety bicycle which extends from the driving axis to the axle of the driving
wheel, comes in the way of the gear-ense, instead of the said tube being embedded
therein as is usually the case, the gear-case requires to be perforated, being
provided with an elongated hole m down a considerable part of its length to free
it of the tube which otherwise would hinder the action of the said spring devices.
Referring to another part of my invention relating to improvements in
various parts of the said spring devices hereinbefore mentioned and illustratet in
Figures 1, 3, 6, 7, 11, 2, 13, 14 I proceed in the following manner. Some of
my improvements in the said spring devices relate to Figure in Letters
Patent No. 5589 of 1883 and in part consists of an improved mode of fitting the
tubular prongs or plungers of the sliding guide fork to the top thereof. Instead of
the tubular pronge or plungers being fitted and brazed on two pins or pillars
forming part of the top V of the said sliding fork I fit the said tubular prongs or
plungers Was shown in Figure 7 in two vertical holes bored therein and preferably
braze them in, allowing the said tubes W to project above the top V of the guide
fork sufficiently to admit of the part being screwed and a capped nut X fitted
thereon. When the springs n are in their place in the plungers W of the guide
fork, instead of their upper ends bearing as formerly on the ends of the pins or
pillars, they bear on the inside of the capped at X', one advantage being that the
springs can he removed and replaced quickly by merely taking off the said enpped
nut instead of, as before, having to take the spring device partly to pieces, another
advantage being that with the tubular plungers of a given length much longer and
more elastic springs can be used, the extra room no longer being occupied by the
pins or pillars and the substance of the top V of the said guide fork. I have
generally used the spring device in the said Figure 1 in combination with the cross
pieces or pins fixed across the tubes of the bearing box for the springs to bear on

page_text: at their lower ends, the prongs or plungers of the guide fork being provided with
longitudinal slots to admit of their sliting up and down as described in the said
patent with reference to the said Figure 1. In my improved arrangement of the
said spring device herein before described, the springs being inserted in the tubular
plungers of the sliding guide fork at the top thereof instead of at their lower ends
as formerly, admits of my stopping up the said lower ends of the plungers,
preferably by brazing therein plates or bottoms W, between which and the under
side of the said cross pieces or pius o interpose a thick pad of rubber n' or
other elastic material to prevent metallic contact between the said cross pieces or
pins and the bottom of the said slots p when the weight is taken off the velocipede
and the springs cease to be in compression. I preferably use the said improved
spring device herein before described in the single forin, when, instead of it being
in the form of a fork working in two tubular extensions of the bearing box I use
only one tube in lieu of the said guide fork which is fitted to slide in an extension
of the bearing box or part in which the axle turns or is fixed formed on one side
culy instead of on both sides thereof this modified form of the spring device being
arranged with a view to cheapness of production and the saving of weight. The
said improvement is illustrated in Figures 6, 11, 12, 13 and 14, Figure 11 being a
sectional elevation of part of the front of a bicycle or tricycle, one side only being
shown, Figure 13 is a modification of a portion of a similar view. Figure 12 a
horizontal section of part of Figure 11 and Figure 11 is a sectional elevation of
part of Figure 6, (already mentioned with reference to part of my invention
herein before described). Referring to Figures 1 and 12, as all the strain has to
be borne by one tube I of the extended bearing box or part in which the axle turns
or is fixed instead of the strain being divided between two tubes as in the said
Figure 1 of my Patent No. 5589 of 1883, I increase the strength of the parts J
that holds the said tube by making it cylindrical or tubular, and preferably braze
the tube I therein instead of fixing the said part to one side only of the said tube
ns in the said Figure which would not possess sufficient strength to stand the
additional strain on the single tube. The single tube or plunger W which formerly
formed one side of the said guide fork 1 braze in a vertical hole bored in a lng y
connected with the fork C the said tube or plunger projecting above the said lug,
the projecting part being screwed to receive the rapped mu X, I sometimes fit
the plunger W in the lug q so as to be removable, when, instead of it being brazed
in the said lug form a flange W2 on the said plunger to hear on the under side of
the lng as shown in Figure 13 and by means of the nut X secure the plunger W
to the said lug of the fork C the capped nut X' acting as a lock nut on the
nut X
It is obvious that may also by means of the lug in combination with the
flange W and the nut X fit the spring devices as described in ny two patents
herein before mentioned to the forks of velocipedes as shown in Figure 1 without
departing from the nature of my invention. When use the improved spring
device hereinbefore described in the single form for application to the wheel of a
velocipede that has a fork having any tendency to bend or spring slightly the result
is that the single tube or plunger W on each side of the wheel will turn in its
respective single tubular extension I of the bearing box or part in which the
axle turns or is fixed, rendering the said wheel less rigid in the direction that it
takes in steering, to prevent which I fix across the single extension I of the said
part in lien of the cross piece or pin o on which the lover end of the spring n
bears a broad plate o for the same purpose to provide more extended bearing
surfaces inside the longitudinal slots of the tube or plunger Wis which the broad
plate o' slides, the said slots being made langer to provide for the width of the sid
broad plate and the play of the springs, the broad plate of when properly fitted in
the slots p without any shake preserving their fit a long time being subject to very
little wear, and thus effectually preventing the single tubes or plungers W turning
in the extensions I of the bearing box or part J.
I also apply the improved spring device hereinbefore described in the single form

page_text: to the driving wheels of velocipedes in combination with the hereinbefore described
arrangements for adjusting the chain as shown in Figures 6 and 14 in which case
the mode of fitting the square top of the tube or plunger in the lug Tat the
back of the frame H of a rear driving safety bicycle is similar to that hereinbefore
described with reference to fitting thereto the top of the guide fork, only that the
square part that fits in the elongated vertical hole U shown in Figure 5 is
formed with its flange V on the tube or plunger W which is screwed to receive
the nut. X which secures the said plunger to the lug T, the capped nut X' being
fitted to screw down on the nut X, acting as a lock nut.
Another improvement relates to Figures 4 and 6 of the spring devices contained
in my Patent No. 4548 of 1881 and to Figures 1 to 9 inclusive in my Patent
No. 5589 of 1883, and also to the modifications of the said spring devices
hereinbefore described and has reference to the mode of securing the corrugated
Lubes, usually made of rubler, which I have always used to cover the exposed
parts of the tubes or plangers above the tubes of the bearing box or part in which
the axle turns or is fixed to exclude the dirt, the said corrugated rubber tubes by
reason of their being constantly in action with the working of the springs having
been subject to working out of their place at their ends and of admitting the dirt
to the sliding purts, Referring to Figures 1, 3, 6, 7, 11, 13, and 14, 1 form or fix
on the tops of the tubes I of the bearing boxes or part in which the axle turns or
is fixed and also on the top part of the tubes or plungers W flanges or collars e
deeply recessed, say for example a quarter of an inch or more, and also have
formed on each end of the said corrugated rubber tubes or extensions or parts S
beyond the corrugations to fit in the deep recesses of the said collars by which
means without the aid of any other fastening the said corrugated tubular covers by
reason of their elastic mature and compressibility are securely held in their place
and exclude all dirt and dust from the sliding parts of the said spring devices. IL
is obvious that the part of my invention Inst described can also be applied withi
advantage for the same purpose to the sliding bolt. M the tubular part 0 and
lugs L shown in Figure 3 hereinbefore described in connection with the chain
adjustment and preventing the strain on the plungers.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what noner the same is to be performed declare that what I
claim is :-
-
1. The construction and arrangement, or combination of parts for increasing the
rigidity of the wheels in the forks or frames of velocipedes used in combiuntion
with the said spring devices forming part of the subject matter of my two patents
her inbefore mentioned, in the manner and sub-tantially as hereinbefore described
and illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.
2. The construction and arrangement or combination of parts for preventing the
strain on the plungers of the said spring devices that form part of the subject.
matter of my two patents hereinbefore mentioned when they are applied to the
driving wheels of velocipedes, arising from the pull of the chain, also providing an
improved means of fitting the said plungers to the frames of such machines, and
of adjusting the chain, arranged substantially as bereinbefore described and
illustrated in Figures 3, 5, 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings under several
modifications.
3. The construction and arrangement or combination of parts constituting the
improved spring device for the wheels of velocipedes substantially as and for the
purpose herein before described and illustrated in Figure 7 of the accompanying
drawings.
4. The construction and arrangement or combination of parts constituting the
improved spring device for the wheels of velocipedes substantially as and for the
purpose hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 11, 12 and 13 of
the accompanying drawings.
5. The construction and arrangement or combination of parts for increasing the

page_text: rigidity of the wheels in the forks or frames of velocipedes as shown in Figures 1,
2, 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings in combination with my improvements in
the spring devices hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 6, 7, 11, 12,
13 and 14 of the accompanying drawings under various modifications.
6. The construction and arrangement or combination of parts for preventing the
strain on the plungers of the improved spring devices hereinbefore described when
they are applied to the driving wheels of velocipedes, arising from the pull of the
chain, also providing an improved means of fitting the said plungers to the frames
of such machines and of adjusting the chain, arranged substantially as hereinbefore
described and illustrated in Figures 3, 5, 6, 7 and 14 of the accompanying drawings
under several modifications.
7. The improved mode of securing the corrugated rubber tubes s used to exclude
the dirt from the sliding parts of the spring devices forming part of the subject
matter of my two patents hereinbefore mentioned, by means of the recessed collars
and the extensions & substantially as herein before described and illustrated in
Figures 1 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.
8. The improved mode of securing the corrugated rubber tubes s used to exclude
the dirt from the sliding parts of the improved spring devices hereinbefore
described by means of the recessed collars and the extensions s' substantially as
hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 6, 7, and 11 of the accompanying
drawings.
""
9. The construction and arrangement or combination of parts for fitting chain-
gear cases to velocipedes for use in combination with the spring devices that form
part of the subject matter of my two patents herein before mentioned in such a way
that the said gear-case will turn at each end both at the driving axis and the axle
of the wheel, substantially as and for the purpose herein before described and
illustrated in Figures 8, 9 and 10 of the accompanying drawings.
..
10. The construction and arrangement or combination of parts for fitting chain
gear-cases to velocipedes that have applied to hole thereof the hereinbefore
described improved spring devices in such a way that the said gear-case will turn
at each end, both at the driving axis and at the axle of the wheel substantially as
and for the purpose herein before described and illustrated in Figures 8, 9 and 10
of the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 16th day of July 1896.