IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF VELOCIPEDES, AND IN THE MEANS OF PROPELLING THE SAME, PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER VEHICLES." PROAL SPFICATION
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Sir Thomas George Augustus Parkyns, of Stapleton,
Beckenham, in the County of Kent, Baronet, for an Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF VELOCIPEDES, AND IN THE MEANS OF
PROPELLING THE SAME, PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER
VEHICLES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Sir Thomas George Augustus
Parkyns at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th November
1880.
Sir THOMAS GEORGE AUGUSTUS PARKYNS, of Stapleton, Beckenham, in the
County of Kent, Baronet. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF VELOCIPEDES,
AND IN THE MEANS OF PROPELLING THE SAME, PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE
TO OTHER VEHICLES."
These improvements are applicable to all velocipedes, and especially to that
known as the tricycle, and consists, firstly, of novel apparatus for propelling the
same by steam power, whereby both the weight of the boiler and the space occupied
by the fuel and boiler are reduced further than has been found possible hitherto.
For the purpose of applying steam power to the propulsion of the tricycle, in
the case of the Coventry tricycle, I alter and enlarge the framework by placing
the third wheel, which is the hind and one of the guiding wheels, a little further to
the rear, and use it as a trolly wheel, and in order to transfer the strain of the hind
wheel to the middle of the frame 1 employ a rod with a fork, or a chain with a
fork, which fork I attach to the wheel, and the other end of the rod or chain to
the centre of the frame; and I elongate the driving wheel side of the frame to the
same length as the beam supporting the two guiding wheels, and in the space so
made available between the seat of the rider and the hind wheel I place a tubular
boiler, for the purpose of generating steam for driving the steam engine. I also
make machines having the boiler in front of the rider, in which case the third or
guiding wheel is placed in front of the boiler. This boiler I construct with a
furnace adapted for burning liquid fuel, such as paraffin, rock oil, or other volatile
and inflammable oils, methylated or other spirits, in the following manner :—I place

page_text: the
on or near to the boiler a tank containing the liquid fuel, from the bottom of
which tank a pipe is carried underneath the boiler; this pipe passes along the
bottom of the boiler, and is then bent back in a ☐ shape, and closed at the
end. The top side of the lower half of the tube is perforated with small
holes to allow of the escape of the gases which are generated in the upper half of
tube by the heat of the burning liquid fuel, and gases escaping through
the perforations in the lower half. A tap on the supply pipe near to the liquid
fuel tank regulates the flow of the liquid. In some cases I prefer to volatilize the
tube;
liquid fuel by placing a small burner under the tank instead of using the
and I then conduct the inflammable gases which are generated in the tank under
the boiler, and allow them to escape through small holes in the pipe where they
burn, and thus generate steam in the boiler. The steam from the boiler is expanded
in one or more steam cylinders, the piston rods of which are connected either
direct to the axle of the driving wheel in the usual manner, or if preferred by
means of gearing or straps, in the manner well understood by engineers. In certain
cases I fit a surface condenser composed of small thin tubes. The boiler and
engine or engines are covered by a light wooden or metallic case, and over the
top may be placed a light box or platform of woven wire, in or on which may be
carried any tools or stores or wearing apparel; driving pedals may be added or
dispensed with, as preferred. It is obvious that the above apparatus for steam
propulsion is readily applicable to all other descriptions of vehicles. I may also
make the seat for the driver and passengers (if any) of woven wire net, a material
which combines great strength with elasticity and lightness. By constructing the
seats of this material the necessity for cushions is avoided. My Invention relates,
secondly, to a new and improved form of wheel, which may be fitted with
advantage to such tricycles and other machines as are hereinbefore described and
referred to, and also to other road and rail and tram carriages. These wheels are
formed with tyres and rims of iron or steel tube, which in cross sections are of
what is known as the U, U, (that is) or the U, V, that is, shaped
iron or steel tube, and in the hollow of the metal tyre or rim so formed an india
rubber tyre is placed in the usual manner. The spokes are made of light metallic
tubes, which are screwed into or otherwise firmly attached to the tyre or rim of
the wheel at one end, and clamped and tightly held by the halves of the metallic
axle box or nave at the other end; and are splayed out alternately on each side of
the plane of the rim, so as to give great transverse strength. Such wheels combine
great strength and rigidity with lightness, and are more suitable for driving by
steam power than tension wheels. The box or nave of the wheel is composed of
3 pieces, viz., the centre piece and the two flanges, the centre piece having
semicylindrical radial grooves, in which the inner ends of the spokes are held
firmly by the two flanges, one for each end of the centre piece, in which there are
semi-cylindrical radial grooves to correspond with those in the centre piece. The
flanges are secured to the central piece by means of bolts or screws, and support the
spoke ends firmly when the bolts or screws are tied up tightly.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Sir Thomas George Augustus Parkyns in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 20th May 1881.
Sir THOMAS GEORGE AUGUSTUS PARKYNS, of Stapleton, Beckenham, in the
County of Kent, Baronet. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF VELOCIPEDES,
AND IN THE MEANS OF PROPELLING THE SAME, PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE
TO OTHER VEHICLES."
These improvements are applicable to all velocipedes, and especially to that known
as the tricycle, and consist, firstly, of novel apparatus for propelling the same by
steam power, whereby both the weight of the boiler and the space occupied by the
fuel and the boiler are reduced further than has been found possible hitherto. For
the purpose of applying steam power to the propulsion of the tricycle, I prefer to
alter and enlarge the frame work of the ordinary tricyle by placing the third wheel,
which is usually the hind wheel, a little further to the rear, and in order to transfer
the strain of this hind wheel to the middle of the frame I employ a forked rod, the
fork of which I attach to the axle of the said hind or third wheel, and the other I
attach to the frame of the tricycle, and in the space so made available between the
seat of the rider and the hind wheel I place a tubular boiler, for the purpose of
generating steam for driving the steam engine. This boiler is adapted for burning
liquid fuel, such as paraffin, rock oil, or other volatile and inflamable oils, methylated
or other spirits, in the following manner :-I place on or near to the boiler a tank
containing the liquid fuel, from the bottom of which tank a pipe is carried under-
neath the boiler. This pipe passes along the bottom of the boiler, and is then bent
back in a shape, and closed at the end. The top side of the lower half of
the tube is perforated with small holes to allow of the escape of the gases
which are generated in the upper half of the tube by the heat of the burning
liquid fuel and gases escaping through the perforations in the lower half.
A tap
on the pipe near to the liquid fuel tank regulates the flow of the liquid. In some
cases I prefer to volatilize the liquid fuel by placing a small burner under the tank
instead of using the ☐ tube, and I then conduct the inflamable gases which are
generated in the tank under the boiler, and allow them to escape through small
holes in the pipe where they burn, and thus generate steam in the boiler. The
steam from the boiler is expanded in one or more steam cylinders, the piston rods
of which are connected either direct to the axle of the driving wheel in the usual
manner, or, if preferred, by means of gearing or straps in the manner well under-
stood by engineers. In certain cases I fit a surface condenser composed of small
thin tubes. The boiler and engine are covered in by a light wooden or metallic
and over the top may be placed a light box or locker in which may be carried
any tools, or stores, or wearing apparel. It is obvious that the above apparatus for
propulsion is readily applicable to all other descriptions of vehicles. My Invention
relates, secondly, to a new and improved form of wheel, which may be fitted with
advantage to such tricycles and other machines, as are hereinbefore described and
referred to, and also to other road, rail, and tram carriages. These wheels are
formed with tyres or rims which in cross section are of what is known as the
U, U, or the U, V shaped iron or steel tube, and in the hollow of the metal tyre or
rim so formed, an india rubber tyre is placed in the usual manner. The spokes are
made of light metallic tubes, which are screwed into or otherwise firmly attached
to the tyre or rim of the wheel at one end and clamped tightly, held by the two
halves of the metallic axle box or nave at the other end, and are splayed out
alternately on each side of the plane of the rim so as to give great transverse
strength. Such wheels combine great strength and rigidity with lightness, and
case,

page_text: the centre piece. The Hanges are secured to the central piece by means of ports or
screws, and grip the spoke ´ends firmly when the bolts and screws are screwed up
tightly.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and in order that the
same may be fully understood, and also the manner in which the same may be
readily carried into effect, I will now proceed by the aid of the accompanying
Drawing to fully describe the same.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1 shews a tricycle of special form to carry a small portion of luggage
with front steering wheel having applied to it my improved boiler with horizontal
steam engine; Figure 2 shows a tricycle, known as the Meteor pattern, having
affixed to it my said improved boiler and oscillating cylinder engines, and Figure 3
shews the form of tricycle known as the Coventry tricycle, to which is applied my
said improved boiler and either of the above forms of engines, shewn enlarged at
Figures 4 and 5, or a rotary engine, shewn enlarged at Figure 6; Figure 7
is a front view, Figure 8 is a side view, and Figure 9 is a plan view of my
improved boiler, having applied to it the improved burner for burning liquid fuel;
Figure 10 shews a side view of the hub with a portion of the rim, tyre, and spokes
of my improved wheel; Figure 11 shews a section of the same; Figure 12 shews
the hub of the same wheel enlarged, illustrating the mode of attaching the inner
ends of the spokes to the hub; Figure 13 shews the mode of attaching the outer
ends of the spokes to the metal tyre or rim; Figure 14 shews my improved mode
of attaching the driving chains of tricycles, whereby the chain can be taken off
and put on without the necessity of straining the chain, as has hitherto been the
custom.
A simple inspection of Figures 1, 2, and 3 will sufficiently describe the general
arrangement of the tricycle fitted with my improved boiler and steam engine for
the purpose of propelling the tricycle. It will be seen that the pedal motion is
attached to the opposite wheel to that driven by the steam, and can therefore be
used either independently of or in conjunction with the steam for the propulsion
of the tricycle.
The mode in which the power of the steam engine is applied to the main driving
wheel of the tricycle is illustrated by Figures 4, 5, and 6, which respectively
represent a steam engine of the horizontal oscillating and rotary form. In each of
these Figures the same letters of reference indicate the same parts. A is the crank
pin fitted in to a spur wheel B, the teeth on the periphery of which take into the
links of the driving chain C. This driving chain passes round the periphery of a
larger spur wheel, which may be fixed either on the axle or to the hub of one of
the tricycle wheels, which thereby becomes the steam driving wheel, the pedal
motion being attached either to the axle or to the other wheel, as convenience
dictates. It is evident that instead of the spur wheel and driving chain, toothed
gearing, pullies, and bands, or other mode of communicating or arranging rotary
motion, may be used.
My improved boiler is, as has been stated, represented in Figures 7, 8, and 9, in
each of which Figures the same letters of reference indicate the same parts.
A, A, A, A, is a hollow metal casing having cast horizontal cross pieces A¹, A',
which said cross pieces A¹, A', are perforated at both sides at close intervals with
holes for the insertion of the bent tubes B, B, B, the form of which bent tubes B, B, B,
is shewn better in Figure 8. These tubes when inserted into the holes on one side

page_text: of the cross pieces A', A¹, are fixed by being expanded into their places in the usual
manner, and the holes on the other side of the cross pieces A¹, A', are then closed
by screwed plugs c, c, c, c, c, or other means. A', D, D, further holes are provided
in the main casting for fixing a water gauge, and at E for the inlet pipe of a
circulating pump which is worked by the engine, and so supplies water to the
boiler. F, F, are lugs to which are attached an outer sheet iron casing to enclose
the boiler, and so keep in the heat. G is the steam outlet at the top of the boiler,
on which may be fixed a steam gauge safety valve and steam regulating valve; H is
the inlet pipe for the liquid fuel from fuel tank or reservoir to the burner; I is the
retort through which the liquid fuel passes, and in which from its heat the said
liquid fuel becomes volatilized or converted into inflamable gas, in which form it is
conveyed to and burned in the burner K, which consists of a tube perforated with
a number of small holes through which the gas passes and is burned, and flames
from which impinge upon the water tube, and also the gas retort I, thus keeping
up the supply of gas for the burner. The mode in which the burner is lighted is
as follows: A small portion of spirit or liquid fuel is burned under the retort,
which becoming hot volatilizes or converts into inflammable gas the liquid fuel in
the retort, which flowing into the burner may then be ignited,
The engine and boiler may be removed from the tricycle and used for driving
any other vehicle or other machinery, or when used for stationary machinery
common coal gas may be used as fuel, in which case the liquid fuel tank, retort,
and burner are dispensed with, and an ordinary atmospheric gas burner
substituted,
My new and improved form of wheel is shewn in Figures 10, 11, and 12. This
wheel is formed of rims or tyres of metal tube, the cross section of which is of the
U, U, or U, V, form, and the outside tyre may be of india rubber or other flexible
inaterial, or of steel or other metal. The hub or nave A is as shewn in Figure 11,
is composed of 3 pieces, videlicet, the centre piece A¹, and the two outside plates
or flanges A" and A". The centre piece A¹ has formed in it alternately on each
side thereof semi-cylindrical radial grooves b, b, in which the inner ends of the
inner ends of the spokes B, B, B, B, rest, and in each of the outside plates A", A"-
grooves are formed to correspond with the grooves formed on that side of the
centre piece A¹ on which the outside plate A" is to be fixed. This construction
will be clearly seen by looking at the hub or nave A as shewn in Figure 10, the
dotted lines in which represent the mode in which each alternate spoke is carried
down and secured between the centre piece A. and outside plate A' of the hub or
nave. The mode in which the outer ends of the spokes are secured to the tyre or
rim is shewn in Figure II., and full sized in Figure 13. The end of the tube
forming the spoke B is slightly enlarged or coned to admit a slightly tapering
piece C, which at its other end is reduced in size so as to fit a small bole formed
to receive it in the inner side of the tyre or rim. If desired a small pin may
be passed through the end of the spoke and tapered filling pin for the purpose of
more firmly securing it in its position. By my construction of wheel I am enabled
to dispense with a great number of spokes, and at the same time increase the
strength of the wheel, as will be seen by reference to Figures 15 and 16,
Figure 15 representing my improved wheel, and Figure 16 the ordinary spider
web wheel.
I have made a provision in the driving chain which communicates power to the
driving wheels of the vehicle by which I am enabled to put the chain on and take
it off without deranging the machine. This is represented in Figure 14, in which,
as will be seen, a moveable pin A with a small linch pin B; the moveable pin in
its place is substituted for one of the permanent rivets of the chain. The moveable
pin B and linch pin C are shewn detached at the right hand side of the Figure 14,
and in situ in the chain itself at A and B.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, and the manner in which the
same is to be performed or carried into effect, I declare that what I claim as my

page_text: Invention, and desire to have secured to me as my Invention by the hereinbefore
in part recited Letters Patent is,―
First. The improved velocipede propelled by steam and arranged in the manner
as hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the Drawings
hereunto annexed.
Secondly. The construction and arrangement of boiler heater and condensing
apparatus, substantially as herein before described and illustrated in Figures 7, 8,
and 9 of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Thirdly. The construction and arrangement of wheels for velocipedes and other
road, rail, and tram carriages, substantially as herein before described and illustrated
in Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13 of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
In witness whereof, I, the said Sir Thomas George Augustus Parkyns, hath
hereunto set my hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of May, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
T. G. A. PARKYNS. (L.S.)