Improvements in Pneumatic Handles for Handle Bars of Bicycles and similar Vehicles.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 27th June, 1896-Accepted, 15th Aug., 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Pneumatic Handles for Handle Bars of Bicycles
and similar Vehicles.
I, FREDERICK HARLEY MERRY, a citizen of the United States, residing at
945 Franklin Avenue. in the City of Brooklyn, County of Kings and State of New
York, U.S.A., Master Machinist, 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 relates to handles or grips for bicycles and similar vehicles, and
the object thereof is to provide an improved pneumatic device of this class which
is adapted to be connected with the handle-bars as now constructed, or with any
desired form of handle-bar; and with these and other objects in view, the invention
consists in the device hereinafter described and claimed.
The invention is fully disclosed in the following specification, of which the
accompanying drawing forms a part, said drawing being a side view of a portion
of a handle-bar, and showing my improved handle or grip connected therewith and
in central longitudinal section.
In the drawing forming part of this specification, I have shown at 5, a portion
of the handle bar of a bicycle or similar vehicles, and in the practice of my
invention, I provide a bandle, which is adapted to be connected therewith, and
which consists of a central longitudinal tube 6, which is composed of rubber,
rubber and canvas or similar material, and on the inner end thereof, is mounted a
head 7, having a central opening 8, through which the end of the tube 6,
passes, and said head 7, is provided adjacent to said central opening with an
annular flange or rim 9, and on the outer perimeter thereof, with a similar annular
flange or rim 10, which is slightly conical in form, and which is wider than the
flange or rim 9, and on the opposite end of the tube 6, is passed a head 11, which
is provided centrally and on the inner side thereof, with a circular chamber 12,
around which is formed a deep annular groove 13, whereby an annular flange or
rim 14, is formed in, which the end of the tube 6, fits, and. also an annular flange
or rim 15, which is similar, in form to the annular flange or rim 10, on the head 7,
and it will be seen that between the flanges or rims 9 and 10, on the heads 7, is an
annular groove 16, similar to the annular groove 13, in the head 11, and said heads
are preferably composed of rubber.
I also provide a tubular casing 17, the ends of which are fitted within, and
secured to the annular flanges or rims 10 and 15, and said casing is composed of
elastic rubber, rubber and canvas, or similar material, and is larger at the center
thereof, than at the ends, and secured in said :casing at one side thereof, is an
ordinary air valve 18, by means of which the, chamber 19, within the casing 17,
may be inflated whenever desired, an ordinary air pump being employed for this
purpose.
The air valve 18, may be placed at any desired position and may be placed in
the head 7 and 8, if desired, or in the annular flanges or rims 10, and 15, all that
is necessary in this construction being to provide means whereby the casing 17,
which forms the body of the handle may be inflated.
I also provide an outer covering or casing 20, which is designated to enclose the
inner casing 17, and which is connected with the heads 7 and 11, in any desired
manner, and which is composed of cloth, canvas, leather or any preferred material,
and which may be detached whenever desired. This covering or casing 20, may

page_text: be connected with the handle-bar by any preferred means, and the object thereof,
is to prevent the hand from coming in contact with the rubber casing 17.
The advantages of this form of a handle, will be apparent to all those accustomed
to the use of bicycles, and similar vehicles, and by means thereof, the jolt and jar
which is transmitted from the hardles to the arms and body of the rider are
avoided.
The outer end of the handle-bar is provided with a wooden plug 21, which is
secured therein. in any desired manner, said handle-bar being preferably tubular in
form, and on the outer end of the head 11, is placed a metal plate 22, through
which, and through the head passes a screw 23, which also passes into said plug,
and by means of this device, the handle or grip is detachably connected with the
handle-bar.
It is evident that changes in, and modifications of the construction herein
described may be made without departing from the spirit of my invention, or
sacrificing its advantages; and I reserve the right to make all such alterations
therein, and modifications thereof as fairly come within the scope of the
invention.
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. A pneumatic handle or grip for bicycles and similar vehicles, constructed,
substantially as shown and described.
2. A pneumatic handle or grip for bicycles and similar vehicles, which is adapted
to be detachably connected with the handle-bar, and which consists of a central
longitudinal tube, through which the handle-bar passes, circular heads or ends
connected with each end thereof, and a tubular casing, composed of rubber or
similar material, and connected with said heads, said casing being adapted to be
inflated, substantially as shown and described.
3. A pneumatic handle or grip for bicycles and similar vehicles, which is adapted
to be detachably connected with the handle-bar, and which consists of a central
longitudinal tube, through which the handle-bar passes, circular heads or ends
connected with each end thereof, and a tubular casing, composed of rubber or
similar material, and connected with said heads, said casing being adapted to be
inflated, and a covering of cloth or similar material which is placed over said
casing, and connected with said heads or end pieces, substantially as shown and
described.
:
4. A pneumatic handle or grip for bicycles and similar vehicles, which is adapted
to be detachably connected with the handle-bar, and which consists of a central
longitudinal tube, through which the handle-bar, passes, circular heads or ends
connected with each end thereof, and a tubular casing, composed of rubber or
similar material, and connected with said heads, said covering being adapted to be
inflated, and a covering of cloth or similar material which is placed over said
casing, and connected with said heads or end pieces, one end of the longitudinal
tube being open, and the other being closed by the head or end pieces, and the
handle-bar at said closed end being provided with a plug of wood or similar
material, and said handle or grip, being connected with the handle-bar by means
of a screw which passes through the end thereof, and into said plug, substantially
as shown and described.
Dated this 26th den of Time 1000
WHEATLEY & MACKENZIE,
40 Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agents.