Improvements in and relating to Velocipedes, and to the Method and Means employed for Compounding and Combining the same.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Oct., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 1st July, 1591-Accepted, 1st Oct., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Velocipedes, and to the Method and
Means employed for Compounding and Combining the same.
I, JOSEPH SINCLAIR FAIRFAX, of 433 Strand, London, Consulting Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to velocipedes, and to the method and means employed for
compounding and combining the same. The invention refers more particularly to
bicycles for military use, but a part or parts thereof may be applied to other forms
of velocipedes, and other uses. Furthermore, this invention constitutes improve-
ments upon former inventions of mine for which Letters Patent have been
granted, namely, "Improvements in or relating to velocipedes and other vehicles for
military, transport, exploring and other purposes," No. 8567, dated 14th June, 1887;
and "Improvements in or relating to velocipedes and in compounding them for
various purposes," No. 5902, dated 20th April, 1888. In the latter named Specification,
I refer to Letters Patent granted to Thomas Warwick, dated 17th September 1884,
No. 12507.
By my present invention I construct the frames and wheels of bicycles in a much
stronger manner than hitherto, the better to adapt them for the rough usage to
which they may be subjected. I also construct the frames of greater length, and
The ultimate object, in my
with especial facilities for carrying men and stores.
present and before named inventions, is to adapt velocipedes to military uses, and
to enable them to carry the greatest number of men with their arms or other
appendages and stores compactly on the fewest number of wheels, at a speed
sufficient, at least, to enable infantry to keep pace with cavalry and artillery, while
by disconnecting certain couplings single machines, capable of great speed, are
available.
The general type of machine I prefer for military purposes, is that known as
the rear driving safety, but with special differences. The two wheels are the same,
or about the same, in diameter, and as far as possible interchangeable. They should
be about thirty inches in diameter, with hollow elastic tyres, and each wheel is
driven, either by a lever motion, gearing, or chains. The rake of the front fork is
much nearer the perpendicular than is found in rear driving safeties, and by the
space so gained a man can sit over the front wheel and propel it. By lengthening
the wheel base sufficient room is provided not only for a rider to sit over and propel
the back wheel, but also, in some cases, for a third man to sit between the other two,
and aid in propelling the back wheel.
The frame is double, carried to the extreme back end, and is well braced. The
space within the double frame and exterior to the mud guards is available for
carrying stores between the legs of the riders. The front fork is also braced in such
a manner as to provide for carrying articles-or even a man-in front of the wheel.
The tubes of the frame may be used for carrying smaller tubes or rods for shelter
coverings, ammunition, and other articles. Special fittings or means of attachment
are combined with the framework of each machine, so that two or more machines
may be compounded or combined, as described more fully hereinafter. Fittings or
holders are also carried upon the framework for weapons or other articles. I may
also cover the frame with waterproof material and form compartments within for
storage, with flaps or openings thereto, and combine wire netting therewith. A
space is also provided for storage of clothing or other articles between the upper
side of the frame and the under side of the saddles.
Any suitable elastic tyre may be used, but I prefer to use an air cushion tyre of a

page_text: new kind, which may have either one or three air spaces. When one is used, the
interior surface of the air space is ribbed in a longitudinal manner, so that it admits
more readily of a change of form under slight compression, than the plain surface,
without throwing undue strain upon the exterior surface next to the edges of the
metal rim. When the compression becomes great, the tendency is for the interior
ribs to come together and offer an increasing resistance to a change of form.
three interior spaces are used, the interior surfaces of the air spaces may be plain
unless the diameter of the tyre, (and the spaces), is unduly large. I do not confine
myself to a circular section either for the general form of the tyre, or the air spaces;
and the exterior wearing surface may be fluted in the usual manner.
If
I employ separate replaceable spokes, but arrange them in pairs like the letter V.
At the lower point they are each secured to the hub of the wheel at one point,
while there are two points of attachment to the rim at the upper extremities, or
twice as many as the hub. By this arrangement, the spokes cross each other
between the hub and the ribs and thus afford mutual support and strength to the
wheel. At their intersection, the spokes may be secured together.
In my first named Specification, No. 8567 of 1887, I described frames in parallel
relation to each other which were pivotally connected. In the second named
Specification No. 5902 of 1888, I described the compounding of single or tandem
bicycles by coupling rods connecting the frames of two machines in stable equilibrium,
and connecting the steering wheels, so as to act together. By my present invention
I also compound bicycles in stable equilibrium, but I do not connect the steering
wheels together. Two machines are compounded in parallel relation to each other
by coupling rods or by one or more boxes, or similar receptacles, but with one
machine in advance of the other. The advanced steering wheel is used for steering
the coupled or compounded machine, the other steering wheel being locked in
position by any suitable means; and attachments are secured to the frames to
receive the coupling rods or receptacles. Each machine, when uncoupled, is
available for independent use, at a high speed, while the compound machine has
great carrying capacity.
I also combine two or more bicycles in stable equilibrium by suitable connections
attached to the frames, so that they will form an enclosure for coupling, defence,
shelter, or the like. Such combinations may assume various forms, and I may
combine therewith waterproof coverings and means for supporting the same. I
may also cover the sides of the machines with waterproof material, and adapt the
enclosure for sleeping purposes.
The cranks, handles, chain wheels or other similar articles of velocipedes, hitherto
usually secured upon their spindles by keys, screws, or by fitting them upon squared
portions of the said spindles, I secure by turning a small eccentric collar upon the
spindles, and correspondingly fit the eye or hub of any of the said articles thereto.
The eye or hub is bored to about one third of its depth to fit upon the eccentric
collar, the remaining part being fitted to the other or concentric portion of the
spindle. The eccentric portion thus acts as a circular key, locking the two parts
together, and if there is any end strain, as in the case of a crank, it is kept from
shifting by any kind of a catch or projection relatively acting between the spindle
and the crank. By removing this catch, the crank or other article is removeable.
The steering handles may be secured in this manner, but as their own weight
tends to keep them in position the catch may be dispensed with. The steering or
other handle bars may, in some cases, be independent halves, removeable and
adjustable, in length and in height. The handle ends of handle bars I sometimes
make of an open U shape, hinged, or capable of sliding endways, and adjustable for
other positions.
Dated this 1st day of October 1890.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Velocipedes and to the Method
and Means employed for Compounding and Combining the same.
I, JOSEPH SINCLAIR FAIRFAX, of 433, Strand, in the County of London,
Consulting Engineer, 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 :-
My invention relates to velocipedes, and to the method and means employed
for compounding and combining the same. The invention applies more particularly
to bicycles for military purposes, but a part or parts thereof are applicable to
other forms of velocipedes, and other uses. Furthermore, this invention constitutes
improvements upon former inventions of mine for which Letters Patent have been
granted, namely, "Improvements in or relating to velocipedes and other vehicles
for military, transport, exploring and other purposes," No. 8567, dated 14 June,
1887 and Improvements in or relating to velocipedes and in compounding them
for various purposes" No. 5902, dated 20 April, 1888. In the Specification of the
last named, 1 refer to Letters Patent granted. to Thomas Warwick, dated
17 September 1884, No. 12507.
By my present invention I construct the frames and wheels of bicycles in a
much stronger manner than hitherto, the better to adapt them for the rough usage
to which they are liable. I also construct the frames of greater length, and with
especial facilities for carrying men and stores. The ultimate object is to construct
military velocipedes capable of carrying the greatest number of men, with their
weapons, appendages, and stores upon the smallest number of wheels, at a speed
sufficient at least to enable infantry to keep pace with cavalry or artillery, while
by disconnecting certain couplings, single machines-capable of great speed-are
available for special service.
The general type of machine preferred for military purposes is that known as
the rear driving safety, but with special differences introduced for the object in
view. Each wheel is preferably about thirty inches in diameter, and made inter-
changeable. Each wheel is driven, either by a lever motion, gearing, or chain.
The rake of the front wheel fork is much nearer the perpendicular than is found
in the usual rear driving safeties, and by the space so gained, a man can sit over
the front wheel and propel it. By lengthening the wheel base and frame, room is
provided for a rider to sit over and propel the back wheel, and in some cases for a
third man to sit between the other two and aid in propelling the back wheel.
The frame is made double and well braced, and it is carried to the extreme back
end. The space within the double frame, exterior to the mud guards, is available
for carrying stores which are thus situated between the legs of the riders. The
front wheel fork is also braced in such a manner that articles-or even a man, in
case of emergency-may be carried in front of the wheel. The tubes of the
frame may contain smaller tubes or rods for shelter coverings, ammunition or
other articles, and fittings or attachments are combined with the framework so
that two or more machines may be compounded or combined as described herein-
after. Fittings or holders are also carried by the framework for weapons or
other articles. I may also cover the frame with waterproof material and form
compartments within for storage, with flaps or openings thereto, and combine wire
netting therewith. The space between the top of the frame and the lower side of
the saddles is also available for clothing or other articles.
Any suitable elastic tyre may be used, but I prefer an air cushion tyre having
three air spaces.
I do not confine myself to a circular section either for the
general form of the tyre, or for either of the air spaces; and the exterior surface
of the tyre may be fluted in the manner well known.
In the wheels of military, and some other kinds of machines, I prefer to employ

page_text: separate replaceable spokes arranged in pairs like the form of the letter V. At
the bottom, or pointed end of the V, each spoke is secured to the hub of the
wheel at one point thereon, while at the other or upper end each spoke is secured
to the rim at a point some distance from that of the other spoke. By this arrange-
ment there are twice as many points of attachment upon the rim as there are on
the hub; and thus the spokes of adjoining pairs will cross or intersect each other
in the space between, to give mutual support and strength to the wheel. The
several spokes may be secured to each other at their intersection in any convenient
manner.
In my first named Specification No. 8567 of 1887, I described frames in
'parallel relation to each other, which were pivotally connected. In the second
named Specification No. 5902 of 1888, I described the compounding of single or
tandem bicycles by coupling rods connecting the frames of two machines in stable
equilibrium, and connecting the steering wheels so as to act together. By my
present invention I also compound bicycles in stable equilibrium, but I do not
connect the steering wheels together. Two machines are compounded in parallel
relation to cach other by coupling rods, or by one or more boxes or similar
receptacles, but with one machine in advance of the other. The advanced steering
wheel is used for steering the coupled or compound machine, the other steering
wheel being locked in position by any suitable means, and attachments are secured
to the frames to receive the coupling rods or receptacles. Each machiue, when
uncoupled, is available for independent use, at a high speed if required, while the
compound machine has great carrying capacity.
I also combine two or more bicycles in stable equilibrium by suitable connections
attached to the frames, so that they will form an enclosure for camping, defence,
shelter, or the like. Such combinations may assume various forms, and I may
combine therewith waterproof coverings and means for supporting the same.
may also cover the sides of the machine with waterproof material, and adapt the
enclosure for sleeping purposes.
I
The cranks, handles, chain wheels or other similar parts of velocipedes hitherto
secured upon their spindles by keys, screws, or by fitting them upon squared
portions of the said spindles, I secure by turning a small eccentric collar upon the
spindles, and correspondingly fit the eye or hub of any of the said articles thereto.
The eye or hub is bored to about one third of its depth to fit upon the eccentric
collar, the remaining part being fitted to the other or concentric portion of the
spindle. The eccentric portion thus acts as a circular key-locking the two parts
together and if there is any end strain, as in the case of a crank, it is kept from
shifting by any kind of a catch or projection relatively acting between the
spindle and the crank. By removing this catch, the crank or other article is
removeable. The steering handle may be secured in this manner, but as its own
weight tends to keep it in position, the catch may be dispensed with. The steering
or other handle bars may, in some cases, be independent halves, removeable, and
adjustable in length and height. The handle ends of handle bars I sometimes
make of an open U shape, hinged or capable of sliding end ways, and adjustable
for other positions.
In the further description of this invention, reference is made to the accom-
panying drawings, in which the same reference letters are used throughout to
denote similar parts, or parts having the same function. Fig. 1 is a side elevation
of a bicycle adapted for military and other purposes, capable of carrying three
men, each assisting in propelling the machine. The frame a (shown as constructed
of tubes) extends from over the front wheel to behind the back wheel c, and its
parts are suitably connected and braced together as shown. The framework a is
doubled, and braced apart, the space within being available for stores and other
articles. The top of the framework a is composed of two lengths of tubes, braced
side by side at about six inches apart, from centre to centre. The lower portions
of the framework a are similarly arranged and cross braced, at about nine or ten
inches apart. The upper and lower portions of the frame are connected by one or

page_text: two short links on each side, over each wheel, and two long raking tubes on each
side, one just behind each wheel; while a curved connecting tube, extending over
the upper half of the back wheel, and another about one quarter the circumference
of the front wheel-on each side of the machine-serves to connect all together.
The several parts are brazed, screwed, or otherwise secured to each other, and
additional ties or braces d may be used. Sheet metal, or other suitable material, is
secured around the circumference of the curved tubes of the frames, and extends
from side to side, thus forming a mud guard around the wheels. It also forms a
supporting floor (at the curved portion of the frame) for stores and it may also
receive suitable shelves within the interior space. The exterior surfaces, on each
face of the framework may be enclosed by network of wire, hemp, waterproof
canvas, or the like, and which may have flaps or openings therein to communicate
with divisions or compartments inside.
The front wheel fork is braced with short lengths of tubes a', and ties d', so
that articles may be carried thereon-or even a man-in case of emergency.
The saddles e are carried by and adjustable upon the top of the double frame u,
and the space between the same is available for clothing or other articles. Clips
or holsters are secured upon the frame in any convenient position to receive
weapons; and pins or eyes fare also combined with the framework in convenient
places so that machines may be compounded or combined together by rods, links,
or receptacles.
The framework constructed as shown in the elevation Fig. 1, is further shown by
plans of two similar machines in Fig. 2, and in end elevation in Fig. 3, and it
will be seen to be of an exceptionally strong character. As already stated, it is
broadest at the bottom, where it is made to line with the bearings of the wheel
axles ', and c', and their forks 62, and c², thus giving additional storage capacity
at the lower part of the framework, and adding to its stability. This increased
strength-so necessary for military purposes is gained at the expense of extra
weight, but as provision is made for three riders, each assisting in propelling the
machine, the weight per man is but little (if any) in excess of the weight of the
single saddle rear driving safety bicycle now used; while the length and space.
occupied by the latter is not much less than for my improved machine.
In Figs. 1, 2 and 3, a facile lever motion with sun and planet gearing y is shown,
as the means for propelling the two wheels, but I do not confine myself to this,
as other means of propulsion may be used, such as simple lever motions, short
chains, or other forms of gearing if desired. The levers have an extension /
(in the case of the back wheel) and this enables a rider on the centre saddle e to
assist in propelling, but this may be dispensed with in some cases. The front and
back wheel forks, 12, and c², respectively, are shown as fitted into corresponding
spring sockets i, each having a locking gearj secured to the socket to engage with
a lug or projection on the fork to keep the same from turning in the socket. The
socket i is secured in position within and to the short links of the framework a by
detachable stays k (as indicated in Fig. 1) to render the front and back wheels
interchangeable. Other forms of steering heads may be used, such as the centre
pin variety, but it is preferred to make them interchangeable, and to lock them,
when not required for steering. The central handle bar / may be supported by
one or two supporting arms pivoted to the framework, so that it may be folded
down when not required. A suitable detent, engaging with teeth, serves to keep
the same in any required position.
In the plan Fig. 2, two bicycles are shown in parallel relation to each other, but
one is a short distance in advance of the other. These are coupled together in
stable equilibrium (as shown in Fig. 3) by any of the means described in this or
my before named Specifications. The steering wheels are not connected together
as heretofore, the advanced wheel, only, being used for steering, while the steering
wheel of the other machine is preferably locked in central position by the locking
gear ; or any other convenient means. The compound machine is more easily
steered when the bicycles are coupled together in this manner, and it is to be noted

page_text: what the means for comping should be arranged to give sufficient leg and arm room
for the riders.
Fig. 4 represents a coupling rod f having an arm f2 at each end, capable of
rotation around the rod to suit the relative positions of the pins or eyes f on the
framework a of the machines. The attachments, and ends of the rod and
arms, are relatively to engage with each other, or they may be secured together
by screwed ends and nuts.
Fig. 5 is a detail of the central supporting arm for the handles in front of the
central saddle e.
1
13
Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are details of the detachable stays k secured to the socket i and
to the frame a to render the front and back wheels interchangeable. These stays
are brazed to the socket and screwed to the short links of the frame just over the
wheels (Fig. 1) or the socket is attached to a front piece, as in Fig. 6, by screws.
Fig. 9 is a side elevation, Fig. 10 an end view (partly in section), and Fig. 11 a
partial plan of an open U shaped handle 12 for the end of a handle bar 1. The
handle is hinged in bearings 3 upon a spring clip which is secured in position
on the handle bar by the pinching screw as shown. The handle folds up in the
direction shown by the arrow and dotted line, but when down (as shown in Fig. 9)
is held by a stop abutting on india rubber rings placed on the ends of the
tube that forms the handle 1. Tho rubber rings tend to lessen the vibration to
the hand, and the whole is adjustable lengthwise upon and around the handle
bar l.
15
Fig. 12 is a front and Fig. 13 an end elevation of a connection f³ carrying
clips to be attached to two or more bicycles to combine the same in stable
equilibrium for camping purposes. The clips turn and slide on the connecting
bar or tube 3 to suit any position of attachment on the machines to be combined.
Some of the eyes f4 may be at right angles to the direction shown, or by making
them to fit upon the tube reversely to the direction shown the same object is
secured. The machines may be combined in line, or in squares, or other figures
for the purpose named.
Figs. 14 and 15 show an end and side elevation respectively of a crank hub, and
Figure 16 a section of a wheel hub secured to their axles by boring and turning
corresponding portions in an eccentric manner to form a circular key. A small
catch nut m, in Figs. 14 and 15, and steel ball m in Fig. 16, (in each case held
by a small screw) serves to prevent end movement of the crank or wheel.
loosening the screws to clear the catch, the said parts are readily removed from
:
their axles.
By
Fig. 17 is an elevation of a wheel, showing the spokes on one face only, arranged
as eight pairs of V form, each pair consisting of two separate replaceable spokes.
At the bottom or pointed end. of the V, each spoke is secured to the hub of the
wheel at one point thereon, while at the outer end each spoke is secured to the rim
at a point some distance from the other, thus making eight points of attachment
upon the hub and sixteen upon the rim. The spokes of adjoining pairs intersect
each other between the hub and the rim-and as, in all cases, I prefer to start the
spokes from the outer face of the hub only-they lay against and mutually support
each other. By varying the number of pairs, or the angle of the V, the point of
intersection may be varied. The spokes may be secured by clips or wiring at their
intersections.
Fig. 18 represents one half elevation of a flanged hub 63 and a half elevation of
a spider shaped hub c³. A pair of spokes, each formed with an eye, is secured
upon a pin 6 passing through the hub and held on the inside by a nut and washer,
as shown in the section Fig. 19. An alternative plan is shown by an adjusting
nipple (shown in section and elevation) passing through the flange of 3 through
which is passed a pin 6 with a screwed inner end to receive the eyes of two spokes,
and a nut is then screwed on the outside to secure the same in position. The
nipples are shown as screwed down upon the flange of 63, but are unscrewed to
lessen the tension on the spokes when the latter are to be removed, and supposing

page_text: new ones inserted in the rim and adjusted to length, by screwing each nipple and
V point inward, tension is thrown on both spokes at the same time, to the same
degree. Another similar arrangement is shown, but the inner end of 64 has two
hook ended pins 66 on which the spoke ends are hooked. On the opposite side to
the latter, a cross headed pin 67 is drilled with two contiguous holes so that the
spoke ends are separately adjustable with tightening and lock nuts, while the outer
ends are adjustable or removeable by screwed nipples 68 passing through the rims
in the ordinary way. It will be seen that these spokes (unlike those which are
laced or headed into the hub) have nothing interposed between them, as in the case
of the spokes of ordinary tangent wheels; each laying against its fellow and each
being readily replaceable by a new one, if damaged. This is an advantage on the
road or in the field, as spare spokes may be carried and damages repaired with
great facility.
Figs. 20 to 27 inclusive are transverse sections of cushion tyres of various
forms, each having three air passages passing through in the longitudinal direction.
Since filing my Provisional Specification I find that the single air space internally
ribbed form of cushion tyre, therein described, has been previously invented, and
therefore I do not lay any claim to it. In Fig. 23, the outer surface of the tyre
may be fluted as shown, or made quite circular as indicated by the dotted lines.
Figs. 24 to 27 inclusive have sections which are not circular, while in Figs. 20, 21,
22, 24, and 26 some or all of the air spaces are not circular.
Figs. 28 and 29 are plans of boxes or other receptacles for coupling bicycles
together, and Fig. 30 is an elevation of the same. Any convenient form of top
or cover may be used. At convenient points on the sides or angles coupling links
or rods are secured which are adapted to fit upon correspondingly formed and
arranged pins or eyes f secured to the frames a of the machines to be coupled.
The form of the coupling receptacle may be that of a right angle in plan, as
shown in Fig. 28, or of other convenient angle as in Fig. 29, and it should be
shaped or proportioned to give sufficient leg and arm room for the riders. When
the boxes are lifted off the pins or eyes of the machines they serve to couple,
the separate bicycles are available for independent use, but when coupled
together, a compound machine is formed which may be propelled by two or more
riders.
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 bicycle for two or more riders having a double frame, arranged and adapted
to carry stores or articles within the interior space of the said frame, substantially
as described.
2. A three seated bicycle arranged and adapted with actuating gear whereby
each one of three riders may assist in propelling the said machine, substantially as
described.
3. A bicycle having interchangeable wheels, substantially as described.
4. A bicycle having a braced front wheel fork, substantially as and for the
purpose described.
5. A velocipede wheel baving several pairs of spokes arranged in V form on
each face of the wheel, each spoke being separately removeable to allow the
insertion of a new spoke in position, substantially in the manner and for the purpose
herein described.
6. Cushion or elastic tyres having three interior air spaces, and having an
exterior circular form in transverse section, substantially in the manner described
and illustrated with reference to Figs. 20 to 23 inclusive.
7. Cushion or elastic tyres having three interior air spaces, and having an
irregular exterior form in transverse section, substantially in the manner described
and illustrated with reference to Figs. 24 to 27 inclusive.
8. The improved method of coupling two bicycles in stable equilibrium wherein

page_text: one wheel is used for steering and is placed in advance of the front wheel of the
other machine, substantially as and for the purpose herein described.
9. A box or other receptacle arranged and adapted to act as a means for coupling
two bicycles, substantially as described.
10. The combination of two bicycles with a box or equivalent receptacle placed
between and suspended upon the said bicycles, substantially as and for the purpose
described.
11. A compound velocipede composed of two bicycles coupled together and
maintained in stable equilibrium by a box or equivalent receptacle, substantially as
and for the purpose described.
12. An eccentrically formed key or collar formed upon an axle, combined with a
correspondingly formed and fitted eye of a crank, lever, or wheel hub, and a means
of preventing end motion between the parts, substantially in the manner and for
the purpose herein described.
J. S. FAIRFAX.