Improvements in or Applicable to Handle-bars for Bicycles and other Velocipedes.
Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 14th July, 1886
Complete Left, 14th May, 1887.
Complete Accepted, 12th July, 1887.
Improvements in or Applicable to Handle-bars for Bicycles and
other Velocipedes.
66
"
I, JOHN KEMP STARLEY, of the Meteor Works, Coventry, in the County of
Warwick, Velocipede Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to
be as follows:-
This invention relates to an improved construction of handle-bar for velocipedes
whereby increased facility for mounting bicycles or like velocipedes using "bicycle-
steering is afforded, and also adjustment of the handle-bar effected so as to gain
increased leverage for hill-climbing.
I make the handle-bar in two pieces on a vertical or inclined centre so as to be
drawn to or pushed from the rider at will.
I may pivot each half of the handle-bar carrying a handle at its end on a vertical
or inclined centre as before described and connect their inner ends by links to a slide
or rod capable of being locked in any position by a spring catch released by the rider's
hand, so arranged that before mounting a bicycle fitted with this device the handles
can be drawn towards the rider so as to give him a firm grasp to enable him to spring
into the saddle when the handles can be pushed into their normal or any other desired
position.
For hill-climbing the handles can be pushed further forward till in the desired
position to gain extra pull or leverage, when they are locked or secured.
It will be seen that the details of my invention can be considerably varied.
T
100%
POPPLEWELL, COLTON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or Applicable to Handle-bars for Bicycles and
other Velocipedes.
I JOHN KEMP STARLEY of the Meteor Works Coventry in the county of Warwick
Velocipede Manufacturer 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 an improved construction of handle bar for velocipedes
using what is known as bicycle steering whereby increased leverage can be obtained
for hill climbing by the rider or riders being able to push the handles forward beyond
their normal position and to lock them in such desired position. Referring to the
accompanying two sheets of drawings and to the figures and letters of reference
marked thereon
Fig. 1 shews a plan of a handle bar, constructed according to my invention, the
dotted lines shewing the position of the various parts when pushed forward or beyond
the head or post on which the divided handle bar is mounted.
Fig. 2 a side elevation of the handle bar when pushed forward in the extreme
position.
Fig. 3 a front elevation of a head adapted to receive my improvements.
I make the handle bar in two pieces A A¹ pivotted on centres B B' which may be
vertical or inclined or I might pivot both said pieces on one common centre.
Links or other connections (C₁ connect the parts of the divided handle bar to a
slide D moving on a plate or guide E fixed to the head of the machine.
I can attach this plate or guide E to the head by bolting it to a plate F on the head
by bolts and nuts G G. The plate F on the head is clearly shewn in Figs. 2 and 3.
Fig. 1 merely shews the handle bar arrangement detached from the head.
Holes H are formed in the plate or guide E. I might for this plate or guide
substitute a rod with holes or notches in the same.
The slide D carries a spring I secured thereto by bolts J J¹ or otherwise said spring
being fitted with a pin pawl or tooth K so that the same can engage with any of the
holes H in the plate or guide E or in any of the holes or notches in the rod which
might be substituted therefor and on which rod the slide D would work.
I have shewn the pawl or tooth to lock through or into the plate or guide but if
desired it might be arranged so as to engage in either or both edges of the same.
If desired the spring for carrying the pin pawl or tooth could be dispensed with and
the pin pawl or tooth be carried by a lever arranged close to the handle bar like a
break lever.
It will be seen from the dotted lines in Fig. 1 that where a hill has to be mounted
the handle bars can be pushed forward beyond the head or post by pulling the
spring I and its pin pawl or tooth K from the holes or notches in the plate or guide E
both handles then going forward by pushing them.

page_text: If desired I may arrange the divided handles with extensions beyond their pivots
and join the links or connections to these extension. Such extensions may also work
on a quadrant or slide.
I do not limit myself to the locking arrangement shewn as it could be varied
neither do I claim such a locking device to lock a slide.
I am also well aware that it is not original to fold divided handle bars of velocipedes
backwards or behind the head or steering post or on either side or parallel with it for
convenience of mounting or dismounting or for storage purposes and I lay no claim
to such arrangement but
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is
Firstly. Arranging divided handle bars for velocipedes pivoted on a centre or
centres and suitably connected by links or like connections, so as to be capable of
being pushed forward beyond or in advance of the head or steering post of the
machine and be capable of being locked in either such advanced or in the normal
positions substantially as and for the purposes described.
•
Secondly. The combination of pivoted divided handle bars A A' links C C₁, slide D,
plate or guide E and a locking arrangement such as I K substantially as and for the
purposes described.