Improvements in Bicycles and like Vehicles.
Year: 1899

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Bicycles and like Vehicles.
We, DANIEL 0. MCAULIFF, residing at 33, Stafford Street, in the City of Toronto,
in the County of York, and Province of Ontario, Canada, Machinist, and
WILLIAM ARTHUR BEAVER HICKS, residing at 154, Cowan Avenue, of the said
City of Toronto, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in bicycles
and like vehicles, and it relates more particularly to the peculiar construction
and arrangement of the posts for the handle bars and the seat or saddle.
During the progress of a foot propelled vehicle over a rough or uneven surface
a vibration or vibratory motion is developed and communicated through the
saddle and handle bars to the rider, causing the rider unnecessary and com-
paratively great discomfort. To relieve the saddle and handle bars of this vibra-
tion is the object of the present invention, and it consists essentially of the device
hereinafter more fully set forth in the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a transverse section of the post for the handle bar of a bicycle, taken
on the lines --n Fig. 2.
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the top of the handle bar post partly in section and
showing a portion of the handle bar.
Fig. is a side elevation of the seat post.
Fig. 4 is a plan view of the top of the seat post partly in section.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the top of the post for the handle bars or scat.
Like letters of reference refer to like parts throughout the specification and
drawings.
A represents the shank or stem of the post for the handle bars or seat, the
lower end of which is adapted to fit respectively the head of the bicycle or the
standard of the frame. The top of the stem A is bifurcated to provide two forks
a, a, each of which is provided with an ordinary ball-cup a².
Passing through the bore of the ball-cups a is a horizontal sleeve B, the
ends of which are screw-threaded and project beyond the ball-cups A. Fitted on
the screw-thread parts of the sleeve B are adjusting cones C, one opposed to each
of the ball-cups a¹, a¹. Interposed between the adjusting cones and ball-cups are
anti-friction balls a³, and holding the cones in their adjusted positions are lock-
nuts and washers c, el respectively.
Encircling the sleeve B, between the forks a., is an ordinary clamp F, sub-
stantially equal in length to the distance between the forks a, a, in order that there
will be practically no lateral movement of the clamp when assembled in position,
there being sufficient clearance only to allow of freedom of movement, and having
a circular bore equal to the outer diameter of the sleeve.
Passing through the divided ends f of the clamp F is a clamping bolt G, fitted
with a tightening nut H on its top or outer end, and on its inner end with a
collar H bearing against the under side of the clamp. The bolt G projects

page_text: beyond the collar H¹, and the projecting part h is screw-threaded to receive an
adjusting nut I.
The under face of the adjusting nut. I is substantially cone-shaped, and formed
in the shank A adjacent to the adjusting nut is a correspondingly shaped seat i.
The shank A is provided with a cup-shaped enlargement J on the opposite side of
the forks to the adjusting nut I.
Projecting from the clamp over the enlargement J is a lug K, the under face of
which is curved to correspond to the curvature of the enlargement J.
Contained in the cup-shaped enlargement J is a cushion L of rubber or other
elastic substance, and bearing on the top of the cushion L is the lug K. By means
of the nut I the pressure of the lug K on the cushion L can be increased or
diminished respectively to decrease or increase the elasticity of the cushion.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings the sleeve B contains the middle
part of the handle bar D, which is brazed or otherwise secured to the sleeve, in
order that the sleeve and handle bar will move unitedly.
In Figs. 3 and 4 the lug K is shown to terminate in an arm M to receive the
clamp of the seat or saddle.
The use of the invention is as follows: When the parts are assembled in position
the clamp is caused, by means of the clamping bolt G, to tightly grip the sleeve
B to cause the united movement of the clamp and sleeve. The adjusting nut is
turned to cause the tug K to place a pressure on the cushion L and regulate the
elasticity of the cushion to the required degree. The clamp F by fitting snugly
into the space between the forks,, is prevented from moving laterally, whilst
the cones when properly adjusted, prevent the lateral movement of the sleeve
and the radial or outward movement of the clamp. The cushion L and adjusting
mut I prevent the revolvable movement of the sleeve, allowing the clamp and
sleeve and handle bar only a limited oscillatory movement equal to the compres-
sion of the cushion. When the vehicle is travelling over a rough and uneven sur-
face the vibratory motion created during the progress of the vehicle is compensated
for by the oscillation of the clamp and sleeve and the cushioning of the jar
caused by such vibration.
By means of this construction the rider is practically relieved of all vibrating
sensation, and all the discomfort resulting therefrom.
The adjusting nut I in addition to regulating the elasticity of the cushion L
forms a rigid brace for the clamp when an upward pressure is applied to the
handle bars (as when riding an upgrade). We do not confine ourselves to any
particular substance for the cushion, as we may use any material for that purpose
which has the requisite amount of elasticity, nor do we confine ourselves to any
particular shape or size of the parts.
By means of the clamp the complete revolvability of the handle bars is provided
for, and by loosening the clamping bolt the handle bars can be adjusted to any
position and securely held in that position by tightening the clamp upon the sleeve.
By providing the sleeve and forked ends of the post with the ball bearings the
movement of the sleeve is practically frictionless, and the easy operation of the
parts is assured.
By providing the post with the elastic cushion the vibrations of the vehicle are
transmitted to the cushion instead of to the rider, and by providing the clamp
with the adjusting nut the elasticity of the cushion can be regulated.
It may be possible to use the sleeve without the ball bearings, but it is preferable
to make use of the ball bearings, as they reduce the friction.
Dated the 16th day of February 1800
G. F. REDFERN & Co.
South Street, Finsbury London.
Agents for the Applicants.

page_text: Improvements in Bicycles and like Vehicles.
We, DANIEL O. MCAULIFF, residing at 33, Stafford Street, in the City of Toronto
in the County of York, and Province of Ontario, Canada, Machinist, and
WILLIAM ARTHUR BEAVER HICKS, residing at 154, Cowan Avenue, of the said
City of Toronto, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement: --
This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in bicycles
and like vehicles, and it relates more particularly to the peculiar construction
and arrangement of the posts for the handle bars and the seat or saddle.
During the progress of a foot propelled vehicle over a rough or uneven surface
a vibration or vibratory motion developed and communicated through the
saddle and handle bars to the rider, causing the rider unnecessary and com-
paratively great discomfort. To relieve the saddle and handle bars of this vibra-
tion is the object of the present invention and it consists essentially of the device
hereinafter more fully set forth.
In the drawings accompanying our Provisional Specification.
Figure 1 is a transverse section of the post for the handle bar of a bicycle,
taken on the lines -- Figure 2.
Figure 2 is a plan view of the top of the handle bar post partly in section and
showing a portion of the handle bar.
Figure 3 is a side elevation of the seat post.
Figure 4 is a plan view of the top of the seat post partly in section.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the top of the post for the handle bars or seat.
Like letters of reference refer to like parts throughout the specification and
drawings.
A represents the shank or stem of the post for the handle bars or seat, the lower
end of which is adapted to fit respectively the head of the bicycle or the standard of
the frame. The top of the stem A is bifurcated to provide two forks a, a, each of
which is provided with an ordinary ball-cup.
Passing through the bore all of the ball-cups is a horizontal sleeve B, the
ends of which are screw-threaded and project beyond the ball-cups A. Fitted
on the screw-thread parts of the sleeve B are adjusted cones C, one opposed to each
of the ball-cups a³, "¹. Interposed between the adjusting cones and ball cups are
anti-friction balls, and holding the cones in their adjusted positions are lock-
nuts and washers e respectively.
Encircling the sleeve B, between the forks a, a is an ordinary clamp F, substan-
tially equal in length to the distance between the forks a, a in order that there
will be practically no lateral movement of the clamp when assembled in position,
there being sufficient clearance only to allow of freedom of movement, and having
a circular bore equal to the outer diameter of the sleeve.
Passing through the divided ends f of the clamp F is a clamping bolt G, fitted
with a tightening nut H on its top or outer end, and on. its inner end with a
collar H' bearing against the under side of the clamp. The bolt G projects beyond
the collar H, and the projecting part is screw-threaded to receive an adjusting
nut I.
The under face of the adjusting nut I is substantially cone-shaped, and formed
in the shank A adjacent to the adjusting nut I is a correspondingly shaped seat i.
The shank A is provided with a cup-shaped enlargement J on the opposite side
of the forks to the adjusting nut I.

page_text: Projecting from the clamp F over the enlargement J is a lug K, the under face
of which is curved to correspond to the curvature of the enlargement J.
Contained in the cup-shaped enlargement J is a cushion L of rubber or other
elastic substance, and bearing on the top of the cushion L is the lug K. By means
of the nut 1 the pressure of the lug K on the cushion L can be increased or
diminished respectively to decrease or increase the elasticity of the cushion.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings the sleeve B contains the middle
part of the handle bar D, which is brazed or otherwise secured to the sleeve, in
order that the sleeve and handle bar will move unitedly.
In Figures 3 and 4 the lug K is shown to terminate in an arm M to receive the
clamp of the seat or saddle."
The use of the invention is as follows: When the parts are assembled in
position the clamp F is caused, by means of the clamping bolt G, to tightly grip
the sleeve B to cause the united movement of the clamp and sleeve. The adjusting
nut is turned to cause the lug K to place a pressure on the cushion L and regulate
the elasticity of the cushion to the required degree. The clamp F by fitting
snugly into the space between the forks a, is prevented from moving laterally,
whilst the cones when properly adjusted, prevent the lateral movement of the
sleeve and the radial or outward movement of the clamp. The cushion L and
adjusting nut I prevent the revolvable movement of the sleeve, allowing the
clamp and sleeve and handle bar only a limited oscillatory movement equal to
the compression of the cushion. When the vehicle is travelling over a rough and
uneven surface the vibratory motion created during the progress of the vehicle
is compensated for by the oscillation of the clamp and sleeve and the cushioning
of the jar caused by such vibration.
By means of this construction the rider is practically relieved of all vibrating
sensation, and all the discomfort resulting therefrom.
The adjusting nut I in addition to regulating the elasticity of the cushion L
forms a rigid brace for the clamp when an upward pressure is applied to the handle
bars (as when riding an upgrade). We do not confine ourselves to any particular
substance for the cushion, as we may use any material for that purpose which
has the requisite amount of elasticity, nor do we confine ourselves to any particular
shape or size of the parts.
By means of the clamp the complete revolvability of the handle bars is provided
for, and by loosening the clamping bolt the handle bars can be adjusted to any
position and securely held in that position by tightening the clamp upon the
sleeve. By providing the sleeve and forked ends of the post with the ball bearings
the movement of the sleeve is practically frictionless, and the easy operation
of the parts is assured.
By providing the post with the elastic cushion the vibrations of the vehicle are
transmitted to the cushion instead of to the rider, and by providing the clamp
with the adjusting nut the elasticity of the cushion can be regulated.
It may be possible to use the sleeve without the ball bearings, but it is
preferable to make use of the ball bearings, as they reduce the friction.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is:
1. A seat post or handle bar post embracing in its construction a shank, and an
elastic cushion rigidly held by the shank and arranged to act as a buffer, sub-
stantially as specified.
2. A seat post or handle bar post embracing in its construction a shank, and an
elastic cushion rigidly held by the shank and arranged to act as a buffer, in
combination with a clamp, having a lug to overhang and rest upon the cushion,
substantially as specified.
3. A post for the handle bars or seat, consisting of a stem having a bifurcated
top provided with a horizontal bore, a sleeve passing through the horizontal

page_text: bore, a clamp contained between the bifurcated ends embracing the sleeve, a lug
projecting from the clamp, a cup integrally formed with the stem, a cushion con-
tained between the cup and the lug of the clamp, substantially as specified.
4. A post for the handle bars or seat, consisting of a stem having a bifurcated
top provided with a horizontal bore, a sleeve passing through the horizontal bore,
a clamp contained between the bifurcated ends embracing the sleeve, a lug pro-
jecting from the clamp, a cup integrally formed with the stem, a cushion con-
tained between the cup and the lug of the clamp, and an adjusting nut to regulate
the pressure of the lug on the cushion, substantially as specified.
5. A seat post for the handle bars or saddle of a foot propelled vehicle consisting
of a shank having a bifurcated end, a horizontal bore through the bifurcated ends,
a sleeve or bar passing through the bore, a clamp contained between the bifurcated
ends embracing the sleeve or bar, a clamping bolt for the clamp, an adjusting
nut fitted on the clamping bolt and bearing against the stem, a cup fitted to the
stem, a cushion or a buffer contained in the cup, and a lug projecting from the
clamp bearing on the top of the cushion, substantially as specified.
6. A seat post for the handle bars or saddle of a foot propelled vehicle con-
sisting of a shank having a bifurcated end, a horizontal bore through the bifur-
cated ends, a sleeve or bar passing through the bore, a clamp contained between
the bifurcated ends embracing the sleeve or bar, a clamping bolt for the clamp, an
adjusting nut fitted on the clamping bolt and bearing against the stem, a cup
fitted to the stem, a cushion or a buffer contained in the cup, and a lug projecting
from the clamp bearing on the top of the cushion, and ball bearings provided
for the sleeve or har and bifurcated ends of the shank, substantially as specified.
Total tha 1141 L
1000
G. F. REDFERN & Co.
4, South Street, Finsbury, London. Agents for the Applicants.