Improvements in Pneumatic Supports for Bicycle or other Saddles.
Year: 1897

page_text: Improvements in Pneumatic Supports for Bicycle or other Saddles.
T. FREDRICK WILLIAM CLARKE, of No. 8, Lloyd Terrace, Reddish, in the County
of Lancaster, Mechanic, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:
My improved apparatus consists of a device or attachment for reducing vibra-
tion in connection with bicycle or other saddles and thereby giving an easy seat
whilst riding over rough and uneven roads.
I take an inflated rubber ball one or more hermetically sealed or having an
air valve inserted whereby air can he forced into it by means of a pump (the
former by preference) the aforesaid ball or balls being of suitable size diameter
and strength.
I then insert one or more of the aforesaid ball or balls into a metal cup or
cups of suitable shape which I then fasten to the ordinary seat pillar of the
machine.
I then take a clip and fasten it to the top tube of the machine in any desired
position for holding a saddle rod or pressure lever in any desired position between
the clip and a plunger.
When the rider is on the saddle the plunger compresses the air in the ball
which reduces vibration and makes an easy and comfortable seat for the rider
whilst the aforesaid ball is under compression.
Dated this 22nd day of November 1897.
FREDRICK WILLIAM CLARKE,
Improvements in Pneumatic Supports for Bicycle or other Saddles.
I, FREDRICK WILLIAM CLARKE, of S. Lloyd Terrace, Reddish, in the County
of Lancaster, Mechanic, 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:-
My invention consists of a device or attachment for reducing vibration in con-
nection with bicycle or other saddles and thereby giving an easy seat whilst
riding over rough and uneven roads.
I take an inflated rubber hall one or more hermetically sealed or having an
air valve inserted whereby air can be forced into it by means of a pump (the
D

page_text: former by preference) the aforesaid ball or balls being of suitable size, diameter
and strength. I then insert one or more of the aforesaid ball or balls into a
metal cup or cups of suitable shape which I then fasten to the ordinary seat pillar
of the machine. I then take a clip and fasten it to the top tube of the machine in
any desired position for holding a saddle rod or pressure lever in any desired
position between the clip and a plunger.
In the accompanying sheet of drawings-
Figure 1 is an elevation of a bicycle fitted with my improvements, and
Figure 2 is a detail view on a larger scale of some of the parts.
In these views. A designates the clip which is secured to the top pillar of
the bicycle. B the saddle rod hinged to the clip, C the plunger secured to the
underside of the saddle rod, D the inflated rubber ball, E the metal cup or socket,
F the guide rod fixed on the saddle rod and passing through a hole in a lug
formed on the metal cup, G the saddle clip by which the saddle is secured to the
saddle rod and H the seat, stem or shank which is fitted into and supported by
the hollow pillar I.
When the rider is on the saddle the plunger Crests on the ball D and com-
presses the air in it and by this arrangement vibration and shock is reduced and
an easy and comfortable seat obtained for the rider.
As an alternative to the arrangement shown in the drawings I may carry the
saddle upon three inflated rubber balls supported in three sockets placed tri-
angularly. the saddle being connected to the socket frame by sliding bolts or
equivalents.
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. The arrangement use and application of an inflated rubber ball or balls to
support the saddle of a bicycle or other eyele substantially as herein set forth.
2. The combination with the hinged saddle rod B, plunger C and means such
as the rod F. for guiding the same, of the inflated ball and socket E all sub-
stantially as herein set forth.
Dated this 20th day of August 1808
H. B. BARLOW & GILLETT,
Agents for Applicant. 17, St. Ann's Square, Manchester.