Improvements in Mounting the Frames of Bicycles or similar Machines.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 17th May, 1898
Complete Specification Left, 17th Feb., 1899-Accepted, 18th Mar., 1899
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Mounting the Frames of Bicycles or similar
Machines.
I, FREDERICK SHAW, of the Firm of George Curling, Wyman & Co., of 58 and 59,
Bunhill Row, in the County of Middlesex, Druggist, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention (a communication from William Douglas McNeil, of Durban, in
the Colony of Natal, Engineer), to be as follows:-
This invention relates to means for mounting the frames of bicycles or similar
machines whereby the vibration or shock incidental to such machines is inter-
cepted or absorbed and the attendant unpleasantness to the rider obviated.
In mounting a bicycle frame according to the present invention, the extremities
of the front forks and of the back stays are provided with an annular rim, which
may be hollow. In this rim is fitted an annular air-cushion having a central
aperture. This cushion may be formed of india-rubber with the aid of suitable
moulds or be constructed from india-rubber tubing; a covering of canvas being
applied thereto if required. The central aperture is preferably fitted with a metal
socket whereof the outer flange extends over a portion of the outer or exposed face
of the air-cushion, serving as a support thereto; and a washer may be placed at
the inner end of the socket to serve as a further support to the air-cushion. The
central spindle passes through the socket and is secured in position in the usual
manner. In connection with the front wheel, the socket may be dispensed with;
a washer being employed on each side of the air-cushion, and the spindle passing
directly through the central aperture. The air-cushion may be furnished with an
inflating valve of any suitable construction.
The chain adjustment may be secured by providing the socket in the central
aperture of the air-cushion with a slotted opening for the axle, the latter being
carried by connecting rods and draw bars whereof the former are connected to the
horizontal back-stay by means of hinged joints.

page_text: of this invention (a communication from William Douglas McNeil, of Durban, in
the Colony of Natal, Engineer), 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 means for mounting the frames of bicycles or similar
machines whereby the vibration or shock incidental to such machines is inter-
cepted or absorbed and the attendant unpleasantness to the rider obviated.
In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is an elevation of the back-stay of a
Nicycle mounted according to my improved method. Fig. 2 is a vertical section
taken on the line -- in Fig. 1; the hub and chain wheel being shown in eleva-
tion. Figs. 3 and 4 are respectively similar views of the fork and hub pertaining
to the front wheel. Fig. 5 is an elevation of a bicycle having the present im-
Irovements applied thereto.
In mounting the frame of a bicycle according to this invention, each of the
extremities of the back-stays and of the front fork is provided with an annular
rim a, which may be hollow. In this rim is fitted an annular air-cushion b having
a central aperture 6 for the passage of the axle or spindle c. This cushion may be
formed of india-rubber with the aid of suitable moulds or be constructed from
india-rubber tubing; the rim being adapted for its reception. A covering of
canvas may be applied to the air-cushion, as shown at . In the central aperture b¹
is fitted a metal socket whereof the outer flange extends over a portion of
the outer or exposed face of the air-cushion, serving to protect and support the same.
It is a washer placed at the inner end of the socket to protect and support the inner
side of the air-cushion. The central spindle passes through the socket and is
secured in position in the usual manner. In fitting up the front wheel, the socket
may be dispensed with; the portion of the air-cushion forming the central aperture
and through which the central spindle passes being thickened and a washer 4x
placed on either side of the air-cushion. The air-cushion is preferably furnished
with an inflating valve d which may be of any suitable construction.
For effecting the adjustment of the driving chain, the socket in the central
aperture 6 of the air-cushion is formed with an elongated or slotted opening for
the axle or central spindle c, the latter being held in position in the said opening
by forked connections e. The outer extremities of these forked connections are
made hollow for a certain distance for the reception of a screw-threaded pin c¹,
connected with the back-stay by means of an eye bolt e. By varying the positions
of the nuts e along the pins el the connections e may be moved outwards or inwards
and the tension of the chain regulated.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said in-
vention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I claim;.
In bicycles or similar machines, the improved method of mounting the frame,
substantially as herein described; same consisting in providing the back-stays
or the front fork with grooved annular extremities, each adapted for engaging the
outer edge of a circular air-chamber which surrounds and is supported by the road-
wheel-axle.