Improvements in or relating to Velocipede and other Speed . Indicators.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application; 12th Mar., 1898
Complete Specification Left. 12th Dec.. 1898-Accepted. 11th Mar.. 1899
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Velocipede and other Speed
. Indicators.
I, BAHNE BONNIKSEN, of 16, Norfolk Street, Coventry, Warwickshire, Watch
Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to speed indicators, especially such as are intended to be
used on velocipedes, though speed indicators constructed according to my inven-
tion may be used. in connection with other machinery. And my invention con-
sists principally in the employment of a hoop of spring steel or the like carrying
weights at opposite points and so connected to an axle that as the speed of such
axle varies so the diameter of the hoop between the weights varies directly and
the transverse diameter of the hoop varies inversely. The variation in the trans-
verse diameter of the hoop affects the mechanism which indicates the speed. My
invention also consists in means, mechanical or otherwise for maintaining the
steadiness of the indicating hand when the instrument is subject to vibration set
up by rough roads or in other ways. And my invention further consists in
means for mounting the instrument on a velocipede, in such a position that it
may be readily read by the rider thereof without resorting to the use of cords
and pulleys or the like.
And my invention still further consists in means for setting and holding the
instrument either in action or out of action, as required.
In constructing a speed indicator suitable for a velocipede according to my
invention I mount a main vertical axle, preferably in adjustable ball bearings in
the lower part of or in an extension of a cylindrical case. The lower end of the
axle projects through the bottom of the case and carries a wheel the periphery of
which is adapted to bear against the side of the tyre of the steering wheel of the
velocipede. To the top of the axle is secured a transverse bar one arm of which
is longer than the other and from each end of the bar rises a standard. A band
of spring steel or the like is secured by its overlapping ends to the standard on
the longer arm, and is maintained in a horizontal position by a long stud secured
to the diametrically opposite point on the band and which stud is passed into
a horizontal hole in the other standard, and is free to slide therein. To this
hoop-like band, at each of the two points situated equidistantly between the
standards, is attached a suitable weight. As the axle and hoop are rotated by
contact of the wheel against the revolving tyre the weights are caused to fly farther
and farther apart by the centrifugal force. This causes the inner end of the stud
to press inwards against the exterior of a hollow inverted cone or funnel the apex
of which is secured to a vertical stem sliding freely in an axial hole bored down
through the vertical axle and the transverse arm on the top thereof. A vertical
plunger, which may have a jewelled bearing, rests in the angle of the funnel
and is guided by its upper part sliding in a vertical tube supported by a plate
cock in the case of the instrument. To one side of the plunger is secured the
or

page_text: lower end of a light vertical blade spring, the upper end of which passes up
through a suitable aperture in the said plate or cock and carries an inwardly
directed horizontal conical peg. The plunger is pressed downwards by a suitable
spring; for example, an expansion spiral spring may be threaded into a rod
depending from the above mentioned plate or cock and pass through a hole in
another rod projecting horizontally from the plunger. The plunger, though
capable of vertical movement, is prevented from rotating by any suitable means,
such as by the said horizontal arm engaging in a longitudinal slot in the vertical
tube. The conical peg on the blade spring engages in a slow spiral groove cut in
a vertical spindle mounted, coaxially with the vertical axle and the plunger, in
the upper part of the case. The grooved spindle is capable of rotation and the
reduced upper end thereof projects through the dial and carries the indicating
hand. As the speed increases, the funnel is raised, and the plunger and blade
spring rise with it. This causes the peg to travel in the spiral groove and so
rotates the spindle and moves the hand over the dial which is suitably graduated.
As the speed decreases the plunger falls by gravitation assisted by the expansion
spring and the indication hand travels backward accordingly. In short, accord-
ing as the hoop is more or less distorted by the higher or lower speed of the
road wheel or tyre, so the grooved spindle is caused to rotate forward or back-
ward and the hand to travel over the dial accordingly.
Although I prefer to arrange the hoop horizontally and adapt it to rotate in its
own plane as above described, it may be arranged vertically and be adapted to
rotate around its vertical diametrical axis. In this case I form two slots trans-
versely through the main vertical axle. The ends of the hoop are secured in one
slot while the diametrically opposite part of the hoop passes freely. through the
other slot and is free to rise and fall therein according as the centrifugal force
tends to distort the hoop more or less as the speed rises and falls. The weights
are attached to the intermediate parts of the hoop as before described and the
motion of the rising and falling part of the hoop actuates the indicating hand
by a modification of the mechanism herein before described or by other suitable
means.
In order to maintain the steadiness of the indicating hand when the instrument
is subject to vibration I mount on the spindle (on which the indicating hand is
mounted) a flat disc or the like. Around this disc I place a large flat ring, the
internal diameter and the thickness of which are respectively somewhat greater
than the external diameter and the thickness of the said disc. The ring is
hinged at one side to the case and to the opposite side thereof are attached two
blade springs. These springs are secured one on the upper surface and the other
on the lower surface of the ring by their outer ends, while their inner ends over-
lap the edge of the disc to a suitable extent. Normally the ring is supported by
the upper spring resting on the disc, but when the instrument is subjected to
shocks, the ring will vibrate on its hinge and the springs will bear alternately
on the upper and lower surfaces of the disc. The springs press sufficiently hard
on the disc to act as a brake and the indicating hand (which is mounted on the
spindle carrying the disc) is only free to travel during the momentary intervals
when both springs are clear of the disc; hence the hand is unable to make the
excessive movements, which jolts would otherwise be liable to cause. Or the
steadiness of the hand might be maintained by attaching a fly to the spindle
which carries the hand and enclosing the said fly in a box containing a semi-
viscous fluid such as glycerine. Or a repeater train, such as employed in some
repeating watches, or a ratchet wheel gearing with pallets as employed in some
alarm clocks, or any other device having the same steadying effect may be
employed.
I prefer to so construct and fit the tyre of the wheel which bears against the
velocipede wheel that it may be replaced when worn, so that the size of the
wheel may be maintained approximately constant in spite of wear.
For a velocipede speed indicator the case of the instrument may be provided

page_text: with a projecting arm carrying a depending leg. This leg slides into a tube
having a projecting bracket at the top. The arm and bracket are adapted to
engage with each other in either of two positions by a peg and hole or equiva-
lent device; and a spring tends to hold the leg down in the tube. So that by
raising the case against the action of the spring, the peg and hole device is dis-
engaged, and the instrument may be either turned towards the road wheel so as
to engage with the tyre or be turned away therefrom when not required for use.
On releasing the case the spring re-engages the peg and hole device and secures
the instrument in either its operative or inoperative position, as the case may be.
The instrument may be adjustably attached to one of the members of the steer-
ing fork by a suitable clip preferably constructed of a strip of flexible sheet
metal or other suitable material. The strip is doubled, the bent part being
formed into a split cylindrical grip adapted to hold the tube containing the leg
and spring above mentioned. This grip is contracted by a suitable bolt and nut
and a similar bolt and nut are employed at the ends of the strip to contract the
clip on the forkside which is adapted to pass between the two parts of the clip
intermediate of the bolts.
In constructing speed indicators for other machinery I proceed substantially
as herein described but in any case modifications may be made without exceeding
the limits of my invention. The spring hoop is particularly suitable for my pur-
pose as it will continue to distort and resume its shape indefinitely and being
without joints is not liable to become inaccurate or get out of order. Further,
as its resistance to distortion increases much more rapidly than the degree of dis-
placement, it is specially suitable for use in conjunction with centrifugal force
which increases as the square of the speed.
Dated this 11th day of March 1898.
G. DOUGLAS LEECHMAN.
18, Hertford Street, Coventry, 75, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., and
9. Exchange Chambers. New Street, Birmingham,
Patent Agent for the Applicant.
Improvements in or relating to Velocipede and other Speed
Indicators.
I, BAHNE BONNIKSEN, of 10, Norfolk Street, Coventry, Warwickshire, Watch
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:-
an axle
My invention relates to speed indicators, especially such as are intended to be
used on velocipedes, though speed indicators constructed according to my inven-
tion may be used in connection with other machinery. And my invention con-
sists principally in the employment of a hoop of spring steel or the like carrying
weights at opposite points and adapted to rotate in its own plane on
revolving therewith in such a way that as the speed of such axle varies, so the
diameter of the hoop between the weights varies directly and the diameter of the
hoop-transverse to the firstly mentioned diameter varies inversely. The variation
in such transverse diameter of the hoop affects the mechanism which indicates the
speed. My invention also consists in means for maintaining the steadiness of the
indicating hand when the instrument is subject to vibration set up by rough
roads or in other ways.
And in order that my invention may be properly understood I will describe the

page_text: same with the aid of the accompanying drawings which illustrate a speed indica-
tor suitable for a velocipede. For convenience of description it is assumed that
the dial of the instrument is set in a horizontal plane.
Figure I is a vertical section through the body of the instrument.
Figure II is a plan of the spring hoop.
Figure III is a plan of the steadying device.
Figure IV is an elevation, partly in section, showing means for mounting the
instrument on a velocipede.
Figure Vis an underside view of the part 34 in Fig. IV.
Figure VI is a top side plan of the part 37 in Fig. IV.
Figure VII shows the instrument in position on the velocipede.
Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the drawings.
The
In the lower part of a suitable case 5, or preferably in an extension 3 thereof,
I mount a main vertical axle 2, preferably in adjustable ball bearings.
lower end of the axle projects through the bottom of the case and carries a
wheel 7 the periphery of which is adapted to bear against the side of the tyre 9
of the steering wheel of the velocipede. To the top of the axle 2 is secured a
transverse bar 11 one arm of which is longer than the other, and from this bar
rise two standards 31, 32 one from each end thereof. A band 30 of spring steel
or the like is secured by its overlapping ends to the standard 31 on the longer
arm, and is maintained in a horizontal position by a long stud 4 secured to the
diametrically opposite point on the band which stud passes into a horizontal hole
in the other standard 32, and is free to slide therein. To this hoop-like band 30,
at each of the two points situated equidistantly between the standards 31, 32, is
attached a suitable weight 29, 29. As the axle 2 and hoop 30 are rotated by
contact of the wheel 7 against the revolving tyre 9 the weights 29, 29 are caused
to fly farther and farther apart by the centrifugal force. This causes the inner
end of the stud 4 to press inwards against the exterior of a hollow inverted cone
or "funnel" 6, the apex of which is secured to a vertical stem 26 sliding freely in an
axial hole bored down through the vertical axle 2 and the transverse arm 11 on
the top thereof. A vertical plunger 8, which may have a jewelled bearing, rests
in the angle of the funnel and is guided by its upper part sliding in a vertical
tube 10 supported by a plate or cock 19 in the case of the instrument. To one
side of the plunger 8 is secured the lower end of a light, vertical, inwardly bear-
ing blade spring 12, the upper end of which passes up through a suitable aperture
in the said plate or cock 19 and carries an inwardly directed horizontal conical
peg 13. The plunger is pressed downwards by a suitable spring; for example,
an expansion spiral spring 24 may be threaded onto a rod 25 depending from the
above mentioned plate or cock 19 and pass through a hole in another rod 27 pro-
jecting horizontally from the plunger. The plunger, though capable of vertical
movement, is prevented from rotating by any suitable means, such as by the said
horizontal armi 27 engaging in a longitudinal slot in the vertical tube 10. The
conical peg 13 on the blade spring 12 engages in a spiral groove 15 cut in a
vertical spindle 14 mounted, co-axially with the vertical axle 2 and the plunger 8,
in the upper part of the case 5. The grooved spindle 14 is capable of rotation
and the reduced upper end 17 thereof projects through the dial 28 and carries the
indicating hand 33. As the speed increases the pressure of the stud 4 against the
funnel 6 causes the said funnel to rise and the plunger 8 and blade spring 12
rise with it. This causes the peg 13 to travel in the spiral groove 15 and so
rotates the spindle 14 and moves the hand 33 secured thereto over the dial 28
which is suitably graduated. As the speed decreases the plunger 8 falls by
gravitation assisted by the expansion spring 24 and the indication hand travels
backward accordingly. In short, according as the hoop 30 is more or less dis-
torted by the higher or lower speed of the road wheel and tyre 9, so the grooved
spindle 14 is caused to rotate forward or backward and the hand to travel over
the dial accordingly.
The spring hoop being practically rigid vertically and the weights being

page_text: adapted to move horizontally only, vibration has comparatively little disturbing
effect on the indicating hand, but if it be desired to further ensure the steadiness
of the indicating hand when the instrument is subject to vibration, I mount on
the spindle 14 a flat disc or the like 18. Around this disc I place a large flat
ring 20 the internal diameter and the thickness of which are respectively some-
what greater than the external diameter and the thickness of the said diso 18.
The ring, 20 is hinged (21) at one side to the case 3 and to the opposite side
thereof are attached two blade springs 22, 23. The spring 22 is secured on the
upper surface, and the spring 23 is secured on the lower surface of the ring 20
by their outer ends, while their inner ends overlap the edge of the disc 18 to a
suitable extent. Normally the ring 20 is supported by the upper spring 22 rest-
ing on the disc 18, but when the instrument is subjected to shocks the ring 20
vibrates on its hinge 21 and the springs 22, 23 bear alternately on the upper
and lower surfaces of the disc. The springs press sufficiently hard on the disc
to act as a brake and the indicating hand 33 (which is mounted on the spindle
carrying the disc) is only free to travel during the momentary intervals when,
both springs are clear of the disc; hence the hand is unable to make the exces
sive movements, which jolts would otherwise be liable to cause it to make. The
ring 20 is made thicker than the disc 18 so as to set the springs 22, 23 at a dis-
tance apart slightly greater than the thickness of the disc 18, but this result may
obviously be obtained in other ways. Or the steadiness of the hand might be
maintained by attaching a fly to the spindle which carries the hand and enclosing.
the said fly in a box containing a semi-viscous fluid such as glycerine.
Or a
repeater train, such as employed in some repeating watches, or a ratchet wheel
gearing with pallets as employed in some alarm clocks, or any other device
having the same steadying effect may be employed.
I prefer to construct the wheel 7 with a grooved rim adapted to receive a rubber
tyre 16 which may be replaced when worn, so that the size of the wheel 7 may be
maintained approximately constant in spite of wear.
I prefer to mount the instrument in such a position that it may be plainly
visible to the rider without the use of cords and pulleys or the like being resorted
to, and in such a way that it may be set either in action or out of action as
required. For these purposes the case 5 may be provided with a projecting arm 34
carrying a depending leg 35. This leg slides into a tube 36 having a projecting
bracket 37 at the top. The arm 34 and bracket 37 are adapted to engage with
each other in either of two positions by the peg (38) and holes (39, 40) device
shown by Figs. IV, V and VI, or by some equivalent device. A spring 41
tends to hold the leg 35 down in the tube 36, so that by raising the case 3 against
the action of the spring, the peg 38 is disengaged from the holes 39, 40, and the
instrument may be either turned towards the road wheel so as to engage with the
tyre 9 thereof as shown in Fig. VII, or may be turned away therefrom when not
required for use. On releasing the case the spring re-engages the peg 38 in
either of the holes 39, 40 as desired and secures the instrument in either its opera-
tive (39) or inoperative (40) position, as the case may be. The instrument may
be adjustably attached to one of the members of the steering fork 42, where it is
plainly visible to the rider by a suitable clip, preferably constructed of a strip
of flexible sheet metal or other suitable material. The strip is doubled, the bent
part 44 being formed into a split cylindical grip adapted to hold the tube 36
containing the leg 35 and spring 41 above mentioned. This grip is contracted by
a suitable bolt and nut 45 and a similar bolt and nut 46 are employed at the ends
of the strip to contract the clip on the fork-side 42, which is adapted to pass
between the two parts of the clip intermediate of the bolts, as shown. I desire
to make no claim to the above described methods of mounting the instrument and
setting it in or out of action. In constructing speed indicators for other machi-
nery. I proceed substantially as herein described, but in any case modifications may
be made without exceeding the fair limits of my invention. The spring hoop is
particularly suitable for my purpose as it will continue to distort and resume its
1

page_text: shape indefinitely, and being without joints is not liable to become inaccurate or
get out of order. Further, as its resistance to distortion increases much inore
rapidly than the degree of displacement, the hoop is specially suitable for usė
in conjunction with centrifugal force which increases as the square of the speed.
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:
71 7 .
p
1. In a speed indicator, the employment of a spring hoop 'adapted to rotate in
its own plane, for the purpose set forth.
2: In means for indicating the distortions of an elastic loop in a speed indi-
cator, the employment of a stud on the said hoop bearing on an inverted cone
so as to affect the vertical position of such cone
.:: 5.
3. In means for indicating the movement of a vertical plunger in a speed
indicator, the employment of a blade spring connected at one end to the plunger
and carrying at the other end a conical peg "adapted to engage in a spiral
groove formed on a revoluble spindle carrying 'the indicating hand, an arm pro-
jecting from the plunger through a vertical slot formed in a fixed tube concen-
tric with the plunger so as to prevent the rotation of the said plunger, a spring
tending to depress the said plunger, and a graduated dial.
4. A speed indicator comprising a case, a vertical revoluble axle mounted in
such case and carrying a wheel adapted to bear against a revolving part of the
machine, a horizontal elastic hoop secured at one point to a standard on a trans-
verse bar fixed to the top of the axle and carrying a stud secured to the diametri-
cally opposite point thereof, which stud passes through a horizontal hole in
another standard on the said transverse bar, two weights attached respectively
to diametrically opposite points on the said hoop equidistant between the two said
standards, a hollow inverted cone adapted to be pressed against by the said
stud, a vertical stem secured to the apex of the said cone and adapted to slide
in an axial hole in the vertical axle, a vertical plunger resting in the angle of
the cone and sliding in a fixed vertical tube, and means for indicating the move-
ments of the hoop, stud, cone and plunger on a suitable dial, substantially as set
forth.
i
5. Means for maintaining the steadiness of the indicating hand in a speed
indicator, consisting in a disc mounted on the revoluble spindle carrying the said
indicating hand, a flat ring hinged at one side to the case of the instrument,
loosely surrounding the disc, and carrying two blade springs, the said blade
springs being set at a distance apart slightly greater than the thickness of the
said disc, which passes between them.
Dated this 10th day of December 1898.
G. DOUGLAS LEECHMAN,
18, Hertford Street, Coventry, 75, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.; and
9, Exchange Chambers, New Street, Birmingham,
Patent Agent for the Applicant.