Improvements in the Steering of Bicycles.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 10th June, 1890
Complete Specification Left 9th Mar. 1891-Accepted. 25th Apr. 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Steering of Bicycles.
We BENJAMIN WILLIAM SPITTLE of 35 Upper High Street Wednesbury in
the County of Stafford Patentee and THOMAS MILLINGTON of Walsall Road
Fallings Heath Wednesbury aforesaid Patentee do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows:-
Our invention is more applicable to safety bicycles or bicyclettes in which the
front wheel is used for steering and is capable of an extensive radial movement.
We fasten to the sides of the backbone or stay rod of the machine two small
brackets about 2 inches long and to the sides of the front fork we attach two
similar brackets. From the extremities of these brackets we attach two springs
which hold the front wheel in a direct line with the back wheel. When turning
one spring extends and the other is depressed. The invention allows the rider more
freedom with his hands.
Dated this 7th day of June 1890.
BENJAMIN WILLIAM SPITTLE.
THOMAS MILLINGTON.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Steering of Bicycles.
We BENJAMIN WILLIAM SPITTLE and THOMAS MILLINGTON of 35 Upper
High Street Wednesbury in the County of Stafford Patentees late of Walsall
Road Fallings Heath Wednesbury aforesaid 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:-
The invention is applicable to safety bicycles and tricycles in which the steering
is achieved by the front wheel or wheels.
Figure 1 shews the invention affixed to a safety bicycle. As shown in Figure 2
we fasten by means of bolts or otherwise to the backbone, stay rod or top tube of
the machine a small bracket A resembling a pair of arms at the extremities of
which are small holes. To the fork or steering post of the front wheel we fix a
similar bracket B having at its ends two small screwed holes. We screw into the
holes in bracket B the two small eyebolts C. C. and place a locknut on each.
From these eyebolts to the holes in the extremities of bracket A we attach
springs D. D. either of coiled steel or rubber. The screwed eyebolts C. C. with
locknuts are for the adjustment of springs. The effect of this arrangement is to
keep the steering wheel or wheels direct. In turning the steering wheel one spring
is extended whilst the other is depressed. This allows more liberty to the hands
while riding. Another feature is that it forms an excellent adjustment to a safety
machine as when left standing against a wall or kerb the front wheel is prevented
falling over. The brackets are made in sizes and shapes to suit the different types
of machines, see Figures 3, 4, 5 & 6.
When the machine is originally made the arms of the brackets can be brazed
on and the steerer affixed.
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 :―
The novelty of attaching the two sets of brackets or arms to the steering post or

page_text: fork and backbone stay rod or top tube of safety bicycles or tricycles and the use
in conjunction therewith of steel or rubber springs from the extremities of such
brackets or arms thus giving better leverage in keeping the steering wheel direct
and capable of being adjusted by means of the screwed eyebolts.
Dated this Seventh day of March 1891.
BENJAMIN WILLIAM SPITTLE.
THOMAS MILLINGTON.