Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd Nov., 1886.
Complete Left, 19th Aug., 1887.
Complete Accepted, 30th Sept., 1887.
I STEPHEN MARTIN of No. 181 Birchfield Road, Handsworth in the County of
Staffordshire, Works Manager do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention relates to First:-An improvement in the construction of ball
bearings; and Secondly:-To an improved spring for supporting the saddle or seat.
In carrying the first part of my invention into practical effect I proceed as
follows: I construct the case for my bearing like a plain cylindrical sleeve, having
on one side of it, or in any other convenient position, an exterior snug, which is
slotted partly through from the inner side of the case. In the case fits a hardened
steel ring provided on its inner surface with a circumferential groove for the balls to
run in. The exterior diameter of this ring is the same as the internal diameter of the
case, so that it is a nice sliding fit in the case. On the outside of the ring is formed a
snug through which is cut a slot so that the ring becomes a split ring. The
snug on
the ring fits in the slot in the snug of the case which prevents the ring revolving.
The usual groove is formed in the axle, or in a collar to be fixed thereto, which with
the groove in the split ring forms a perfect channel or race for the balls to run in.
In order to get the balls in the channel or race, a hole. large enough to admit the balls,
is made, radially through both the case and the ring in any convenient part, though
preferably through the snugs on the case and ring respectively, and is provided with
a false piece to close the hole and fill up the gap formed in the groove in the ring.
The bearing is adjusted by forcing the two parts of the snug on the split ring
together, which contracts the internal circumference of the ring. This may be
effected by a set screw, cam, eccentric, or other equivalent device. Instead of
splitting the ring through the snug, I sometimes split it at any other convenient part
of its circumference; in which case 1 cause its internal circumference to contract by
forming inclined planes on the exterior of the ring, and projections on the interior of
the case, and vice-versa, so that by causing the ring to move circumferentially, the
split part of the ring will be forced together. The ring may be caused to move
circumferentially by means of a set screw, cam, eccentric or equivalent device,
impinging on the snug on the ring, or the snug may be dispensed with, and a smal

page_text: worm wheel may be fitted in the slot in the case, engaging with a worm cut across
the external circumference of the ring. My improved bearing is adapted for the
axles of all types of velocipedes, whether revolving or stud axles. In applying my
bearings to the steering or trailing wheels of cycles which come under the latter
category, I fit a split ring in each end of the hub, or in each end of the sleeve upon
which the hub is built and I provide a collar having a circumferential groove at each
end of the axle, to coincide with the grooves in the split rings. These collars are
each formed in two parts, the inner parts being formed on, or fixed to, the axle, and
the outer parts are screwed onto the axle so as to admit of the balls being placed
within the grooves of the split rings. Outside the outer parts of the collars discs are
screwed on the axle to enclose the bearings, or if preferred the discs may form part
of the outer parts of the collars. This method of construction may be applied to the
bearings for revolving axles if desired.
My improved spring consists of three plates, hinged to one another so that they lie
one above the other; the top plate carries the saddle, and the lower plate carries the
clip by which it is fixed to the machine. The end of the lower plate that is hinged to
the middle plate, and the end of the middle plate that is hinged to the top plate, are
each bent to form a small curve, so as to throw each plate higher than the one beneath
it. The free ends of the top and middle plates are supported on spiral springs resting
on the plates below them. Bolts pass through the springs and plates to keep them in
place and control their action. By this construction of spring the saddle or seat has
a perfectly vertical action, and all tendency to tip either forwards or backwards is
overcome.
Dated this band dow of November 1000
ROBT. ED. PHILLIPS, M.I.M.E.,
Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent,
Royal Courts Chambers,
70, 71 & 72, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agent for the Applicant.

page_text: I, STEPHEN MARTIN of No. 181 Birchfield Road, Handsworth in the county of
Staffordshire, Works Manager, 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 :---
My invention relates First to improvements in the construction of ball bearings,
and Secondly to an improved spring for supporting the saddle or seat.
-one at a
In carrying the first part of my invention into practical effect I proced as follows:-
I make the case for my bearing a plain cylindrical sleeve, having on one side of it, or
in any other convenient position, an exterior lug, which is slotted partly through
from the inner side of the case. In this case fits a hardened steel ring provided on
its inner surface with a circumferential groove for the balls to run in. The exterior
diameter of this ring is the same as the internal diameter of the case, so that it is a
nice sliding fit therein. On the outside of this ring is formed a lug through which is
cut a transverse slot so that the ring becomes a spring ring. The lug on the ring
fits in the slot in the lug of the case which prevents the ring revolving. The usual
groove is formed in the axle, or in a collar fixed thereto, which with the groove in the
spring ring forms a perfect channel or race for the balls to run in. In order to get
the balls in the channel or race, a hole large enough to admit the balls,-
time is made radially through both the case and the spring ring in any convenient
position, preferably through the lugs on the case and ring respectively, and is provided
with a false piece to close the hole and fill up the gap formed in the groove in the
ring. To cover up the slot in the spring ring and make the bearing dust-proof a clip
is fitted between the jaws of the lug on the case of the bearing which embraces the
lug of the slotted ring and covers the slot, the clip being held in position by the false
piece. The bearing is adjusted by forcing the two parts of the lug on the spring ring
together, which contracts the internal circumference of the ring. This may be
effected by a set screw, cam, eccentric, worm and worm wheel, or other equivalent
device. Instead of slotting the ring transversely through the lug it may be slotted
diagonally. If the spring ring is made a good fit in the case the set screw and false
piece will be sufficient to keep it in place, but if greater security is needed I turn or
form within the case two semicircular grooves into which I spring two split-rings
after the spring ring of the bearing is in place. These split rings bear against each
side of the spring ring and so keep it in place. Instead of using split rings, plates or
collars may be screwed into each side of the case, or the case may be made solid at
one side and have a screwed plate or collar at the other side to enclose the spring ring.
My improved bearing is adapted for the axles of all types of Velocipedes whether
revolving or stud axles. In applying my bearings to the latter, I fit a spring ring in
each end of the hub, or in each end of the sleeve upon which the hub is built, and I
provide a collar having a circumferential groove at each end of the axle to coincide
with the grooves in the spring rings. These collars may each be formed in two parts,
the inner parts being formed on, or fixed to the axle, and the outer parts screwed
thereon in order to permit of the balls being placed within the grooves of spring

page_text: rings; or the collars may each be made in one piece and the spring rings in the ends
of the hub formed so that they may be placed in position after the balls. Outside the
outer parts of the collars, discs are screwed on the axle to enclose the bearings, or if
preferred the discs may form part of the outer parts of the collars. This method of
construction may be applied to bearings for revolving axles if desired.
My improved spring consists of three plates hinged to one another, so that they lie
parallel with and above each other; the top plate carries the saddle, and the lower
plate carries the clip by which it is fixed to the machine. The end of the lower plate
that is hinged to the middle plate and the end of the middle plate that is hinged to
the top plate, are each bent to form a small curve soas to throw each plate higher
than the one beneath it. The free ends of the top and middle plates are supported on
spiral springs resting on the plates below theni. Bolts or rivets pass through the
springs and plates to keep them in place and control their action. By this construction
of spring, the saddle or seat has a perfectly vertical action and all tendency to tip
either forwards or backwards is overcome.
In order that my invention may be fully understood I will describe it making
reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout the several views of which
similar parts are marked with like letters of reference.
Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4. Sheet No. 1 of the accompanying drawings
which are an elevation, a transverse section, a longitudinal section, and a sectional
plan respectively, of my improved bearing; A designates the case of the bearing
having a lug a formed thereon, B the spring ring with the lug b having a slot b¹ cut
therein. the collar or sleeve on the axle, D the false piece screwed into the lug a
of the case A to fill up the hole b² made through the lug of the ring B to admit the
balls into the bearing. E the set screw to adjust the bearing by impinging on the
top of the slotted lug and so contract the internal circumference of the ring B.
F the sliding clip fitting between the jaws of the lug a and covering the slot
make the bearing dust proof. This clip is held in position by the false piece D which
screws into the end of the lug a of the case A. G, G, the split rings to keep the
slotted ring B in place; and x, x, etc. the balls or spheres running in a race formed
by and between the grooves in the ring B and the collar or sleeve C on the axle.
to
Figure 6 Sheet No. 1 of the accompanying drawings shows a modification (the
balls or spheres are omitted in this view for sake of distinctness) in which the false
piece D is held in position by the set screw E which is reduced in diameter at the end
so as to pass through the top of the slotted lug band engage with a hole in the false
piece. In this case a slot d is cut in the false piece D to coincide with slot b' in the
lug b to allow it to close when the bearing is adjusted.
Figure 7 Sheet No. 1 of the accompanying drawings shows another modification in
which the false piece D is dispensed with, and the collar or sleeve C on the axle made
in two pieces to permit of the balls being placed in position.
Figure 8 Sheet No. 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a modification of
my bearing in which the one end of the case A is made solid and the ring B is
enclosed on the other side by a plate G whereby the split rings G G are dispensed
with.
Figure 9 Sheet No. 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a ring B in which
the slot in the lug b is cut diagonally.
Figure 10 Sheet No. 2 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a method of
adjusting the bearing by means of a screw or worm wheel E, which engages with a
thread or worm on the periphery of the ring B, which is prevented from revolving by
the screw b, or by a lug formed thereon in the manner herein before described.
Figures 11 and 12 Sheet No. 2 of the accompanying drawings are a part longitu-
dinal sectional elevation and an end elevation of my bearing as applied to wheels
running on stud axles. The case A is formed in on the hub. The ring B is formed
so that it may be placed in position after the balls are in the bearing, and a bush A¹
is placed in the recess of the hub or case to complete the groove in the ring B. The
collar or sleeve is formed or screwed on the axle, and a plate F is screwed over the
end of the case to make it dust proof.

page_text: Figure 13 Sheet No. 2 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a modified form of
bearing for a stud axle in which the collar or sleeve C on the axle is formed in two
parts to permit of the balls being placed in position without withdrawing the ring B.
Referring to Figures 14 and 15 which illustrate the second part of my invention
and are a side, and an end, elevation respectively, of my improved spring it will be
seen that
is constructed of three plates H, J, and K; the lower one H is bent or
curved up at one end where it is connected by the hinge or joint h to the plate J
which at its other end is bent or curved up to receive the plate K which is connected
to it by the hinge on joint j. The other end of the plate K is supported by a coil
spring L resting on the plate J and kept in place by a bolt or rivet passing through
it and connecting the two plates. The curved or bent end of the plate J is also
supported by a coil spring L resting on the free end of the plate H and confined and
controlled in a similar manner to the other coil spring. The saddle or seat is fixed to
the plate K in the usual manner, and the plate H is fixed to the frame of the machine
or to a support thereon in any convenient and well known manner.
Since filing my provisional specification I have discovered that the adjustment of
ball bearings by forming inclined planes or their equivalent within the case is not
new, and I have therefore abandoned this part of my invention, and do hereby
disclaim it.
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 :-
1. Constructing the ball bearings of Velocipedes substantially as hereinbefore
described and illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
2. In a ball bearing for Velocipedes the combination with the case A the collar C
and the balls, etc.; of the spring ring B fitting within the case A and having a
slotted lug b fitting within a slotted lug a on the case A, and a semicircular groove or
recess coinciding with a similar recess in the axle, or in a collar thereon, to form the
race for the balls; and the set screw E to adjust the bearing, all combined arranged
and operating as and for the purpose set forth.
3. In a ball bearing for Velocipedes the combination with the case A the collar C
or its equivalent and the balls, etc.; of the spring ring B, the set-screw E or its
equivalent, and the false piece D to admit the balls into the bearing, as set forth.
4. In a ball bearing for Velocipedes the combination with the case A, the collar (),
or its equivalent and the balls, etc.; of the spring ring B, the false piece D, the
adjusting screw E or its equivalent, and the clip or plate F, all combined arranged
and operating as and for the purpose set forth.
5. In a ball bearing for Velocipedes the combination with the balls a, a, etc., of the
case A having a slotted lug a, and the spring ring B having a slotted lug b, substan-
tially as set forth.
6. In a ball bearing for Velocipedes the combination with the case A the spring
ring B, the balls etc., and the clip F; of the divided collar or sleeve C on the axle
as and for the purpose set forth.
7. A spring for Velocipedes consisting of three plates hinged the one to the other,
and supported by coil springs substantially as set forth.
Dated this zzna day of August 1907.
ROBT. ED. PHILLIPS, M.I.M.E.,
Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent,
Royal Courts Chambers,
70 & 72, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agent for the Applicant.
ROBT. ED. PHILLIPS, M.I.M.E.,
Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent,
Royal Courts Chambers,
70 & 72, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agent for the Applicant.