IMPROVEMENTS in the County of, for VELOCIPEDES."
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Samue! Hall, of Harrington Street, Hampstead Road
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
in the County of Middlesex, for
VELOCIPEDES."
an
IN
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Samuel Hall at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th October 1881.
SAMUEL HALL, of Harrington Street, Hampstead Road, in the County of
Middlesex, "IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES."
My Invention, relating to improvements in velocipedes, has for its main object
preventing the excessive vibration of the velocipede when ridden, but it also has
reference to an improved means of compensating for wear in the bearings of the
velocipede.
In carrying out my Invention as applied to a bicycle for the purpose of pre-
venting excessive vibration, I apply helical springs to the front and back wheels in
the following manner:-The spring or springs are below the axle enclosed in a
block, in the upper part of which is fixed the bearing in which the axle works.
The spring or springs fit easily in holes or cylinders bored up the block from the
bottom, and are held in secure by a dovetail bottom across the aperture at the
lower end on which they bear, the dovetail bottom being prevented from working
out by a binding screw, The block on the two sides that are seen from the front
and rear of the bicycle has grooves formed in it, in which slide the two prongs of a
fork which is connected with the forks of the bicycle. In each prong is an
elongated hole exactly opposite the other with square sides in which is tightly
fitted a pin or bolt with a head at one end which bears on the outside of one prong
of the fork when the pin is in its place, the other end protruding through the
opposite side is reduced in width and made round, leaving a shoulder flush with
the fork, and then tapped to receive a nut to bind when screwed home mutually
The block has a slot made down the centre of the
on the shoulder and fork.
grooves through it from side to side, the top of the slot beginning just below the
axle bearing and extending downwards to a sufficient distance below the top end

page_text: The fork is
of the springs, the width being such as will admit of the bolt sliding easily in it.
When the fork is in its place in the grooves of the block, and the bolt is passed
through and the whole is tied by the nut, the bolt presses on the spring and brings
it into action. A space is left above the block between it and the arch of the fork
sufficient to allow for the action of the springs as the fork descends.
either made in one with the extremities of the forks of the bicycle or fixed to them
by means of pins or bolts passing through the bicycle fork and through projections
on the top of the sliding fork; or the bicycle fork enters a vertical hole in the top
of the sliding fork, and is secured by a wedge passing through the latter and
entering a groove formed across the bicycle fork. In applying the springs to the
front fork it is necessary to make a crank of a special shape, and a crank pin for
treadle, to be fixed in the crank in a manner somewhat different to the present
method, that is to say, the slotted part of the crank is thrown forward to provide
space for the head of the crank pin instead of a nut,. the nut being placed at the
other side.
In case of tricycles or other velocipedes that are attached to a fork descending
from above, similar to the front or back forks of an ordinary bicycle, the springs
are applied to the axles of the wheels in the manner herein before described.
In applying them to the axles of the driving wheels of tricycles or other
velocipedes that are propelled by a separate crank, connected with the driving
wheels by chain or other gear on auxiliary wheels, if the auxiliary wheels are
nearly or quite vertical in their relative positions, and in the case of cog wheels
working in each other in a like position, the sliding block is very much longer, to
take the crank as well as the axle, so that the wheels that connect them will rise
together with the action of the springs. The axles have their bearing in the top
of the block above the springs as before, the crank being at the lower end below
them. The block is perforated between the part just below the springs and above
the crank for lightness, and also to admit of the springs being taken out, a dove-
tailed bottom being just below them having a binding screw to prevent it working
out, the springs bearing on the dovetailed bottom when in its place. The sliding
fork extends down the whole length of the block and is tied at the bottom by a
bolt and nut. In tricycles or other velocipedes with separate crank connected with
the driving wheels in the way described, but with auxiliary wheels, which, instead
of being vertical in their relative position, are so placed that their position is about
midway between vertical and horizontal, the springs are applied to the axle only,
the crank being as now attached to the frame of the machine. In applying the
springs to bicycles with the wheels side by side, and in which the seat and treadle
are balanced on the axle, as in the bicycle known as the Otto safety bicycle, or to
certain tricycles and other velocipedes of a peculiar construction, the sliding fork is
reversed on the block, its ends being at the top by the axle, whilst it is attached to
the frame of the machine below the springs, acting on the same principle as before.
There being a possibility of the grooves of the block wearing considerably through
the constant action of the sliding fork, they are restored by hardened and tempered
steel plates with raised edges made to fit in the grooves which are screwed on.
If required the fork may be joined at the ends of the prongs by a cross piece,
solid with it, making it, instead of a fork, a frame with four sides, but acting in the
grooves of the block and on the springs in the same way as the fork, in which case
the block has a plate screwed on the face, so that the frame may be put in its
place or removed, the edges of the plate forming one side of the grooves in which
it slides. The sliding block may contain, instead of springs, rubber cushions if
necessary. A spring treadle is also applied to bicycles, tricycles, and other
velocipedes to prevent the shaking of the legs and feet of riders, arising from the
vibration of the crank. It consists of a metal box a little shorter than the pedal of
treadle, and of a suitable width and depth, with a detached bottom fastened on by
lugs with screws, or bolts and nuts, the top being solid solid. The box is pendant 5
from the crank pin, always hanging below it as the crank revolves, fastened to the
pin in the same way as an ordinary treadle. Inside the box is another with a solid

page_text: top, but without a bottom, about two thirds the depth of the outside one fitting
easily in it so that it will slide up and down. The bottom of the outside box has
five or more tubes fixed on the inside surface, which when the bottom is in its
Outside the tubes fit
place are nearly in contact with the top of the outer box.
easily the same number of helical springs, the two end ones, those farthest from
each other, being the longest and weakest. The inside box has in its top the same
number of round holes in it as there are tubes and springs, each of the former
fitting easily in them. When the inner box is in its place it is close at the top of
the other, the two longest springs pressing it up, all the tubes having their ends in
the holes. The two tubes next to those with the springs mentioned have shorter
and stronger ones on them, pressing on a plate with holes in it for all the tubes to
pass through, and also the two weakest springs, the plate being kept in its place
and prevented from rising higher by projecting rivets or screws fixed inside the
outer box, long slots being in the sides of the inner one so that it will slide freely.
The fifth or central tube has a yet shorter and stronger spring on it, which presses
on a plate below the other one, having the same number of holes in it and four
springs passing through it, and also the central tube, being kept in position in the
same way as the other, both the plates being in the inside box, with a certain
space between each plate, and the top plate, and the top of the inside box. Four
holes are made on the top of the outside box, two on each side of the crank pin,
through which pass the upright supports of the pedal, fitting in holes on the top of
the inside box and resting on shoulders, nuts being screwed on underneath.
The pedals, which may be of any known description, are fixel to a frame of the
following shape:-The two halves of the rubber or other pedal are connected by
two crescent shaped pieces of metal, the concave edge being downwards, which
enables it to free that part of the treadle raised above the box where connected
with the crank pin when the pedal is pressed down. The rubber or other pedal is
fixed to the two crescent shaped pieces at each end, in the same way as to the
frame of the ordinary treadle, two pins running through, the rubber being rivetted
at the ends to the crescents, or in the case of a metal pedal the crescents are
rivetted to the pedal itself. The upright supports of the pedal are fixed to the
metal ones, and in the rubber ones to the pins that run through the rubber, and
not to the crescent shaped sides. The internal arrangement of the treadle being,
as has been described, on the pedal, receiving the pressure of the foot, the sliding
box .ill sink, and the two largest and weakest springs will be in action.
crank revolves when it reaches its most elevated position, the pressure of the foot
of the rider of any kind of velocipede is at its lightest. At such a time the weak
springs are alone in action. As the crank descends the pressure increases, and the
top of the sliding box reaches the first plate, bringing two stronger springs into
action. The pressure still increasing as the crank descends to that position, when
the foot gives the final thrust in propelling the machine, the top of the sliding box
and the first plate together reach the second plate, bringing into action the centre
spring, the strongest; and as the- crank rises the sliding box also rises, the weaker
As a modification of
springs alone being in action to suit the lighter pressure.
As the
this arrangement, in lieu of the spiral springs, I employ curved flat springs screwed
by a hole in the centre to the centre of the plates, the four ends extending there-
from, two each way, down the length of plate. The plates are three or inore in
number, the spring on one plate bearing at the ends which are slightly turned up
on the plate below it. In consequence of the formation of the springs the plates
are not allowed to come quite close together when the springs are in action, but
are kept apart by a raised edge on plates. The springs are of gradual strengths,
the weakest coming in action first, as with the other treadle, one plate meeting
another and the springs acting in their turn as before.
Another part of my Invention relates to the bearings of bicycles, tricycles, and
5 other velocipedes, and is specially adapted for use in combination with the
arrangement of axle springs herein before described.
The bearing, which may be of any usual construction, say, for example, a ball

page_text: bearing, is made adjustable in the following manner: - The bearings are in two
halves at the points of friction, and as they wear they are adjusted by the two
halves being brought closer together. The top of the sliding block above the axle
springs has a square hole in it to receive the bearing. Above the hole the block
extends about half an inch. From the top of the block at the back and front
edges two pieces are cut out extending at a certain angle just down to the top of
the hole, and from thence to the face of the block each way at right angles with
them, just entering the top of the hole, leaving a piece in the form of a V above it, as
seen from the grooves. From the top of the block to the base of the V vertical
with the block, are cut four grooves of a suitable width, two in each sloping
side of the V. Two pieces are then made to fit in the spaces that form the V,
similar in shape to those cut out, but having projecting pieces to fit in the grooves,
so that all the parts fill each other up, making the top of block as it were solid
again. Round holes are then made through the whole from surface to surface of
the block through the parts where the projecting pieces fit in the grooves of
the V, the holes in the piece at the back of block next the wheel being tapped
and the whole being screwed together from the front piece with the heads of screws
being sunk in flush. The two holes in the grooves of V are elongated upwards,
which admits of the pieces that fill up the V being slid up from the flat surface
at the base on which they would rest when close down. When the bearing is in
its place the top half (which, together with the bottom, fit the square hole) projects
above the surface at the base of the V; the two pieces which fit in the V rest on
the bearing and not on the surface, having as much space between as the bearing
is above it. When the screws are tightened the two pieces which carry them are,
by reason of the inclined contact surfaces, caused to descend and thus tighten the
bearing as it wears by drawing the halves closer together. The bearings enter the
square hole in sliding block from the side next the wheel, having a shoulder which
rests close up to the surface of block, the bearing being flush with the front surface
which is covered by a flat circular cap fixed with screws to the block. A cap is
also provided to cover the end next the wheel, the cap being circular as the other,
but thicker and hollow inside, to take the projecting shoulder, which is square, the
same as the other part of the bearing. The bearings which are perfectly dust
tight are lubricated from the top of the adjusting part by means of a hole
descending vertically into the bearing, covered at the top in the usual manner.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Samuel Hall in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 18th April
1882.
SAMUEL HALL, of Harrington Street, Hampstead Road, in the County of
Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES."
My said Invention, relating to improvements in velocipedes, has for its main
object preventing the excessive vibration of the velocipede when ridden, but it
also has reference to an improved means of compensating for wear in the bearings
of the velocipede.
In carrying out my Invention as applied to a bicycle for the purpose of
preventing excessive vibration I apply helical springs or cushions of rubber or
other equivalent yielding contrivance to the front or back wheels, or to both the
front and back wheels, in the following manner:-The spring or springs are
situated immediately beneath the axle enclosed in a block, in the upper part of
which are fixed the bushes or bearings in which the axle works. The spring or
springs fit easily in a recess or recesses in the axle block, the said recess or recesses
being preferably closed by a dovetail bottom sliding piece, on which the lower ends
of the spring or springs bear the dovetail bottom, being prevented from working
out by a binding screw. The block has grooves or guiding surfaces formed in or
on it, in or upon which slide the two prongs of a fork fitted to or formed in one
with the fork of the bicycle. The respective guiding surfaces of the prongs and
the axle block extend to some considerable distance below the axle. A pin or bolt
is passed through holes in the prongs of the fork, in which it is fixed, and through
the block, the latter being provided with an elongated hole to admit of the rising
and falling motions under the action of the spring or springs, the upper end or
ends of the said spring or springs bearing against the said bolt or pin.
When the fork is in its place in the grooves or on the guiding surfaces of the
block, the bolt is passed through the prongs and block, and the whole are tied by a
nut screwed into the end of the bolt. A space is left between the block and the
arch of the fork sufficient to allow for the action of the springs.
In some cases I connect the lower ends of the guiding fork by a cross piece go as
to form a frame; in which case, in order to facilitate the placing of the fork in
position, I fit to one of the sides of the bearing block a removable cheek or face
plate, which also forms one side of the guides for the frame to slide in. In
applying the springs to the front fork if the length of the block would cause it to
foul the treadle pin and nut of the ordinary crank in use, I make a crank of a
special shape so as to throw forward the slotted part, the treadle pin being inserted
from the side next the wheel, and fixed in position by means of a nut screwed on
to the pin from the outside.
In applying my Invention to the axles of the driving wheels of tricycles and
velocipedes propelled by a separate crank connected with the axle of the driving
wheels by chain or other gear on auxiliary wheels, when the said auxiliary wheels
are in the same vertical plane, one immediately over the other, or nearly so, I
make the sliding block very much longer so as to carry the crank shaft as well as
the axle of the driving wheels, whereby the wheels or gear which connect them
will rise together under the action of the springs.
In tricycles or other velocipedes with a separate crank shaft connected with the
driving wheels by auxiliary wheels, and where the said crank shaft and the axle
of the driving wheels are not arranged immediately the one over the other, the
springs are applied to the axle only, the crank being attached to the frame of the

page_text: machine in the ordinary manner. In applying the springs to velocipedes in which
the seat and treadle are partly or wholly balanced on the axle, as in the velocipede
known as the "Otto safety bicycle," the sliding fork may be reversed on the block,
the ends being at the top by the axle, whilst it is attached to the frame of the
machine below. In the case of those wheels of tricycles and other velocipedes that
have a fork descending from above, the springs are applied in the same way as
herein before described with reference to the wheels of a bicycle.
In order to prevent the rapid wearing away of the grooves of the block through
the constant action of the sliding fork I may line them with hardened and tempered
steel plates with raised edges made to fit in the grooves.
Another part of my Invention relates to means for preventing the shaking of the
legs and feet of riders, arising from the vibration of the crank. In carrying out
this part of my Invention I suspend on the crank pin a metal box having a
detachable bottom secured by screws or bolts and nuts, whilst the top may be
Eolid. The said box is pendant from the crank pin, always hanging below it as the
crank revolves. Inside this box is fitted so as to slide therein another box with a
solid top but without a bottom, and of about two thirds the depth of the outer one.
Projecting upwards from the inside of the bottom of the outside box are rods or
tubes which pass through the top of the inner box, and which when the bottom is
in its place are nearly or quite in contact with the top of the outer box; these rods
or tubes are surrounded by helical springs, the two end ones, or those farthest from
The inner box in its
each other, being the longest and preferably the weakest.
norinal position is under the action of the two longest springs, maintained in its
elevated csition in the outer box. Two shorter and preferably stronger springs
press against a plate provided with holes through which all the rods or tubes and
also the two weakest springs pass. The plate is prevented from rising too high by
projections inside the outer box, whilst long slots are provided in the sides of the
inner box to admit of its sliding freely over the said projections, the central or
shortest, and preferably the strongest spring, presses on another plate arranged
below the one before described, and having holes in it for the passage of the four
rods or tubes and springs, and also the central rod or tube of the spring last
described. Both of the plates are in the inside box, with a space intervening
between each plate, and between the top plate and the top of the inside box, and
boles are made on the top of the outside box, through which pass the upright
supports of the pedal, which are connected to the top of the inside box.
The two halves of the pedal are connected by two crescent shaped pieces of metal,
the concave edge being downwards so as to be free, when the pedal is pressed down,
of that part of the treadle raised above the box where connected with the crank
pin. The plates in the inner box may be two, three, or more in number, or there
may be but one such plate.
Instead of helical springs blade springs may be employed, pressing upwards upon
each plate. The plates may be two, three, or more in number, the spring on one
plate bearing at the ends on the plate below it. The plates are provided with rims
which prevent the said plates from coming quite close together when the springs
are compressed and give an extended bearing surface on the sides of the box.
The springs are preferably of gradual strengths, the weakest coming in action
first, us in the herein before described arrangement, one plate meeting another and
the springs acting in their turn as before. By this means the resistance of the
springs is in accordance and varies with the pressure put upon the pedal at its
various positions of revolution.
Another part of my Invention relates to the adjustment of the bushes, or
equivalent bearings of bicycles, tricycles, and other velocipedes to compensate for
wear, and is specially adapted for use in combination with the arrangement of
axle springs herein before described.
The bush or bearing, which may be of any usual construction, say, for example, a
ball bearing, is made adjustable in the following manner:-The bush or bearing is
in two parts, and as they wear they are adjusted by means of inclined blocks,

page_text: which by being moved along inclined surfaces force the parts of the bearing close
together.
And in order that my said Invention may be fully understood, I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refer to
the several Figures on the annexed Sheet of Drawings, the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the Figures.
Figure 1 represents a sectional elevation of one side of the fork of a bicycle fitted
with means for preventing excessive vibrations according to one mode of carrying
out my Invention; Figure 2 is a vertical section taken at a right angle to Figure 1,
and Figure 3 is a horizontal section of the same.
Figures 4 and 5 are similar views to Figures 1 and 3 illustrating a modification
thereof.
Figure 6 is a sectional elevation shewing my improvement as applied to what is
known as the "Otto safety bicycle" and other somewhat similar velocipedes, and
Figure 7 is a further modification.
Figure 8 is a longitudinal section, together with an end view, illustrating one
modification of iny improved spring treadle, and Figure 9 is another modification of
the same.
Figure 10 is a side elevation of my improved crank.
Figure 11 is a front elevation, Figure 12 a transverse section, and Figure 13 a plan
of an arrangement for compensating for the wear in the bearings of velocipedes.
Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, A represents the lower extremity of one side of
the fork of a bicycle provided with two guiding prongs B, between which the
bearing block is fitted to slide, and to which it is secured by means of a pin, bolt,
or bar D and nut E. The block C is provided at its upper end with a hole F for
the reception of the bearing of the axle, and at its lower end with a vertical
cylindrical opening or recess G, in which a spring H is fitted, and held therein by
a bottom plate I secured to the block C by any suitable means.
The spring H is situated beneath the axle and rests upon the plate I, whilst its
upper end abuts against the pin or bolt D, so that when pressure is exerted upon
the fork of the bicycle the spring is compressed by the pin D, a slot or elongated
passage K being provided in the block C to admit of the descent of the bolt. It
will be observed that by arranging the spring (or it may be springs) immediately
beneath the axle it receives the direct weight of the rider, and a better yielding
effect is obtained, whilst the prongs of the fork, acting as continuous and extended
guides to the bearing block by extending considerably below the axle, prevent
lateral vibration and preserves the rigidity of the machine.
In the modification illustrated by Figures 4 and 5 the prongs of the guiding
fork consists of tubes B working in outer tubes B! brazed or otherwise secured to,
or formed in or on, the bearing block C. The pin or bolt D, against which the
springs H abut, is inserted through an opening in one of the prongs B, which
opening is afterwards covered by a piece b to exclude dirt from the tubes, for which
purpose also rubber or other flexible tubes are fitted upon the upper extremities of
the tubes, as shewn at c. The lower ends of the tubes are covered by a plate I
secured by screws or otherwise to the block C, which plate supports and bears the
thrust of the springs H. K' is a bow spring, which may be interposed between the
bolt D and the block C immediately beneath the axle bearing for the purpose of
preventing concussion when the pressure is removed from the springs H. In the
modification illustrated by Figure 6, which is intended to be applied to velocipedes
similar to what are known as the "Otto safety bicycle," the guiding prongs B of
the fork enter the tubes B₁ on the bearing block C from below, the fork being
connected to the frame of the velocipede at L. The spring H is arranged in a
similar manner to that shewn in Figure 1, and rests at its lower end upon the
bottom plate I. The upper ends of the tubes B' are closed by plugs & in order
to exclude dirt from the interior. This modification may be made with an exposed
fork, as shewn in Figures 1, 2, 3.
Figure 7 represents a modification of the arrangement shewn in Figures 1, 2,

page_text: and 3, applicable to the axles of velocipedes which are propelled by a separate crank
connected with the driving wheels by chains or other gear on auxiliary wheels
when the said auxiliary wheels are in the same vertical plane, the one immediately
over the other, or nearly so. A is the portion of the framing at the side of the
wheel, in or on which are formed or fixed the guiding prongs B, and C is the
bearing block, which together with the guiding prongs, according to this modifi-
cation, are made considerably longer to carry not only the axle of the running
wheels but also the crank shaft, the former being mounted in the upper part of the
block at E, and the latter at the lower part at L. The spring H is situated between
the parts F and L, and is supported upon a dovetail plate I inserted in the block C.
The crank and the axle will under the action of the spring H rise and fall together
This modifi-
with the auxiliary wheels and chains by which they are connected.
cation may be made with the tubular guiding arrangement, as shewn in Figures 4
and 5.
Figure 10 is a side elevation of my improved crank. That portion g of the
crank which is slotted for the adjustment of the treadle is bent or cranked slightly
outward, as at h and the pin upon which the treadle is mounted is inserted from
the side nearest the wheel, the thickness of the head of the pin being about equal
to the amount of room gained behind the crank by throwing it forward at the
slotted pait.
The pin is secured by means of a nut k screwed on to the pin ¹ at the outer side
of the crank.
Figure 8 is a longitudinal section and end view of one modification of my
improvements in spring treadles for preventing the shaking of the legs and feet of
riders, arising from the vibrations of the crank. is the pin upon which the
treadle is suspended. The treadle consists of a box M provided with a detachable
In the interior of the
bottom N secured in position by bolts and nuts or screws 22.
box M is fitted to slide freely another box P open at the bottom, and of con-
siderably less depth than the outer box; Q, Q1, Q2, are tubes or rods fixed to the
bottom N of the outer box, and extending upwards to the top of the interior
thereof through holes made in the top of the inner box P, in the interior of which
two plates R, R', are fitted to slide, having holes therein through which the tubes
pass. S are the helical springs surrounding the tubes Q, Q', Q2, and supported at
their lower ends upon bottom N.
The springs
which surround the two outer or end tuhes Q pass through the
plates R, R', and press against the top of the inner box P, the springs S
surrounding the tubes Q¹ pass through the plate 1, and bear against the upper
plate R', whilst the spring S which surrounds the tube Q2 presses against the
plate R.
The pedals T, which may be of any known description, are connected to the top
of the inner box P by uprights U attached to the pins t of the pedal, or to other
suitable part of the pedal, the said uprights passing through holes provided for the
purpose in the top of box M.
The action of the treadle is as follows:-On the pedal receiving the pressure of
the foot the uprights U press upon the internal sliding box P which descends, and
the two longest and weakest springs S surrounding the tubes Q are compressed.
When the crank and pedal are in their highest position the weak springs are
alone compressed. As the crank descends the pressure increases, and the top of
the sliding box P descends to the top plate R' and compresses the two stronger
springs surrounding the tubes Q1, Q. The pressure still increasing as the crank
descends to that position when the foot gives the final thrust in propelling the
machine, the top of the sliding box and the first plate together reach the second or
lower plate R, compressing the centre and strongest spring. As the crank rises the
sliding box P also rises, the weaker springs alone being then in action to suit the
Lighter pressure. Thus the resistance is always in due proportion to the weight
upon the pedal in the various positions of the crank.
The plates R, R', may be dispensed with if the springs be fixed at their lower

page_text: ends to the bottom N. Where the plates are employed stops 72 are fixed in the
outer box to prevent the said plates from rising too.high, slots being made in the
inner box P and plate R' to allow of their descending over the said stops.
Figure 9 is a longitudinal section of a modification of the treadle attachment
last described, in which blade springs S are employed instead of helical springs,
whilst the tubes or rods Q, Q, Q, may be dispensed with. The blade springs S are
connected to plates R, R¹, R2, which may be provided with rims to prevent them
from being brought too close together, and to leave room for the springs, and also
to give an extended bearing on the sides of the box.
The action of the treadle is precisely similar to that last described, and therefore
requires no further description.
Figures 11, 12, and 13, represent respectively a side elevation, a plan, and a
transverse section of a bearing block illustrating my improvements for compen-
sating for the wear in the bearings of velocipedes; C is a sliding bearing block,
similar in construction to that illustrated in Figure 1, excepting as regards the
adjustability of the bearing which is effected as follows:-
The top of the sliding block C above the axle springs is provided with a square
hole to receive the bearings or bushes t, t. Above the hole the block extends,
say, about half an inch from the top of the block; at the back and front edges
thereof two angular pieces are cut out, extending down to or slightly below the top
of the hole l, as shewn at Figure 12, leaving a piece p in the form of a V in the
centre. From the top of the block to the base of the V shaped piece p are cut
vertical grooves p³ in each side of the V piece p. Sliding pieces q are fitted in the
spaces on the opposite sides of the V pieces p, similar in shape to the pieces cut
out therefrom, but having projecting feathers to fit in the grooves p², so as to
fill up all the parts that were cut away and restore the general configuration of the
block. The inclined surfaces of the pieces p and q, q, bear upon each other.
Holes are then made from front to back of the block through the parts where the
projecting pieces fit in the grooves p², the holes in the piece at the back of
block next the wheel being tapped and the whole screwed together from the front,
the heads of the screws being preferably counter-sunk. The holes in the piece p
are elongated so as to admit of the pieces q being moved vertically upon the
pieces p. When the bearing bushes t, e, are in their place the top half projects
above the base of the V piece p, and the pieces q rest on the bush t. leaving a
space between them and the base of the V piece 2 to admit of adjustment. When
the screws are tightened up the two pieces q which carry them are by reason of
the inclined contact surfaces caused to descend and force the two halves ts, t, of
the bearing closer together to compensate for wear in the axle.
The bushes t, t, are inserted in the hole in the sliding block C from the side
next the wheel, a shoulder u being formed on the bushes t2, t3, which rests close up
to the surface of the block, whilst the opposite ends of the bushes are flush with
the front surface of the block and are covered by a flat cap or plate. A cap or
collar is also provided to cover the end next the wheel, the cap being thicker than
the other and hollow inside to receive the projecting shoulder u, which is square
on the outside. The caps are fixed on with screws and make the bearing perfectly
dust tight.
mny
The bearings may be lubricated from the top of the adjusting part by means of
a hole descending vertically into the bearing and covered in the usual manner.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of said
Invention, and the system, mode, or manner in or under which the same is or may
be used or carried into practical effect; I would observe in conclusion that I am
aware that spring or yielding devices have already been employed in connection
with the axle bearings and treadles of velocipedes, and also that inclined surfaces
for adjusting bearings have before been employed, and that therefore to such spring
or yielding devices and inclined adjusting surfaces I lay no general or broad claim,

page_text: but what I consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention
secured to me by the herein before in part recited Letters Patent is,-
First. In velocidedes for steadying and lessening vibration providing in com-
bination with spring or yielding devices the axle boxes or blocks of the wheel or
wheels with continuations or extensions beneath the axle or axles in combination
with similarly extended forks or frames formed on or connected with the carriers
of the said axle boxes, or blocks, the said continuations of the axle boxes or blocks
and forks or frames mutually forming long and continuous bearing surfaces to beneath
the axle or axles, substantially as and for the purpose herein before described and
illustrated in the accompanying Drawings under various modifications.
Second. In combination with guiding and steadying sliding surfaces on or in the
axle boxes or blocks and forks or frames of velocipedes, the employment of a cross
piece or its equivalent which bears upon a spring or springs or yielding devices
contained in a continuation of the axle boxes or blocks and situated beneath the
axle, substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying
Drawings, so that the spring or springs so situated sustain the weight.
Third. The construction and arrangement or combination of parts constituting
the improved yielding bearing for the wheels of velocipedes, substantially as
herein before described and illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the accompanying
Drawings.
Fourth. The construction, or arrangement, or combination of parts constituting
the improved yielding bearing for the wheels of velocipedes, substantially as
herein before described and illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying
Drawings.
Fifth. The construction and arrangement or combination of parts constituting
the improved yielding bearing for the wheels of velocipedes, substantially as
herein before described and illustrated in Figure 6 of the accompanying Drawings.
Sixth. The construction and arrangement or combination of parts constituting
the improved yielding bearing for the wheels of velocipedes, substantially as
herein before described and illustrated in Figure 7 of the accompanying Drawings.
Seventh. In combination with the yielding bearings claimed by the preceding
claiming clauses the crank and connection or attachment for the pedal constructed
and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figure 10
of the accompanying Drawings.
Eighth. Providing the pedals of velocipedes with a spring or yielding attachment
or device wherein the resistance increases as the weight or pressure is increased,
substantially as herein before described with reference to Figures 8 and 9 of the
accompanying Drawings.
Ninth. The construction of the axle blocks or boxes of velocipedes with means
for compensating for wear in the axle bearings, wherein the compensation is effected
by means of inclined or wedge shaped surface or surfaces upon the block and
upon the pieces for bearing upon the divided bushes of the axle, substantially
herein before described and illustrated in Figures 11, 12, and 13 of the
accompanying Drawings.
as
In witness whereof, I, the said Samuel Hall, have to this my Specification
set my hand and seal, the Eighteenth day of April, One thousand eight
hundred and eighty ture
SAMUEL HALL. (L.S.)