IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE PARTLY APPLICABLE TO OTHER MACHINES
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Soper, of Roading, in the County of Berks, Gun
Manufacturer, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES, WHICH
IMPROVEMENTS ARE PARTLY APPLICABLE TO OTHER MACHINES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Soper at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th April 1880.
WILLIAM SOPER, of Reading, in the County of Berks, Gun Manufacturer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE PARTLY APPLICABLE
TO OTHER MACHINES."
This Invention relates to velocipedes, and chiefly to tricycles or three-wheeled
velocipedes, and comprises various improvements in the construction of these
vehicles as hereinafter specified.
The said Invention relates partly to the construction of the frames of
velocipedes.
This part of my Invention is designed to provide franes which will possess great
strength and rigidity without great weight. For this purpose when the velocipede
has its steering wheel in front I construct a frame of two similar sides formed of
flat bars of steel or iron, and united at various points by cross bars or ties in such
a manner as to brace them firmly and securely together, thus dispensing with
welding, which is oftentimes imperfectly done. Each side has a central longi-
tudinal bar intersected at right angles, or nearly so, by a central vertical bar, the two
sides of the frame being braced or tied together at the point of intersection of
these bars and at various other points. The upper and lower extremities of the
said vertical bar are connected by diagonal bars to a point near the front end of
the said longitudinal bar, and the sides are braced together at this point. The
longitudinal bar, and the lower diagonal bar are extended forward beyond this
point, and their extremities are connected by a vertical bar. The two sides of the
frame are also braced together at these two extremities by cross bars, which are
provided with bearings for the vertical spindle of the small or guiding wheel. The
lower extremity of the vertical bar is also connected by a diagonal brace to the
rear portion of the longitudinal bar. The said longitudinal bar is extended
beyond the point of its intersection by the said diagonal bar, and the two sides are
[Prins 11

page_text: further braced together at the rear extremity of the said bar, and at a point about
midway between this rear extremity and the centre of the frame.
When the velocipede has the guiding wheel at the rear the construction of the
frame is somewhat modified to suit the different positions of the parts of the vehicle,
as hereinafter set forth.
Another part of my Invention relates to the novel construction and manner
of securing in place the bearings for the shafts of tricycles; I form these bearings
of brass, gun-metal, malleable iron, or other suitable material. On the body of the
bearing box, which is recessed to receive the hardened collar, I form a flange, which
is fitted in the proper position to the side of the frame, and secured thereto by
screws and another flange on the underside, so that the bearing shall be firmly held
at the points. In applying these bearings to a vehicle constructed according to
my Invention, as herein described, a bearing for the treadle-shaft is preferably
secured by the said flange to the rear diagonal bar of cach side of the frame, and
projects downward obliquely therefrom. To afford further support to the said
bearing 1 form in its lower side a small lng or extension, which I secure by a screw
or screws to a curved or semi-circular bracket which I attach by its two ends to
the bar of the frame.
I provide the interior of my improved bearing with a conical bush or lining, and
As
I form or fix on the shaft a conical collar or journal to work in the said bush.
the surfaces of the bearing and journal wear away aud become loose their conical
formation permits of their being tightened as follows, that is to say:-The conical
collar or journal of one of the bearings of the shaft is fitted to slide on a longitudinal
key or feather fixed on the said shaft, and is arranged in combination with devices
whereby it may be forced into the conical bush of the bearing. I prefer to use for
this purpose two screw nuts fitted to screw-threads on a collar of the shaft. One of
these nuts serves to force the conical collar into the bush, and thereby forces back
the shaft so that the conical collar of the other bearing thereof is also forced into
the bush of the said bearing, thus both journals are adjusted simultaneously. The
other nut serves as a luck-nut to secure the first nut and prevent its displacement
after the bearings have been made properly tight. These devices are used for the
treadle shaft and for the driving wheel shaft of velocipedes in which the treadles
are not placed on the same shaft as the driving wheels.
Another part of my Invention relates to means for varying the relative speeds of
the treadle shaft and driving wheel shaft of such velocipedes for the purpose of
enabling the rider to adjust the vehicle to run either on a level or a hilly road.
For this purpose I employ the following arrangements, that is to say :-The treadlo
shaft, which extends through its bearings at each side of the vehicle and has the
treadles or pedals fixed on its outer ends, has fixed on it a toothed pinion. This
pinion is geared with a spur wheel larger in diameter than the said pinion, and
fixed on a tubular counter shaft; the latter is mounted and turns freely on a shaft
or rod fixed in the ends of two adjustable arms or brackets, and arranged parallel
with the said treadle shaft. These arms or brackets project from a long boss or
tubular shaft of which they form a part, and which is mounted with a capability of
adjustment vertically on a fixed shaft or bar, whose ends are secured in the sides
of the frame. The aforesaid countershaft which carries the spur wheel also carries
a smaller wheel which gears with a wheel of equal diameter mounted to turn
loosely or independently on the treadle shaft, and which is attached to or forms a
part of a chain wheel. From the latter a chain is extended to and over a chain
wheel on the driving wheel shaft, so that the motion of the treadle shaft will be
transmitted through the medium of the said chain to the driving wheel shaft.
When the vehicle is running on level ground and a quick speed is desired, the
treadle shaft is caused by a sliding clutch piece or other suitable device to engage
directly with the chain-wheel mounted thereon the aforesaid spur wheel on the
tubular counter shaft being thrown out of gear with the pinion on the treadle
shaft by adjusting the arms or brackets whereby the said countershaft is supported.
On the other hand, when a slow speed of the vehicle is required to enable the rider

page_text: to exert great power upon the driving shaft, and thereby ascend steep inclines, the
said spur wheel is brought into gear with the pinion on the treadlo shaft, and tho
clutch piece is adjusted to disconnect the chain wheel from the said treadle shaft,
the said chain wheel being then driven through the medium of the said pinion and
the intermediato wheels.
According to a modification of this part of my Invention, I mount on the treadle
shaft with a capability of turning independently thereon two chain wheels of
different diameters, and I fix two chain wheels of different diameters on the driving
wheel shaft. The wheels on the treadle shaft are connected by chains with thoso
on the driving wheel shaft, the larger wheel on the one shaft being connected with
the smaller wheel on the other shaft. Between the two chain wheels on the
trendle shaft I arrange a clutch or similar device, which is compelled to rotate with
the said shaft, but is free to slide end wise thoreon, so that it may be caused to
engage with either the large chain wheel or the small chain wheel, according to the
desired speed of the vehicle.
The lever whereby the clutch or other adjusting device is operated, is pivotted
or fulcrumed to a cross bar of the frame, and extends up into a position adjacent
to the saddle. I further modify this part of my Invention by using oval chain
wheels on the treadle and driving wheel shafts. The wheel on the treadle shaft is
fixed thereon with its major axis at right angles to the line of the treadles, and the
wheel on the other shaft is fixed thereon in such a position that its major axis
will be at right angles to that of the wheel on the treadle shaft.
My Invention also relates to improved apparatus for enabling the rider to
guide or steer a velocipede with great facility. For this purpose I fix the
steering bar or handles on tho upper end of a vertical tubular rod or shaft which
has a bearing in a cross bar at or near the top of the frame of the vehicle, and
another bearing at or near the longitudinal centre of the said frame. This tubular
shaft has on its lower portion a two-armed piece from which connecting rods extend
to arms on the vertical shaft of the guiding wheel. And the said two-armed pieco
also has jointed to it two connecting rods which extend to the driving wheel shaft,
and which are there connected with a sliding clutch or similar device or devices
arranged in combination with one or both driving wheels for effecting tho engage-
ment or release of the same. The said driving wheel or wheels must be mounted
to turn loosely upon the said shaft. When only one driving wheel is arranged to
be disengaged only one of such clutches is required. This clutch or a portion of the
same must be so fitted on the said shaft as to turn therewith, but with a capability
of sliding end wise thereon into and out of engagement with the driving wheel.
The ends of the aforesaid connecting rods are provided with longitudinal slots,
through which extends a pin or stud on the one arm of a lever whoso other arm
engages with the sliding clutch. These slots are so formed and arranged that when
the steering bar or handle is adjusted to turn the guiding wheel in either direction,
one of the said connecting rods must move the clutch to disengage the driving
wheel, which then moves independently of the shaft and the other driving wheel.
When both driving wheels are arranged to be disengaged, a sliding clutch is
arranged adjacent to each of them, and one connecting rod extends from the two-
armed piece on the aforesaid tubular shaft to each clutch lever. The releasing or
disengaging of the inside driving wheel simultaneously with the adjustment of the
guiding wheel greatly facilitates the steering of the velocipede.
In combination with the aforesaid steering apparatus I arrange brake operating
mechanism as follows, that is to say :-I arrange within the said vertical tubular shaft
a shaft or rod which extends through the said tubular shaft. This inner shaft is pro-
vided at its upper end with a suitable handle or lever for turning it. And at or near
its lower end the said inner shaft is provided with a screw threaded portion which
works through a nut or screw collar which engages with the outer end of a lever,
termed the brake-lever, in such a manner that when the said inner shaft is turned
by means of the handle on its upper end the said lever will be raised or depressed.
The said lever has an arm arranged in close proximity to the periphery of a wheel

page_text: or drum fixed on the driving wheel-shaft, and provided with a shoe or block of
wood or other suitable material, and when the said lever is depressed the said shoo
is forced into contact with the periphery of the said wheel with more or less
pressure as required. In machines constructed with the spur wheel arrangement,
I prefer that the surface on which the brake acts should be formed on the periphery
of the smaller chain wheel fixed to the main axle at the sides of the teeth thereof,
and the brake shoe or block is grooved or recessed for the passago of the said
teeth.
My Invention also relates to an improved manner of supporting the saddle or
seat of a velocipede, whereby I afford great elasticity to the same with a capability
of adjustment to adapt the vehicle for the use of persons of various heights. For this
purpose I mount the saddle on curved bars or bearers whose lower ends are hinged or
jointed to the frame at the rear of the velocipede in such a manner as to be capable
of vertical movement on these joints or pivots. The upper forward end of the said
bars have elastic support afforded to them as follows, that is to say:-On the
aforesaid vertical tubular shaft of the guiding or steering handle I fit a head or
block which rests with a capability of vertical movement upon a spiral spring coiled
around the said tubular shaft. The lower end of this spring rests upon a collar
which is made fast on the said shaft by a set-screw or other suitable device which
will perinit the said collar to be adjusted to raise or lower the same and fix it in
any desired position on the said shaft. The aforesaid block or head which rests on
the spiral spring is provided with two apertures for the reception of the ends of
the forward portion of the saddle bars, and is preferably provided with anti-friction
rollers for these ends to rest and work upon as the saddle rises and falls by tho
action of the said spring. By this arrangement the saddle or seat is supported in
such a manner as to be very comfortable and easy for the rider, and in a position
to allow convenient access to the various handles or levers whereby the velocipedo
is controlled.
I may modify this part of my Invention by connecting the rear end of the saddle
bars to side links which are jointed or pivoted to the said bars and to the sides of
the frame, the said bars being in this case further supported by a spring or springs
at their rear ends.
In some cases I arrange the vertical bars of the frame so that they are in close
proximity to the driving wheel shaft at the front of the vehicle. The steering
wheel is then placed at the rear and the saddle is about midway. between the
driving and steering wheels.
Another part of iny Invention relates to contrivances whereby the width of the
machine may be reduced to facilitate the packing of the same for carriage or
transport. For this purpose according to one arrangement of the parts I provide
means for adjusting one driving wheel by sliding it inward or toward the other
driving wheel upon its shaft. To permit this adjustment to be carried into effect I
construct the end of the boss or hub at the inner side of the wheel with an interior
conical portion, that is to say, the interior of the said boss is so formed that from
the outer side of the wheel it is cylindrical and considerably larger than the shaft,
but near the inner side of the wheel is so tapered as to terminate on this side in an
aperture but slightly larger than the said shaft; and I place on the extremity of
the shaft a conical or taper collar which fits the said taper end of the bore of the
boss and has a cylindrical portion or neck projecting therefrom outside the said end.
This neck is screw-threaded and has a nut fitted thereon. When this nut is made
tight against the face of the boss the boss will be held by and between the said
collar and nut, and the wheel will run freely on the end of the shaft which projects
into the said collar, the driving wheels being thus kept at their normal or proper
working distance apart. But when it is desired to reduce the width of the vehicle
for the purpose above specified the said nut is unscrewed; the end of the shaft
with the conical collar thereon is then pushed through the boss to the outer side of
the wheel, the width of the vehicle being thus considerably diminished. To provide
for supporting the wheel evenly when thus adjusted I fix on the said uut a thin

page_text: collar or washer which forms a temporary bearing for the inner end of the boss on
the shaft.
I modify this part of my Invention by providing means for conveniently removing
one of the wheels from the driving shaft as follows, that is to say :-I divide the said
shaft at any convenient part of the same into two lengths, on each of which I firmly
secure a flanged collar; one of the latter is so arranged on its portion of the shaft
as to leave space for the other portion of the said shaft to project from its collar
into the said space. When the velocipede is in use these two lengths of the shaft
are united by placing the two flanges together and securing them by bolts or screws
passed through the same. When the vehicle is to be packed or otherwise prepared
for carriage the two parts of the shaft are disconnected by unscrewing the said
flanges.
My Invention also comprises an improved roller bearing for velocipedes or other
vehicles. These improved bearings have a box of iron or other suitable metal. The said
box has a circular chamber whose central portion is occupied by the journal of the
shaft or axle to work therein. In the annular space between the said journal and
the periphery of the said chamber I arrange two circular series of rollers of
hardened steel or other suitable metal. The rollers of the inner series work in
contact with the journal and with the rollers of the outer series, and the latter work
in contact with the periphery of the said chamber, but none of the rollers in either
series work in contact with each other; I thus produce a roller bearing which will
be practically free from friction and will be very durable. This part of my Invention
is applicable for machine shafts in all cases where it is desirable to reduce the
friction of the bearings to a minimum.
I may combine the whole or any part of my, said improvements in one velocipedo,
and may apply some of such improvements to existing vehicles.

page_text: ני
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Soper in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 19th
October 1880.
WILLIAM SOPER, of Reading, in the County of Berks, Gun Manufacturer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE PARTLY APPLICABLE
TO OTHER MACHINES."
This Invention relates to velocipedes, and chiefly to tricycles or three-wheeled
velocipedes, and comprises various improvements in the construction of theso
vehicles as hereinafter specified, some of which improvements are applicable for other
purposes.
My Invention is illustrated in the accompanying Drawings, in which,―
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a velocipede with one of the driving wheels
removed; and
Figuro 2 is a vertical section of the samo on the line x, x, Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a horizontal section on the line x¹, x¹, Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a sido elevation.
Figuro 5, a plan; and
Figure 6, a transverse section of devices for securing the bearings for the shafts
in place, and other parts.
Figure 7 is a transverse section of the chain and brake wheels and adjacent parts
upon the driving shaft.
Figure 8 is a section illustrating the means for varying the relative speeds of the
treadle and driving wheel shafts.
Figure 9 is a side view, partly in section, of the same with the chain wheels
removed.
Figure 10 is a view of the inner face of the clutch and adjacent parts hereinafter
referred to.
Figure 11 is a central section, shewing the treadle axle or shaft provided with
two chain wheels, and a clutch and the lever for operating the same, as hereinafter
described; and
Figure 12 is a central section of the said clutch and lever.
Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the relative positions of the oval chain wheels
hereinafter referred to.
Figure 14 is a transverse section representing the means whereby the width of
the machine may be reduced, as hereinafter described.
Figure 15 represents in section my improved couplings for enabling a wheel to be
removed when desired.
Figure 16 is an end view of one of the said couplings; and
Figure 17, a similar view of the other coupling.
Figure 18 is a side view of my improved roller bearing, with the outer case
removed.
Figure 19 is a section, and Figure 20 a side view, shewing the method of adjusting
the bearings to compensate for the wear of the chain.
Figure 21 is an end view of the clutch for the driving wheel.
The said Invention relates partly to the construction of the frames of
velocipedes.
This part of my Invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, and is designed to
provide frames which will possess great strength and rigidity without great weight,
and which are so constructed as to permit the rider to mount and dismount from
the rear part of the velocipede, and when mounted to sit in an upright position
similar to that of a rider on an ordinary bicycle, so that he may thereby be
enabled to use bis whole strength with advantage and without great exertion, as
ordinarily necessitated.

page_text: as part of my invention into practice in connection with a velocipede
which has its steering wheel in front, I construct a frame of two similar sides
formed of flat bars of steel or iron, and united at various points by cross-bars or ties
in such a manner as to brace them firmly and securely together, and dispense with
welding, which is frequently imperfectly accomplished. Each side has a longitudinal
bar a, intersected at right angles or nearly so by a central vertical bar b, the two
sides of the frame being braced or tied together at the point of intersection of these
bars, as at a, aud at various other parts. The upper and lower extremities of the
said vertical bar bare connected by diagonal bars c at a point c¹ near the front end
of the said longitudinal bar a, and the sides are braced together at this point. This
longitudinal bar a and the lower diagonal bar care extended forward beyond this
point, and their extremities are connected by n vertical bar d. The two sides of
the frame are also braced together at these two extremities by cross-bars e, which
are provided with bearings for the vertical spindle f¹ of the small or guiding
wheel g. The lower extremity of each vertical bar b is also connected by diagonal
braces / to the rear portion of the longitudinal bars a. The said longitudinal bars
are extended beyond the point of their intersection with the said diagonal bars h,
and the two sides are further braced together at the rear extremity of the said bars
and at a point about midway between this rear extremity and the centre of the
frame. When the velocipede has the guiding wheel at the rear the construction of
the frame is somewhat modified to suit the different positions of the parts of the
vehicle.
Another part of my Invention, which is illustrated in Figures 4, 5, 6, and 11,
relates to the novel construction of and manner of securing in place the bearings or
boxes i for the treadle-shaft p and driving wheel shaft of velocipedes. I form
these bearings of steel, brass, gun-metal, malleable iron, or other suitable material.
On the body of the bearing box i, which is recessed to receive the hardened collar k,
I form a flange it, which is fitted in the proper position to the side of the frame, and
also another Hange 22 on the underside, so that the bearing will be firmly held at
three points, and secured to the said frame by screws or rivets. In applying these
bearings to a vehicle constructed according to my Invention the bearing for the
treadle shaft is preferably secured by the said flange to the rear diagonal bars hou
each side of the frame, and projects downward therefrom, as shewn in Figure 1. To
afford further support to the said bearing I form on its lower side the small lug or
extension (Figure 4), which I secure by a rivot, screw, or screws to a curved
or semi-circular bracket 2, which I attach by its two ends to the bar h of the
frame.
I provide the interior of my improved bearing i with the conical collar bush or
lining, as above stated, and I form or fix on the shaft a conical collar or journal m
to work in the said bush k. As the surfaces of the bearing & and the journal m
wear away and become loose their conical formation permits of their being
tightened as follows, that is to say, the conical collar or journal of one of the
bearings of the shaft is fitted to slide on a longitudinal key or feather fixed on
the said shaft, and is arranged in combination with devices whereby it may be
forced into the conical bush of the bearing. I prefer to use for this purpose two
screw-nuts n, n, fitted to screw-threads on a collar o of the shaft. One of these
nuts n serves to force the conical collar m into the bush k, and thereby forces back
the shaft, so that the conical collar of the other bearing thereof is also forced into
the bush of the said bearing; thus both journals are adjusted simultaneously. The
other nut n serves as a lock-nut to secure the first nut, and prevent its displacement
after the bearings have been made properly tight. These devices are used for the
treadle-shaft, and for the driving wheel shaft of velocipedes, in which the treadles
are not placed on the same shaft as the driving wheels.
Another part of my Invention, which is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, relates to
means for varying the relative speeds of the treadle-shaft p and driving wheel
shaft of such velocipedes, for the purpose of enabling the rider to adjust the
vehicle to run either on a level or a hilly road. For this purpose I employ the

page_text: following arrangements, that is to say:-The treadle shaft p which extends through
its bearings i at each side of the vehicle, and has the treadles or pedals q fixed on
its outer ends, has fixed on it a toothed pinion r. This pinion is geared with a spur-
wheels, larger in diameter than the said pinion, and fixed on a tubular counter-shaft t;
the latter is mounted, and turns freely on a shaft or rod t fixed in the ends of two 5
adjustable arms or brackets u, and arranged parallel with the said treadle-shaft, p.
These arms or brackets project from a long boss or tubular shaft u', of which they
form a part, and which is mounted with a capability of adjustment vertically on a
fixed shaft or bar u, whose ends are secured in the sides of the frame h. The
nforesaid counter-shaft t, which carries the spur-wheel 8, also carries a smaller
wheel v, which gears with a wheel v² of equal diameter mounted to turn loosely or
independently on the treadle-shaft 7, and which is attached to or forms a part of a
chain-wheel w. From the latter a chain a* is extended to and over a chain wheel y
(sec Figure 7) on the driving wheel shaft, so that the motion of the treadle-shaft p
will be transmitted through the medium of the said chain * to the driving wheel
shaft j. When the vehicle is running on level ground, and a quick speed is desired
the treadle-shaft 2 is caused by a sliding clutch-piece z or other suitable device to
The aforesaid spur-
engage directly with the chain-wheel w mounted thereon.
wheels 8 and on the tubular counter-shaft being thrown out of gear with the
pinion on the treadle-shaft by the action of the lever u upon the bracket 2,
whereby the said countershaft t is supported, the end of the said lever u extends
in an upward direction, so as to be within easy reach of the rider; on the other
hand, when a slow speed of the vehicle is required to enable the rider to exert
great power upon the driving shaft, and thereby ascend steep inclines, the said spur
wheels & and are brought into gear with the pinions and v² on the treadle-
shaft p, and the clutch-piece Z is adjusted by the crank A (which is connected
with the bracket u by means of the connecting rod A¹) to disconnect the chain
wheel w from the said treadle-shaft p, the said chain wheel being then driven
through the medium of the said pinion 7 and the intermediate wheels 8, v,
and v².
8
According to the modification of this part of my Invention, illustrated in
Figures 11 and 12, I mount on the treadle-shaft p, with a capability of turning
independently thereon, two chain-wheels W, W' of different diameters, and 1 fix two
chain-wheels Y, Y' (Figure 7) of different diameters on the driving wheel shaft j.
The wheels W, WI, on the treadle-shaft are connected by the chains * with those
on the driving shaft j, the larger wheel Y₁ on the one shaft being connected with
the smaller wheel W on the other shaft. Between the two chain-wheels W, W¹,
on the treadle-shaft I arrange a clutch Z or similar device, which is compelled to
rotate with the said shaft p, but is free to slide endwise thereon, so that it may be
caused to engage with either the large chain wheel W or the small chain wheel W',
according to the desired speed of the vehicle. The clutch Z is formed with a round
hole through its centre, and has four slots or grooves formed in it, which slots
correspond with four keys or projections p¹ on the treadle-shaft, so that the four
keys will effectually prevent the said shaft from turning without carrying with it
the clutch Z. On either side of the said clutch Z are four holes Z', into which the
studs We fixed on the chain-wheels W and W₁ can enter freely when the clutch
is brought into contact with either wheel The said clutch is formed with an
annular groove in its circumference; in this groove the collar D is arranged to turn
freely, and is provided with arms or trunnions D', which fit into slots provided in
the forked end of the lever B.
The lever B whereby the clutch Z or other adjusting device is operated is
pivotted or fulcrummed to a cross-bar C of the frame a, and extends up into a
position adjacent to the saddle D.
I further: modify this part of my Invention by using oval chain-wheels (see
Figure 13) on the treadle and driving wheel shafts. The wheel on the treadle-shaft
is fixed thereon with its major axis at right angles to the line of the treadles, and
the wheel on the other shaft is fixed thereon in such a position that its major axis

page_text: will be at right angles to that of the wheel on the treadle shaft. The object of this
arrangement is to cause the treadles to pass more rapidly over those portions of
their revolution, which is generally known as the dead points, and thus allow a
proportionately longer time during each revolution, in which the power of the rider
may be exerted effectually upon the treadle.
My Invention also relates to improved apparatus for enabling the rider to guide
or steer a velocipede with great facility. For this purpose I fix the steering bar
or bandles E (Figures 1 and 2) on the upper end of a vertical tubular rod or
shaft F, which has a bearing in a cross-bar b¹ at or near the top of the frame of
the vehicle and another bearing on the cross-bar a at or near the longitudinal
centre of the said frame. This tubular shaft has on its lower portion a two-armed
piece G from which connecting rods H, H, extend to arins on the vertical shaft ƒ¹
of the fork, which is constructed to hold the small or guiding wheel. And the
said two-armed piece may also have jointed to it two connecting rods which extend
to the driving wheel shaft, and which are there connected with a sliding clutch or
similar device or devices arranged in combination with one or both driving wheels
for effecting the engagement or release of the sainc. The said driving wheel or
wheels must be mounted to turn loosely upon the said shaft. When only one
driving wheel is arranged to be disengaged only one of such clutches is required.
This clutch or a portion of the same must be so fitted on the said shaft as to turn
therewith, but with a capability of sliding end wise thereon into and out of engage-
ment with the driving wheel. The ends of the aforesaid connecting rods are
provided with longitudinal slots through which extends a pin or stud on one arni
of a lever whose other arm engages with the sliding clutch. These slots are so .
formed and arranged that when the steering bar or handle is adjusted to turn the
guiding wheel in either direction, one of the said connecting rods must move the
clutch to disengage the driving wheel which then moves independently of the
shaft and the other driving wheel. When both driving wheels are arranged to be
disengaged a sliding clutch is arranged adjacent to each of them and one connecting
rod extends from the two-armed piece on the aforesaid tubular shaft to each
clutch-lever. The releasing or disengaging of the inside driving wheel simultaneously
with the adjustment of the guiding wheel greatly facilitates the steering of the
velocipede. But as considerable difficulty has on some occasions been experienced
in releasing the clutch of the driving wheel simultaneously with the adjustment of
the guiding wheel, I prefer the arrangement which is illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, +,
and 5, and which I will now proceed to describe. As it is only necessary to
disengage one wheel in order that the velocipede may turn readily in either
direction, I fix the driving wheel I, Figure 1, on the left side firmly on the axle.j,
and allow the wheel 1' on the right side (which wheel is of the same diameter as
the one on the left side) to revolve freely on the other end of the said axle. Near
to but at an equal distance from the centre of this wheel I', I fix two steel studs 1ª,
which are so arranged as to fit into holes provided for their reception in the clutch J.
This clutch J is preferably formed by fixing a round plate J of steel (in which
holes are made to correspond with the studs 12) on one side of the clutch, as seen in
Figure 21, and on its other side a piece of tube Je, at the other end of which is
fixed a flange or collar Js. The clutch J is made to slide freely endwise upon the
axle j, but as the said axle is provided with keys, feathers, or projections, as also
shewn in Figure 21, to fit into corresponding slots formed in the clutch J, the
latter must always revolve with the axle j, so that when the clutch J is forced or
brought into contact with the wheel 11 by the action of a spiral spring which
works on the axle j and inside of the clutch tube J2, the studs 12 on the wheel I¹
enter the holes in the clutch-plate J1, and the wheel 1' is forced to rotate at the
same speed as the axle j or the fixed wheel I. In order to operate this clutch with
certainty and rapidity I provide the bell-crank-lever K, which turns freely on the
pin L, and is held in its place by the two brackets M, M. This bell-crank lever K
has one end forked, as shewn at K', to fit freely over the clutch-tube J2 and against
the flange of the collar J³, and at or nearly at a right angle with the said fork,

page_text: another arm K is suitably formed to receive the end of the connecting rod N,
which is secured to the arm K by a screw and locking nut in such a manner as to
allow the arm K' and the connecting rod N to work freely. At the other end of
the connecting rod N; I form a loop N' into which I fix one end of the lever O,
Figure 1, which is mounted between a staple O' and the bar a, so that the lever O
works freely in the lock formed on the connecting rod N', and between the
staple O' and bar a. Near the upper end of the lever OI fix in the vertical bar b
the guide-bar Os, which is formed with a slot within which the lever O is free to
move, and at the end of the slot nearest the saddle I form a recess into which the
said lever O is caused to spring and is thereby securely held in its position. It
will thus be seen that when the handle 03 of the lever O is pulled by the rider
towards himself the connecting rod N will act upon the arm K' of the bell-crank-
lever K, and the arms K¹ will operate the clutch J by withdrawing it from its con-
nection with the wheel 1', thereby allowing the said wheel 1 to move independently
of the axle j or the wheel I. If the rider wishes to have both wheels engaged in
driving (as in mounting a hill) he has only to force the handle 0 out of its recess
in the guide-bar 02 when the spiral spring inside the clutch-tube J will at once
force the clutch J into contact with the studs I of the wheel 1', thus giving the
rider power to engage or disengago the wheel I' at pleasure.
In combination with the aforesaid steering apparatus I arrango brake operating
mechanism as follows, that is to say, I arrange within the said vertical tubular
shaft F a shaft or rod P, which extends through the said tubular shaft. This inner
shaft is provided at its upper end with a suitable handle or lever P' for turning it,
and at or near its lower end the said inner shaft is provided with a screw-threaded
portion P, which works through a nut or screw-collar P³, which engages with the
outer end of a lever Q termed the brake-lever, in such a manner that when the
said inner shaft P is turned by means of the handle P' on its upper end the said
lever will be raised or depressed. This lever Q has an arm Q' arranged in close
proximity to the periphery of a wheel or drum R fixed on the driving wheel
shaft j, and provided with a shoe or block Q' of wood or other suitable material,
and when the said lever is depressed the said shoe Q is forced into contact with
the periphery of the said wheel R with more or less pressure as required. When I
provide a velocipede with the spur-wheel arrangement described with reference to
Figures 8 and 9, I prefer that the surface on which the brake acts should be formed
on the periphery of the smaller chain-wheel y (fixed to the main axle) at the sides
of the teeth thereof and the brake shoe or block is grooved or recessed for the
passage of the said teeth.
My Invention also relates to an improved manner of supporting the saddle or
seat D of a velocipede whereby I afford great elasticity to the same with a
capability of adjustment to adapt the vehicle for the use of persons of various
heights. For this purpose I mount the saddle D on curved bars or bearers Di
whose lower ends may be hinged or jointed to the frame at the rear of the
velocipede in such a manner as to be capable of vertical movement on their joints
or pivots. But I prefer to mount or hinge the saddle-bars D' on a T-piece S fixed
to a picco of tubing S which is held in place by the cross-pieces of the frame T, T,
each of which is provided with a hole in the centre through which the tube S' is
made to work freely. In the tube S' holes are made similar to those in the tube F,
so that by means of a set screw or screws in the collar S the tube S' which
carries the rear ends of the saddle-bars D' can be adjusted to suit different riders.
The collar S is supported or pressed upwards by a spiral spring S³ which rests on
the cross-piece T". The upper forward ends of the said bars D' have elastic
support afforded to them as follows, that is to say:-On the aforesaid vertical
tubular shaft F of the guiding or steering handle EI fit a head or block U which
rests with a capability of vertical movement upon a spiral spring U' coiled around
the said tubular shaft F. The lower end of this spring rests upon a collar U²
which is made fast on the said shaft by a set-screw or screws, or other suitable
device, which will permit the said collar to be adjusted to raise or lower the same

page_text: and fix it in any desired position on the said shaft F. The aforesaid block U or
head which rests on the spiral spring U' is provided with two apertures for the
reception of the ends of the forward portion of the saddle bars, and is preferably
provided with anti-friction rollers for these ends to rest and work upon as the
saddle D rises and falls by the action of the said spring. By this arrangement the
saddle D or sent is supported in such a manner as to be very comfortable and easy
for the rider, and in a position to allow convenient access to the various handles or
levers whereby the velocipede is controlled.
I may modify this part of my Invention by connecting the rear end of the
saddle-bars to side links which are jointed or pivotted to the said bars and to the
sides of the frame, the said bars being in this case further supported by a spring or
springs at their rear ends.
In some cases I arrange the vertical bars of the frame so that they are in close
proximity to the driving wheel shaft at the front of the vehicle.
The steering
wheel is then placed at the rear, and the saddle is about midway between tho
driving and steering wheels. .
Another part of iny Invention relates to contrivances whereby the width of the
machine may be reduced to facilitate the packing of the same for carriage or
transport. For this purpose according to one arrangement of the parts I provide
means for adjusting the driving wheel I by sliding it inward or toward the other
driving wheel I' upon its shaft. To permit this adjustment to be carried into
effect I construct the end of the boss or hub 1, Figure 14, at the inner side of the
wheel I with an interior conical portion 1', that is to say, the interior of the said
boss is so formed that from the outer side of the wheel it is cylindrical and
considerably larger than the shaft, but near the inner side of the wheel is so tapered
as to terminate on this side in an aperture, but slightly larger than the said shaft.
And I place on the extremity of the shaft ja conical or taper collar which fits
the said taper end I of the bore of the boss, and has a cylindrical portion or neck ja
projecting therefrom outside the said end. This neck is screw-threaded and has a
nut fitted thereon. When this nut is made tight against the face of the boss
the boss will be held by and between the said collar and nut, and the wheel will
be held firmly on the end of the shaft which projects into the said collar, the
driving wheels being thus kept at their normal or proper working distance apart;
but when it is desired to reduce the width of the vehicle for the purpose above
specified the said nut is unscrewed; the end of the shaft with the conical collar
thereon is then pushed through the boss to the outer side of the wheel, the width
of the vehicle being thus considerably diminished. To provide for supporting the
wheel evenly when thus adjusted I fix on the shaft j a collar of the proper size to
fit into the cylindrical portion of the taper end 1' which forms a temporary bearing
for the inner end of the boss on the shaft.
I modify this part of my Invention by providing means for conveniently
removing one of the wheels from the driving shaft as follows, that is to say :-I
divide the said shaft at any convenient part of the same into two lengths, as shewn
in Figure 15, on each of which I firmly secure a flanged collar or coupling V, V₁;
one of the said collars V is so arranged on its portion of the shaft j as to leave
space for the other portion of the said shaft j to project from its collar V into the
said space. When the velocipede is in use these two lengths of the shaft are united
by placing the two flanges together and securing them by bolts or screws passed
through the same. When the vehicle is to be packed or otherwise prepared for
carriage the two parts of the shaft are disconnected by loosening the nuts V and
turning the flange VI until the nuts are opposite the large holes V³, when the
wheel 1 and portion of the shaftj may be detached.
My Invention also comprises an improved roller bearing for velocipedes or other
vehicles, as shown in Figure 18; these improved bearings have a box a° of iron or
other suitable metal. The said box has a circular chamber whose central portion
is occupied by the journal of the shaft or axle to work therein. In the annular
space between the said journal and the periphery of the said chamber I arrange

page_text: two circular series of rollers of hardened steel or other suitable metal. The rollers
of the inner series work in contact with tho journal and with the rollers of the
outer series, and the latter work in contact with the periphery of the said
chamber a, but none of the rollers in either series work in contact with each
other. I thus produce a roller bearing which will be practically free from friction
and will be very durable. This part of my Invention is applicable for machine-
shafts in all cases where it is desirable to reduce the friction of the bearings to a
minimum. I may combine the whole or any part of my said improvements in
one velocipede, and may apply some of such improvements to existing vehicles.
Having thus fully described my said Invention, and shewn how the same may
be conveniently and advantageously carried into practice, I wish it understood that
I claim,―
First. The improvements in and relating to the construction of the frames of
velocipedes, substantially as set forth and for the purposes specified.
Second. The improvements in and relating to the means or devices for changing
the relative speeds of the treadle-shaft and driving wheel shaft of a velocipede,
substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Third. In a velocipede the improved steering apparatus consisting of the parts
constructed and combined, substantially as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the
Drawings, and operating as set forthi.
Fourth. In a velocipede the improved brake-mechanism arranged as shewn in
Figures 1, 2, 3 of the Drawings, and operating as set forth.
Fifth. The improvements relating to the combination of parts whereby the said
steering apparatus and brake-mechanism are arranged conveniently under the
control of the rider as above set forth.
Sixth. In a velocipedo the improvements relating to the meaus whereby the.
rider is enabled to adjust the driving wheel into or out of action either simulta-
neously with or independently of the action of the steering apparatus, substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
Seventh. The improvements in and relating to the bearing boxes, as described
with reference to Figures to 6 of the Drawings for the purposes specified.
Eighth. The improvements in and relating to roller journal bearings, substantially
as and for the purposes specified.
Ninth. In a velocipede the improvements relating to the combination with the
treadles of the oval chain-wheels arranged and operating substantially as and for
the purposes specified.
Tenth. The improved devices for altering the width of the velocipede, substan-
tially as described with reference to Figure 14 of the Drawings, and for the purposes
specified.
Eleventh. The improvements in shaft couplings, substantially as described in con-
nection with Figures 15, 16, and 17 of the Drawings, and for the purposes specified.
Twelfth. The improvements relating to the supporting of the saddle or seat of
a velocipede, so that the same has the required elasticity combined with facility of
adjustment at either of its ends, substantially as set forth.
Thirteenth. The velocipede constructed as shewn in Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the
Drawings, and embodying my above specified improvements or any of them in
combination with the other parts of the vehicle, substantially as and for the purposes
specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Soper, have hereunto set, my hand
and seal, this Nineteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty