IMPROVEMENTS IN HANDLE BARS FOR VELOCIPEDES
Year: 1885

page_text: I, FRANCIS JOSEPH JAMES GIBBONS, of Saint John's Works, Church Lane,
Wolverhampton in the County of Stafford, velocipede manufacturer, do hereby
declare the nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN HANDLE BARS FOR
VELOCIPEDES, to be as follows:-
This invention refers to handle bars of velocipedes placed, as usual, crosswise in
front of the rider-Its object is to devise means by which, either the whole, or a
part, of a bar of such description may be turned from such position independently
of the steering spindle or head or other part on which such bar is mounted, in
order to allow room for the rider, conveniently gaining access to the seat or saddle,
or for other purpose, and may, when such purpose is accomplished, be turned again
into and locked in its former position.
According to one means of carrying this invention into effect, the handle bar is
mounted upon the steering spindle or head or other part of a velocipede, so that it
may be capable of turning thereon in a horizontal plane-A bolt is carried within
the boss or central part of the handle, and a hole corresponding thereto is formed
in the steering spindle or head or other part on which the handle is mounted, in
such position that the bolt may be shot into such hole when the handle is in its
ordinary or normal position, by which means the handle is locked in such position
upon the spindle, head, or other parts-A handle lever is fulcrumed to the handle
bar, and is geared at one end with the bolt, aforesaid, and terminates at the other
end in a handle in such position, in relation to one of the handle bar handles, that
both the lever handle and the handle on the bar may be readily grasped by hand-
The bolt may thus be withdrawn from the hole, aforesaid, to admit of the handle
bar being turned-The bolt is shot forwards into the hole to lock the handle bar
by means of a spring.
According to a modification of this invention, part of the handle bar is made
capable of being turned at an angle to the axis of the bar, by being hinged to a
block upon the bar, or attached to the bar by means of a ball-and-socket or other
convenient universal joint, and the hinged part of the bar is provided with a bolt,
preferably down its axis (which is of course in this case hollow) capable of being
slid into a hole within the block or other part of the bar to which the hinged
piece is binged-This bolt is pressed forward into the hole, aforesaid, by means of
a spiral spring around it, and preferably therefore within the hinged part of the

page_text: handle, and is withdrawn therefrom by means of a handle lever fulcrumed to the
hinged part of the bar, and having the handle in such position, in relation to the
handle of the hinged part of the bar, that both handles may be readily grasped
together by the hand.
According to a further modification of this invention, a hinged shank is carried
on the end of the part of the handle bar which is to be hinged to the fixed part-
The hinged shank, and part of the bar hinged thereto, are made to fit within the
other part of the bar, so as to be capable of being slid inwards and outwards
therein, and a straight groove is formed along the shank and along the part
of the hinged part of the bar which fits within the other part of the bar, such
groove being carried to nearly, the end of the shank, and a pin or stud passing
through one side of the fixed part of the bar takes into such groove, and
prevents the hinged shank, and the part of the bar which is hinged thereto, from
being turned axially, and also forms a stop to the motion of the hinged shank
outward A handle lever is carried on the hinged part of the bar, and has a
projection at its inner end which takes through the side of the fixed part of the
bar, and into a hole in the hinged shank, when such shank is pushed to its extreme
position inwards-The handle is pressed by means of a spring to force the
projection through the side of the bar and into the hole, aforesaid, when the shank
is in its extreme position inwards, at which point the hinge also is well within the
fixed part of the bar, and thus maintains the hinged part of the bar rigid with the
fixed part thereof, the locking of the hinge thus being effected by the tubular part
of the bar surrounding the hinge, in combination with the projection which
prevents the hinge being drawn out of such tubular part-When it is desired to
turn the hinged part of the bar at an angle, the handle of the handle lever, which
is in an analagous position to the corresponding lever handle already described,
is grasped towards the handle of the hinged bar, and the projection is thus
withdrawn from the hole in the hinged shank and from the hole through the side
of the bar The hinged shank is then drawn forward until the hinge is outside the
end of the fixed part of the handle bar, and the hinged part of the handle bar may
then be turned at an angle with the fixed part, as desired.
.
.
Dated this twenty-fifth day of July 1885

page_text: I, FRANCIS JOSEPH JAMES GIBBONS, of Saint John's Works, Church Lane,
Wolverhampton in the County of Stafford, velocipede manufacturer, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the accompanying drawings and the letters of
reference marked thereon (that is to say) :—
This invention refers to handle-bars of velocipedes which are placed, as usual,
crosswise in front of the rider; and has for its object certain means by which either
the whole or a part of a bandle-bar of such description may be turned from such
position independently of the steering spindle or head or other part on which such
bar is mounted, in order to allow room for the rider conveniently gaining access to
the seat or saddle, or for other purpose, and may, when such purpose is accomplished,
be turned again into and locked in its former position.
Various means are employed, according to this invention, by which the handle-
bar or part thereof may be turned, independently of the steering spindle or head
or other part on which it is mounted, either in a horizontal, inclined, or vertical
plane; but the locking arrangement for fixing such bar, or such part of a bar, in
its ordinary or normal position, in relation to the steering spindle or head or other
part on which it is mounted, consists, preferably, in each case of a lever fulcrumed
to the handle-bar, or, if only part of the handle-bar is capable of being turned in
the manner before described, fulcrumed to such part which is capable of being so
turned, in combination with a suitable pin or equivalent part upon or connected
with such lever, and capable of interlocking with the hinged or swivelled joint of
the handle-bar when such bar or part thereof capable of being turned as aforesaid
is in its ordinary or normal position. This lever is of the character commonly
employed as the brake lever in the case of velocipedes steered by means of a cross
handle in front of the rider, and is maintained in its locking position by means of
a spring, against the pressure of which it is drawn back to unlock the hinged or
swivelled joint of the handle-bar.
A modification of this invention is illustrated in plan by figure 1, and in front
elevation by figure 2. Figure 3 is a section taken on line zx of figure 2, looking
in the direction of the arrow a¹. A is the part of the handle-bar of a velocipede
on one side of the steering spindle, and A¹ is the part of the handle-bar on the
other side of such spindle, but most of this latter part is broken away for con-
venience of illustration. B is the steering spindle, shewn by broken lines, figure 1,
somewhat in advance of the handle. C is a connecting block or boss by which the
handle is fixed to the spindle. The part A¹ of the handle-bar is fixed, permanently,
rigidly to the block C, but the part A is hinged to such block by means of a
feather a secured between two lugs b b on the underside of the block C, by means
of a pin c. d is a similar feather fitting between lugs e e on the top of the block C.
D is a lever fulcrumed to the part A at f, and formed with a part g fitting within
a hole through the lugs e e and feather d. In the position in which the parts are
shewn by figures 1 and 2, the part g is within such hole, and holds the feather d,
and consequently the part A, rigidly to the block C. The part A may be turned
down into the position shewn by figure 4 (which is a corresponding view to

page_text: figure 2) by first drawing backwards the handle E on the lever D, and consequently
drawing the part g out of the snugs e e and feather d. The end E of the lever Ď
is forced outwards from the handle-bar by the spring F when no force is exerted to
pull such end inwards.
at h.
A further modification is illustrated by figures 5, 6 and 7, which are, respectively,
corresponding views to figures 1, 2 and 4. In these figures the parts corresponding
to those in figures 1, 2 and 4 are similarly lettered. The block C is formed with a
projecting part C¹. J is a block fixed to the part A, and hinged to the block C
G is a spiral spring within the part A, and H a wedge-piece carried so as to
be capable of sliding within the block J and the part A, but in its normal position
having its forward end projecting into the block C when the part A is in a line with
the part A. K is a tongue of metal inserted within a hole drilled into the block C,
so as to leave a cavity into which the narrow end of the wedge-piece H fits. j is a
rod fixed to the wedge-piece H and passing along the axis of the spring G. This
rod passes out at the curve of the part A, and is connected by means of short
links with one end of the lever D, so that as the end E of the lever is drawn
back, the rod j, and consequently the wedge-piece H, are drawn backwards against
the pressure of the spring G. When the parts are in the position shewn by
figures 5 and 6, the part A is held rigidly to the block C by means of the
tongue H. The part A may be turned up into the position shewn by figure 7, by
first drawing back the handle E and thus drawing the wedge-piece H out of the
block C.
A further modification is illustrated by figures 8 and 9, which are, respectively,
corresponding views to figures 1 and 2. Figure 10 is a vertical section taken on
line y y of figure 9. In these figures the parts corresponding to those in figures 1
and 2 are similarly lettered. Both the parts A and A¹ of the handle-bar are,
permanently, fixed rigidly to a block L, and to this block is fixed (or formed) a
disc M. N is a corresponding disc fixed to or formed with the block C which is
fixed to the steering spindle B. O is a stud-pin passing through the centre of the
block L and disc M, and screwed rigidly into the disc N; and are lock-nuts by
which the disc M is set against the disc N, but so as to be capable of turning
easily thereagainst, on the pin O. p is a sliding-piece fitting within a hole
(preferably rectangular) through both discs, so as to securely prevent the disc M
from turning. This piece is held down on the top of the block C by a pin pl
passing through a slotted hole q in the sliding-piece, so as to allow of the sliding-
piece being drawn out of the hole through the disc M. q' is a pin swivelled into
a lug on the end of the sliding-piece p, and has a common axis with the pin O.
The inner end of the lever D engages with the pin q¹. In the position in which
the parts are shewn by the figures the handle-bar is in its ordinary position in
relation to the spindle B; but the handle-bar may be turned into the position
shewn by broken lines, figure 9, or into any intermediate position, by first drawing
back the end E of the lever D and thus drawing the sliding-piece out of the hole
through the disc M. 7 forms a stop to prevent the sliding-piece p being drawn
out of the hole through the disc N.
The last-described modification may, of course, be modified so that the handle-
bar may be turned, independently of the spindle, in a horizontal plane instead of in
a vertical plane.
A further modification is illustrated in sectional plan by figure 11, and in
sectional elevation by figure 12, part of the handle-bar being shewn by the latter
view as if turned down. In these figures, also, the parts corresponding to those in
figures 1 and 2 are similarly lettered. The part A¹ of the handle-bar is continued
through the block C on the side on which the part A of the handle-bar is carried.
b' is a collar on the end of this extension of the part A¹, and c¹ is a corresponding
collar on the inner end of the part A. C¹ is a rod fixed within the inner end of
the part A, and passing into the end of the part A¹, where it is hinged at d to a
part B, capable of sliding endways within the part A¹. g is a part on the inner
end of the lever D which passes through a hole in the part A¹ (and through a

page_text: clearance hole also in the rod C¹) when the parts are in the position shewn by
figure 11. When it is desired to turn downwards, or upwards, the part A of the
handle-bar, the end E of the lever D is drawn backwards, and the part g on the
other end thereof is thus drawn out of the part A. The part A is then drawn
outwards from the part A', until the part B¹ is pulled sufficiently far to bring the
hinge connection d¹ clear out of the part A¹, as shewn in figure 12. The part A
may then be turned down into the position shewn by figure 12, or it may, of
course, be turned upwards, if preferred. 61 is a groove extending part of the
length of the rod C¹ and part B₁, and f' is a stud within the part A¹ and projecting
into the groove el so as to prevent the rod C¹ and part Bi from turning in the
part A, and also to act as a stop to the outward movement of the part B¹.
h¹h are dowel pegs on the collar b₁ fitting into dowel holes in the collar c¹ when
the two collars are together as shewn in figure 11. A slot or groove j¹ is cut
through the collar b¹, so as to admit of the end of the part g being drawn there-
through as the part A is drawn outwards from the part A'. In figure 12 the inner
end only of the part A is shewn, for convenience of illustration.
A further modification is illustrated in plan by figure 13. The parts in this view
corresponding to those in figure 1 are similarly lettered. According to this
modification both the parts A and A¹ of the handle-bar are fixed to the block C,
but the block C is made capable of turning on the spindle B. A stúd g geared
with the inner end of the lever D passes through one side of the block C, and,
when the handle-bar is in its normal position in relation to the spindle, the inner
end of the stud g enters also a recess or hole in the spindle B and thus securely
prevents the handle-bar from being turned upon the spindle. The stud g is drawn
out of gear with the spindle B by operating the lever D, as in the previously
described modifications. This modification may be further modified by employing
a lever D, rod j with bolt on inner end thereof, and spring G, similar to the
arrangement shewn at figure 6, and forming the inner end of the bolt to interlock
with the spindle B, in lieu of the arrangement of lever, spring, and stud g, shewn
by figure 13.
Each of the modifications above-described may be adapted to admit of the handle
or part thereof, as the case may be, being turned independently of the steering
spindle, head, or other part on which it is mounted, either in a vertical, inclined, or
horizontal plane.
Figure 14 illustrates in front elevation, and figure 15 in plan, a modification of
Martin's arrangement of hinged or swivelled handle-bar, described in his complete
specification filed in pursuance of an application for Letters Patent No 2847 of
1885, shewing my improved. lever-locking arrangement applied thereto. In these
figures, also, the parts corresponding to those in figures 1 and 2 are similarly
lettered. Figure 16 is a plan corresponding to figure 15, but with the part A of.
the handle-bar shewn turned at right angles to the part A. D is a locking lever
which I employ in combination with the locking pin g. This lever is fulcrumed to
the handle-bar at f, and the back end of the lever is pressed up, so as to put a
downward pressure on the locking pin g, by means of a spring F. When it is
desired to raise the locking pin g, so that the part A of the handle-bar may be
turned in relation of the other part of the handle-bar, the thumb is pressed down
on the part E of the lever D.
I would here observe that I do not claim as novel swivelling a handle-bar or
part of a handle-bar of a velocipede, otherwise than in substantially the manner
herein described and specifically claimed.
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. In a velocipede, the several arrangements substantially as herein described
and shewn by figures 1 to 7 inclusive, and by figures 11 and 12, of the accom-
panying drawings, according to which part of the handle-bar may be turned from

page_text: its usual position crosswise in front of the rider, and independently of the steering
spindle or other part on which it is mounted, in combination with means, sub-
stantially as described, by which such part of the handle-bar may be locked in its
normal position in relation to the spindle or other part on which it is mounted.
2. In a velocipede, the arrangements substantially as described and illustrated
by figures 8, 9, 10 and 13 of the accompanying drawings, and also the modified
arrangement described with reference, conjunctively, to figures 6 and 13, according
to which a handle-bar may be turned from its usual position crosswise in front of
the rider, and independently of the steering spindle or other part on which it is
mounted, in combination with means, substantially as described, by which such
handle-bar may be locked in its normal position in relation to the spindle or other
part on which it is mounted.
3. In a velocipede in which a handle-bar or part thereof is made capable of
being turned from its normal position independently of the steering spindle or
other part on which it is mounted, locking and unlocking such handle-bar or part
thereof to or from the spindle or other part on which it is mounted, by means of a
lever fulcrumed to such handle-bar or part thereof, in combination with a suitable
locking pin or stud, or corresponding part, and a spring to operate in forcing such
pin or stud, or corresponding part, into and maintaining it in its locked position.
Dated this twenty-second day of April 1886.