Improvements in Velocipedes.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Nov., 1887
Complete Specification Left, 20th Aug., 1888
Complete Specification Accepted, 21st Sept., 1888
Improvements in Velocipedes.
I JOHN KEMP STARLEY of the Meteor Works Coventry in the county of Warwick
Velocipede Manufacturer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to that class of velocipedes wherein joints are interposed
between the driving and steering wheels for the purpose of lessening vibration.
Hitherto in such velocipedes plain surface joints have been used which soon
wear causing them to become loose and unreliable and such joints need constant
lubrication.
According to my invention I fit ball or like antifrictional bearings to such joints
whereby the same may be kept tight and yet free to work and diminish the necessity
for frequent lubrication.
In applying my invention say to my well known "Rover" bicycle or "Roamer"
tricycle I may form the links connecting the steering fork to the fixed frame
with forked or open ends in which I pass and screw a spindle secured to each side
by lock nuts or otherwise.
One side of the spindle carries a fixed cone screwing into one side of the link and
an adjusting cone fits on the opposite end of the spindle.
I place on the spindle balls running in races formed between it and a collar or
sleeve to which I attach a lug or connection to fix to the fork or steering post
on the frame.
There is no special novel feature in the bearing itself and I merely give it as an
illustration.
Dated this 19th day of November 1887.
POPPLEWELL, COLTON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Velocipedes.
I JOHN KEMP STARLEY of Meteor Works Coventry in the County of Warwick,
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 ascer-
tained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to that class of velocipedes wherein joints are interposed 5
between the driving and steering wheels for the purpose of lessening vibration.
Hitherto in such velocipedes plain surface joints have been used which soon
wear causing them to become loose and unreliable and such joints need constant
lubrication.
According to my invention I fit ball or like antifrictional bearings to such joints 1
whereby the same may be kept tight, and yet free to work, and diminish the necessity
for frequent lubrication.
Referring to the accompanying sheet of drawings and to the figures and letters of
reference marked thereon,
Figure 1 is a plan of the link connection between the fixed frame and steering fork 1
or post of my well known "Rover" bicycle or "Roamer" tricycle.
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same. I may form the links A connecting the
steering fork B to the fixed frame of either tricycle or bicycle with forked or open
ends CCC C². The joint of the link connection to the fixed frame is shewn in plan
and the joint of the link connection to the steering fork or post is shewn in sectional
plan.
CC are the forked or open ends of the joint of the link connection to the fixed
frame and C3 and C³ those of the link connection to the steering fork or post. In
each of the forked or open ends I pass and screw a spindle D secured to each side
by locknuts. One side of the spindle D carries a fixed cone E, the said side of the i
spindle screwing into the side 03 of the link. F, is a locknut holding the same,
and F a square on the spindle D.
An adjusting cone G screws on to the end of the spindle D and a locknut and
washer H sets up the same.
I place on the cones E, G on the spindle D, balls, (or I could adapt the surfaces for
conical or parallel rollers) running in races formed between it and a collar or sleeve I
to which I attach a lug or connection J to fix to the fork or steering post. The other
forked or open end of the link is similarly treated, but the connection J¹ is brazed to
or fixed the frame. I prefer to use hard linings K, K³, such as hardened steel in the
collar or sleeve I for the balls to run against which can be replaced when worn.
Figure 3 is a plan of part of a link and
Figure 4 a side elevation of the same.
In this I dispense with the through spindle and use stud spindles L M having
conical surfaces as in the spindle D, said stud spindles L M screwing into the
forked or open ends of the link A, and being held thereto by lock and adjusting .
XTO

page_text: The collars or sleeves II', connected respectively to the lug or connections J, J¹,
affixed to the fork or steering post and to the fixed frame of the machine are made as
before described, the ball races and hardened linings being shewn.
Figure 5 shews a well know joint in use in the frames of cycles between the
driving and steering wheels to which my invention could be applied and Figure 6
shews a joint in the frame of a straight fork cycle, to which my invention of the appli-
cation of ball or other antifrictional bearings can be applied. Dust plates or caps
close the ends of the bearings.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what matter the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
In velocipedes wherein links or joints are interposed between the driving and
steering wheels for the purpose of lessening vibration, fitting the bearings of such
links or joints with balls or rollers substantially as and for the purposes described.
0
POPPLEWELL, COLTON & Co.,
17 & 18, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.