IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES." A communication from abroad by
George Washington Pressey, of Hammonton, New Jersey, United States of
America, Machinist.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 2nd October 1880.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firin of Haseltine, Lake, and Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES." [A com-
munication from abroad by George Washington Pressey, of Hammonton, New
Jersey, United States of America, Machinist.]
This Invention relates to velocipedes, and is chiefly applicable to bicycles.
It consists, first, in providing a bicycle consisting of an arrangement of wheels
and treadles to enable the rider to sit nearly over the centre of the hind wheel.
It also consists in setting back the turning rod of the front steering wheel from
the fork of said wheel, thus permitting the steering to be accomplished in an easy
manner, and saving the rider from being tripped and thrown.
It also consists of a spring bearing between the boss at the front of the back
bone and fork of the front wheel for easing the operation of riding and enabling
the rider to pass over obstructions without danger or inconvenience.
It also consists of peculiar clutch mechanism for imparting rotation to the wheels
of the velocipede.
It also consists in a dust proof casing for inclosing the clutch mechanism and
restoring spring.
It further consists in making the surface of the boxes or hubs on which the
straps of the treadle are wound of scroll form so as to increase the power as the
straps are unwound.
It also consists in a peculiar construction of wheel whereby it is light, strong,
and durable.

page_text: It also consists in a novel method of securing an india-rubber tyre to the rim of
the wheel.
It also consists in a hollow rotary shaft and an inclosed stationary shaft forming
a bearing the entire length of the hub.
In carrying the said Invention into practice I place the driving wheel in the
rear of the pilot or steering wheel, to which it is connected by means of a backbone.
The rider's seat is mounted on a guard, and is sustained by braces which rise from
and are secured to the rear of the backbone or reach.
Pivotted to the said brace are levers or treadles whose front ends carry foot
rests, and project forward and upward in such manner that they may be conve-
niently reached by the feet of the rider occupying the seat. The rear ends of the
treadles are connected to clutch mechanism for the axle of the hind wheel, each
constructed as follows:-To said axle on each side of the hind wheel is secured a
pulley, and on the axle is loosely fitted a yoke or arm, to whose outer end is pivotted
a disc or annulus which carries a cam or friction block adapted to bear against
said pulley. Straps are connected to the circumferences of the discs or annuli and
the lower ends of the treadles.
Attached to the treadles and the frame or other fixed part of the velocipede are
coiled springs, the object whereof is to restore the discs or annuli to their normal
position. In lieu of the friction blocks I may employ pawls and for the pulleys
ratchets. The coiled springs are located about the axle and properly secured to the
annuli and some stationary part of the velocipede adjacent thereto. The axle of
the fork of the front wheel is connected to the lower end of said fork.
The fork extends perpendicularly to a point where it has connected to it a
turning rod which passing freely through a boss at the forward end of the reach
is set back or extends angularly from said point, and carries at its upper end a
handle or tiller.
A spring encircles the lower end of the turning rod, and is interposed between a
shoulder on the top of the fork and the bottom of the boss, thus providing an
elastic bearing for the reach or backbone on the front wheel and making the riding
easy and safe.
The rider occupies a position nearly central over the hind wheel; the foot rests
of the treadles are within convenient reach of the feet of the rider, and the steering
rod of the fork of the front wheel is set back and its upper end is readily accessible
by the rider.
By these means the rider sits more comfortably, has the velocipede under greater
control, and cannot trip or be thrown, and steers with ease.
This rotates the
The treadles are operated or depressed by the rider's feet.
annuli or discs and brings the blocks or pawls in engaging contact with the pulleys
or ratchets, thus imparting rotation to the latter, and consequently to the hind
wheel, the velocipede being thereby powerfully propelled.
The treadles then return to their elevated or normal positions by the action of
the springs previously wound or coiled, and the annuli or discs rotate so as to
restore the blocks or pawls to their normal position; the said blocks or pawls in
the return motion ride freely over the pulley's or ratchets, and are again disposed
to engage with the blocks or ratchets. The operations of the treadles are con-
tinued, and thus the velocipede is propelled.
Secured to one annulus and projecting inwardly towards the pulley is a pin.
When the annulus returns to its first position the pin is carried against the pulley
and prevents the annulus from being pressed in against the shaft or axle.
The annulus is connected to the yoke by a pivot at the outer end thereof, and
when rotated by the strap receives somewhat of an excentric motion.
This in one
direction brings the friction cam or block against the pulley and lifts the pin
from the same. In the other direction said friction block is raised clear of the
pulley while the pin is brought promptly against the pulley for the purpose above
set forth,
The treadles are depressed with ease and accommodate themselves to the size of

page_text: the limbs of the rider as long and short throws of the treadles may be made.
Furthermore, the employment of the treadles and clutches prevent the lateral
swaying and lateral tendency of the velocipede incident to cranks and rotary
treadles, and thus the velocipede runs true and steady. The position of the seat
and treadles on the hind wheel as the power wheel and the covering guard therefor
perinit the occupation and operation of the velocipede by females with their ordinary
garments, and without inconvenience therefrom.
I also provide a hollow rotary shaft or sleeve through which is passed a
stationary shaft, the rear ends of the reach or back bone being immovably connected
to the latter.
Each box is of two parts, divided by a partition. The inner parts are loosely
fitted on the ends of the hollow shaft and carry pawls which engage with ratchets
rigidly connected to said ends of the shaft. The outer parts ride freely on the
ends of the stationary shaft, and have each connected to them one end of a spring
whose other end is fixed to a disc immovably connected to the end of the stationary
shaft. The boxes are closed at circumference and sides, and as they inclose the
ratchets, pawls, and springs, said inclosed parts are protected from dust and dirt.
The exterior surfaces of the hubs or boxes are of scroll form or provided with scroll
bands, and the straps are wound thereon, whereby, as said straps unwind from
the scrolls they gradually approach the centres of the boxes, and thus greater power
is obtained for the propulsion of the bicycle or velocipede.
The driving wheel is formed with a rim, two hubs, and wire spokes in two
series, each passing from one hub, and both united to the rim or tyre. A piece of
wire is passed from the rim or tyre, to which it is secured by a nut to the hub,
then bent around a stud on the hub, and continued at an acute angle, or bent into
V shape, joining the rim or tyre at a different place from the starting point, the
termination being secured to the rim or tyre by a nut. Another piece of V-shaped
wire is connected at its ends to the rim or tyre, and at its angular part to one of
the studs, and other pieces are located and secured, the arrangement being such
that the angles of at least two pieces are attached to the same stud, although more
picces may be so attached.
Furthermore, in disposing of the spokes those that are contiguous are passed
over and under each other, both at the studs and beyond the peripheries of the
bubs, thus forming an interlacing of the spokes, which provides a structure which
though light is exceedingly strong and durable, the spokes are tangential to the
hub instead of radiating therefrom. By this provision the strain is always thrown
on all of the spokes alike, causing a pull or tension and never a thrust, thus
preventing buckling of the spokes.
The rini of the wheel is concave, and in the same is placed an india-rubber tyre
which is tubular or perforated longitudinally in order to receive a metallic rod or
core, the opening of the tyre being excentric so as to come nearer to the rim and
leave a greater thickness of material for the tread. The ends of the rod or core
are respectively right and left screw threaded, and have fitted to them a sleeve
for securing and tightening purposes. The tyre and core are cut to the proper
length, the core is run through the tyre, and the latter applied on the run of the
wheel. The sleeve is fitted to the ends of the core and tightened, thus drawing
together said ends and consequently those of the tyre, whereby the rubber tube is
firmly secured to the rim.

page_text: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a velocipede embodying my Invention.
Figures 2, 3, and 4 are enlarged views of the clutch mechanism and connected
parts.
Figure 5 is a transverse section of a pinion of the wheel, the axle, and the clutch
mechanism.
Figure 6 shews a portion of the wheel drawn to an enlarged scale.
Figures 7 and 8 are sectional views of portions of the said wheel.
Similar letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the Drawing.
A represents the driving wheel, located at the rear of the pilot or steering
wheel B, to which it is connected by means of the reach C; D represents the rider's
seat, which is mounted on the guard E, and sustained by braces F, which rise from
and are secured to the rear of the reach C. Pivotted to the braces F are levers or
treadles G, whose front ends carry foot rests a, and project forward and upward in
such a manner that they may be conveniently reached by the feet of the rider
occupying the seat. The rear ends of the treadles are connected to clutch mechanisin
for the axle b of the hind wheel, each constructed as follows:-To the said axle b,
on each side of the hind wheel, is secured a pulley H, and on the axle is loosely
fitted a yoke or arm J, to whose outer end is pivotted a disc, ring, or annulus c,
which carries a cam or friction block K, adapted to bear against the said
pulley H.

page_text: L are straps connected to the circumferential portions of the discs or rings c and
the lower ends of the treadles G.
Attached to the treadles G and the frame or other fixed part of the velocipede
are coiled springs M, the object whereof is to restore the said discs or rings to their
normal position. In lieu of the friction blocks K I may employ pawls, and for the
pulleys H ratchet wheels, as shown in Figure 4. The springs M are located about
the axle b, and are properly secured to the rings c and some stationary part of the
velocipede adjacent thereto.
N represents the fork of the front wheel B, the axle of which is connected
to the lower end of said fork. It will be seen that the said fork extends
perpendicularly to the point g* where it has connected to it the turning rod g, which,
passing freely through a boss gl at the forward end of the reach C, is set back or
extends angularly from the said point and carries at its upper end the handle or
tiller h.
P represents a spring which encircles the lower end of the turning rod g, and is
interposed between a shoulder on the top of the fork N and the bottom of the
boss g', thus providing an elastic bearing for the reach on the front wheel and
making the riding easy and safe.
It will be seen that the rider occupies a position nearly central over the hind
wheel, the foot rests of the treadles are within convenient reach of the feet of the
rider, and the steering rod of the fork of the front wheel is set back and its upper
end is readily accessible by the rider. By reason of theso arrangements the rider
can sit more comfortably and has the velocipede under more perfect control than
in other velocipedes. Moreover he cannot trip or be thrown and can steer very
casily.
The treadles are operated or depressed by the rider's feet. This action rotates
the rings or discs c, and brings the blocks or pawls K in engaging contact with the
pulleys or ratchet wheels H, thus imparting rotation to the latter and consequently
to the bind wheel, the velocipede being thereby powerfully propelled.
The treadles then return to their elevated or normal positions by the action of
the springs M previously wound or coiled, and the rings or discs c rotate so as to
restore the blocks or pawls K to their normal position; the said blocks or pawls
in the return motion ride freely over the pulleys or ratchet wheels H, and are
again disposed to engage with the blocks or ratchet wheels. The operations of the
treadles are continued, and thus the velocipede is propelled.
Secured to the annulus c, and projecting inwardly towards the pulley H (see
Figures 2 and 3) is a pin m. When the annulus returns to its first position the
pin m is carried against the pulley and prevents the said annulus from being
pressed in against the shaft or axle.
It will be observed that the annulus is connected to the yoke by a pivot at
the outer end thereof, and when rotated by the strap receives somewhat of an
excentric motion. This in one direction brings the friction cam or block against
the pulley and lifts the pin m from the same. In the other direction the said
friction block is raised clear of the pulley while the pin is brought promptly
against the pulley for the purpose above set forth.
It will also be seen that the treadles are capable of being depressed with ease,
and accomodate themselves to the stature of the rider as long and short throws of
the treadles may be made. Furthermore, the employment of the treadles and
clutches will prevent the lateral swaying or irregularity of movement of the
velocipede incident to cranks and rotary treadles, and thus the vehicle will run
truly and steadily. The position of the seat and treadles on the hind wheel, and
the covering guard therefor, permit the occupation and operation of the velocipede
by females in their ordinary garments and without inconvenience therefrom.
Referring to Figure 5 J* represents a hollow rotary shaft or sleeve, through
which is passed a stationary shaft J¹, the rear ends of the reach C being immovably
connected to the latter.
Each box H' consists of two parts divided by the partition a¹. The inner part

page_text: is loosely fitted on the end of the hollow shaft J*, and carries a pawi 61 which
engages with a ratchet wheel K', rigidly connected to the said end of the shaft.
The outer part rides freely on the end of the stationary shaft J', and has connected
to it one end of a spring L', whose other end is fixed to a disc d, immovably con-
nected to the end of the stationary shaft. The said boxes are closed at the
circumference and sides, and as they inclose the ratchet wheels, pawls, and springs
these parts are protected from dust and dirt. The exterior surfaces of the hubs or
boxes Hare of scroll form, or are provided with scroll bands, as at H*, and the
straps are wound thereon, as clearly shown in Figure 4, whereby as said straps
unwind from the scrolls they gradually approach the centres of the boxes, and thus
great power is obtained for the propulsion of the bicycle or velocipede.
The wheel A is formed with a rim e, two hubs, and wire spokes fin two series,
each passing from one hub, and both united to the rim or tyre. A piece of wire is
passed from the rim or tyre (to which it is secured by a nut) to the hub, then bent
around a stud g on the hub, and continued at an acute angle or bent into a V-shape,
rejoining the rim or tyre at a different place, where it is secured to the rim or tyre
by a nut. Another piece of wire bent into a V-shape is connected at its ends to
the rim or tyre, and at its angular part to one of the studs g, and other pieces are
located and secured in like manner, the arrangement being such that at least two
pieces are attached at their angle or bent part to the same stud. It will be
observed that in the wheel shewn there are five studs g on each hub, and ten
V-shaped spokes in each series of the same.
Furthermore, in disposing of the spokes f those that are contiguous are passed
over and under each other, both at the studs g and beyond the peripheries of the
hubs, thus forming an interlacing of the spokes, and a structure which though light
is exceedingly strong and durable. It will also be observed that the spokes are
tangential to the hub instead of radial to the same. By this provision the strain
is always thrown on all of the spokes alike, causing a pull or tensile strain and
never a thrust, thus preventing buckling of the spokes.
The rime of the said wheel is concave, and in the same is placed an india rubber
tyre P, which is tubular or perforated longitudinally to receive a metallic rod or
core Q, the opening of the tyre being excentric so as to come nearer to the rim e
and leave a greater thickness of material for the tread. The ends of the rod or core
have respectively right and left screw threads, and have fitted to them a sleeve for
securing and tightening purposes. The tyre and core are cut to the proper length,
the core is run through the tyre, and the latter placed on the rim of the wheel.
The sleeve is fitted to the ends of the core and tightened, thus drawing together
the said ends and consequently those of the tyre, whereby the india-rubber tube is
firmly secured to the rim, as shown in Figure 8.
Having thus fully described the said Invention, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,--
First. The bicycle having a front steering wheel, a hind driving wheel, and a
driver's seat located over or nearly over the centre of the said hind driving wheel,
substantially in the manner shown and described and for the purpose specified.
Second. The front steering wheel, having a fork extending perpendicularly to
the point g*, in combination with the turning rod set back from the top of
the said fork and provided with a handle or tiller, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
Third. The reach C and the front wheel in combination with the spring bearing
between the fork of the wheels and the boss g¹ for the turning rod g, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
Fourth. The velocipede having a front steering wheel, a hind driving wheel, and
treadles, which are connected to the said driving wheel and have their foot rests
projecting forward and upward, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Fifth. The velocipede having the clutch mechanism for operating the driving
wheel and connected to an operating treadle, which mechanism consists of the

page_text: block or pawl K, the fixed friction disc or ratchet wheel H, and the loose disc or
annulus, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Sixth. The ring or annulus provided with a stop pin, substantially as and for
the purpose set forth.
Seventh. The clutch mechanism in combination with the treadle and the
returning or restoring spring, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Eighth. The velocipede baving a hollow rotary shaft with an enclosed stationary
shaft and clutch mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Ninth. The velocipede having clutch mechanism and a returning spring enclosed
by the box or hub, which serves as a dust proof casing, substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
Tenth. The wheel hub or box having a scroll surface, for the purpose set
forth.
Eleventh. The wheel having spokes tangential to the hub, for the purpose set
forth.
Twelfth. The wheel having wire spokes interlaced, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
Thirteenth. In a velocipede wheel the combination of the spokes bent into a
V-shape, the hub with studs, and the rim, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
Fourteenth. The wheel rim, having an india-rubber tyre secured by the core Q,
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
TIM DADT T
WM ROD. LAKE. (L.S.)