Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Mar., 1887
Complete Left, 22nd Oct., 1887
Complete Accepted, 13th Jan., 1888
We, WILLIAM LEE, of the Gospel Oak Iron Company Limehouse, Ironmaster, and
DAVID WIGGINS, of 677 Commercial Road East, Manager, both in the County of
Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
Our invention relates to velocipedes and comprises various improvements in the
inventions described in the specifications of former Letters Patent granted to the
said David Wiggins and dated 24th March. A.D. 1885, No. 3811, and 13th February
A.D. 1886, No. 2133.
In the said Specification No. 2133, a device is described for regulating the tension
of the driving chain. This device comprises two thumb-nuts fitted upon a screw
which is coupled to a pivotted arm carrying the treadle-shaft, so that, by moving the
said nuts in one or the other direction, the driving chain may be altered to suit riders
of different weight. Although the regulation of the tension of the chain could, by
this device, be effected in a few seconds, yet it is desirable, especially in velocipedes
used by agents and others who continually let them for hire, that this regulation
should be further simplified, as it is frequently necessary for many different riders to
use a velocipede in the course of a few hours. We, therefore, provide for the
automatic regulation of the tension of the driving chain according to the weight of
the rider. For this purpose, we prefer to employ a steel spring attached at one end
to any suitable part of the frame of the velocipede, for example, to the cross-bar or
to the links or slings described in the said specification No. 2133. At the other end
of the said spring, we provide a toothed wheel or a small roller, which is pressed by
the spring against the driving chain. When no weight is on the velocipede, the
chain is pushed upward or inward by the spring, and, when a rider mounts the
machine, the chain is stretched more or less and presses against the said spring,
which yields and gives the required tension of the chain automatically according to
the weight of the rider.. We thus obviate the necessity for frequent alteration of the
thumb-nuts, without affecting the elasticity or buoyancy afforded by the springs
arranged between the driving-axle and, the frame as described in the said former
specifications.

page_text: Another feature of our present invention consists in the combination, with the said
springs arranged between the driving axle and the frame, of spiral springs or small
flat springs, which, when a rider of light weight is on the velocipede, remain inactive,
but, if a rider of greater weight mounts the velocipede, will come into action. We
thus adapt the velocipede for carrying riders of any weight, without the necessity for
changing the springs.
In front-steering velocipedes, we sometimes use at the top of the fork immediately
under the handles, small springs such as those on the trailing wheel of the bicycles
described in the said former specifications, to diminish the jar or vibration imparted
to the hands and arms of a rider when the velocipede is travelling upon rough or
uneven roads.
For the attachment of the springs described in the said former specifications to some
classes of velocipedes, we find it advantageous to use flat posts or bars fitted upon the
axle, and sliding sockets formed or fixed on the frame of the velocipede and fitted to
slide up and down upon the said flat posis or bars. For instance, in velocipedes
wherein the frame is made with a cross-bar above the driving-axle, we attach a socket
to each end of the said cross-bar and fit it to slide up and down upon a post
or bar carried by the axle. We sometimes use the reverse of this arrangement, that
is to say, we attach a bar or post to the cross-bar and fit it to slide up and down in
a socket carried by the axle. We prefer that the bars or posts and the sockets should
be so arranged that the width of the same will extend in the direction of movement
of the velocipede, so as to impart the requisite rigidity to the velocipede without
greatly increasing its weight.
In the said specification No. 2133, a seat-rest or saddle-support is described, which
comprises a bent rod or post on which is fitted a grooved plate or frame which prevents
the turning of the saddle or seat and which is adjustable in the direction of
movement of the velocipede. We provide, according to our present invention, a
straight rod or post with two arms which are slotted at their ends, and we attach a
slotted rest or bar to these two arms by means of bolts and nuts, or otherwise, so that
the said slotted rest or bar may hinge on one of the said arms and may be adjusted
to any desired angle or inclination without changing the position of the said straight
bar or post. The seat or saddle is suitably attached to a grooved plate or frame such
as that described in the said former specification No. 2133, which plate or frame is
fitted to slide longitudinally on the said slotted rest or bar, so that the seat or saddle
may be moved horizontally from the back toward the front of the velocipede, or
vice versa. By these means, we are enabled, if desired, to place the seat or saddle
vertically over the top of the fork or over the treadles, or to place it either in front of
or behind the said fork or treadles. We prefer to make the said slotted rest or bar
with a throat-piece or fork at one end whichfits upon one arm of the said bar or
post, and to secure the same with a bolt and nut. We roughen the surface of the said
arm and then case-harden the metal thereof, so that, when the bolt is tightened and
the two sides of the said throat-piece are thus tightly pressed against the said arm,
they will not be liable to slip thereon.
To the said grooved plate or frame, we attach a plate which has two checks or pro-
jections at one end thereof, and between these cheeks or projections we suspend a
scroll-shaped spring; on the other end of the said plate we mount two or more
springs having circular or C-shaped portions substantially as described in the said
former specifications. We so arrange these springs that they converge to a convenient
point, and we connect them with the said scroll-shaped spring. Between these plates
and springs where convenient we use cushions or layers of India-rubber or other
elastic material in the manner described in the said former Specification No. 2133.
We secure to the said springs a suitably shaped plate of steel or other metal which
holds the said springs in the desired position. We thus form a yielding seat or
saddle which is incapable of any unpleasant side rocking action.
When the said slotted rest or bar is to be attached to the backbone of a bicycle,
we dispense with the double armed bar or post and form two wings or flaps on one
end of the slotted rest or bar which supports the seat or saddle, and attach the said

page_text: rest or bar to the neck of the bicycle. At the other end of the said rest or bar we
provide a slotted block of convenient size to receive the throat-piece of the same.
The said slotted block is secured to the backbone of the bicycle, and by using a set-
bolt and nut inserted in the said block and passing through the throat-piece of the
slotted rest or bar, we are enabled to set the seat at the desired angle or inclination
as above described. We can use this apparatus on various classes of velocipedes
interchangeably.
We may, if desired, use other means for effecting the angular adjustment of the
seat or saddle, or we may employ the straight bar or post without means for effecting
such angular adjustment. Moreover, we may otherwise somewhat modify the con-
struction of our improved velocipedes without departing from the nature of our
invention.
n
11
1. 1007
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London,
Agents for the Applicants.

page_text: Improvements in Velocipedes.
We, WILLIAM LEE, of the Gospel Oak Iron Company, Limehouse, Ironmaster and
DAVID WIGGINS, of 677 Commercial Road, East, Manager of Works both in the
County of Middlesex do horeby 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 :-
Our invention relates to velocipedes, and comprises various improvements in
bicycles and tricycles such as are described in the specifications of former Letters
Patent granted to the said David Wiggins, and dated respectively 24th March,
A.D. 1885, No. 3811, and 13th February A.D. 1886 No. 2133. Certain of our
present improvements are however, applicable to other velocipedes.
Our present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a front steering tricycle with our improvements
applied thereto, one of the driving wheels being removed.
Figure 2 is a side elevation shewing a saddle and saddle-support hereinafter
described.
Figures 3 and 4 are side elevations, showing different arrangements of the
supplementary or auxiliary springs hereinafter described.
Figure 5 is a front elevation of part of a tricycle, and
Figure 6 a front elevation of a bicycle, showing the same provided with springs as
hereinafter described for diminishing the vibration of the steering handle.
Figure 7 is a side elevation, and
Figure 8 a front elevation, both drawn to an enlarged scale, showing an improved
saddle-support hereinafter described.
Figure 9 is an underside view of an improved saddle hereinafter described, also
drawn to an enlarged scale.
Figure 10 is a section on the line x, x, Figure 9.
Figure 11 is a side elevation of part of a bicycle provided with an adjustable
support for the seat or saddle, as hereinafter described.
Figure 12 is a front elevation, showing our improvements applied to a velocipede
of the kind or class termed the "Rudge rotary."
Figure 13 is a section on the line x, x, Figure 12, and
Figure 14 is a section on the line 2, 2, Figure 12.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
a is the backbone or frame; b, b are the driving wheels; c is the steering or guiding
wheel. d, dare two bars or posts in which are fitted the ball or other bearings for
the driving axle e. The bars or posts d are connected to each other at their lower
ends by a cross-bar f, which is connected to the backbone or frame a by means of
links or slings g. Each of the bars or posts d is provided at its upper end with a

page_text: paraner pin of
, upon which a socket at the end of the cross-piece a¹ of the
frame a is fitted to slide. Springs having C-shaped portions are, moreover,
arranged in combination with the pins or rods d¹ and sockets h substantially as
described in the said former specification No. 2133.
In the said specification No. 2133, a device is described for regulating by hand the
tension of the driving chain. This device comprises two thumb-nuts fitted upon a
screw-threaded rod or bar coupled to a pivotted arm carying the treadle-shaft, so that,
by moving the said nuts in one or the other direction, the driving chain may be
altered to suit riders of different weight. Although the regulation of the tension of
the chain can, by this device, be effected in a few seconds, it is desirable, especially in
velocipedes used by agents and others who continually let them for hire, that this
regulation should be further simplified, as it is frequently necessary for many
different riders to use a velocipede in the course of a few hours. We, therefore, provide
for the automatic regulation of the tension of the driving chain according to the
weight of the rider.
☐ is a steel spring, which is attached at one end to the cross-bar fand bears upon a
pin or bolt fixed in the links or slings g, and which carries at its free end a small
roller or a toothed wheel. This roller or wheel is pressed by the said spring against
the driving chain 3, so that, when no weight is on the velocipede, the said chain is
pushed upward or inward by the spring j; when, however, a rider mounts the
velocipede, the springs i are compressed and the treadle-shaft j, which is carried by
the back-bone or frame a, is moved downward, thereby stretching or straightening
the driving chain and causing the same to depress the roller of the spring j, which
yields sufficiently to permit the required lengthening of the distance between the
treadle-shaft and the axle e, whilst preventing slackening of the driving chain.
The chain is thus automatically adjusted to suit riders of different weight, and the
necessity for frequent alterations of adjusting devices by hand is obviated without
affecting the elasticity or buoyancy afforded, as explained in the said former
specifications, by the springs arranged between the driving axle and the frame.
To more effectually prevent or diminish the jar or vibration experienced when the
velocipede is travelling upon rough or uneven roads, we combine, with the
steering fork u, an additional or supplementary forked piece u'.
The fork u is
provided on each side with an arm furnished at its end with a socket ³ fitted to
slide up and down upon a parallel pin or rod forming part of, or firmly attached to
the supplementary fork u. An arm u¹ is fixed upon the steering fork u and is
furnished at its extremity with a socket fitted to slide up and down upon a
parallel pin or rod y at the top of the supplementary fork u. Springs y having
curved or C-shaped portions are attached to the arms u² and bear upon shoulders
upon the supplementary fork u². A spiral spring y³ surrounding the parallel pin or rod y
is, moreover, fitted between the socket u and the shoulder y of the said fork u'..
The brake-mechanism is omitted from Figure 1 for the sake of clearness in the
drawing, it may, however, be of any well known or suitable construction.
Another feature of our present invention consists in the employment, in combination
with the main springs arranged between the axle or axles and the back-bone or frame,
of one or more additional or supplementary springs, in such a manner that, when a
rider of light weight is on the velocipede, although the main springs will be com-
pressed and the backbone or frame consequently depressed relatively to the axle or
axles, the downward movement of the said back-bone or frame will not be such as to
cause compression of the auxiliary springs, which will, therefore, remain inactive.
If, however, a rider of greater weight mounts the velocipede, the main springs will
be compressed and the back-bone or frame depressed to a greater extent and the
auxiliary springs will be brought into action. We thus adapt the velocipede for
carrying riders of any weight, without the necessity for changing the springs.
In some instances, we use for this purpose a spiral spring k as shown in
Figures 1 and 3; in other instances, we use springs k somewhat similar in shape to
the springs, and having one end secured to a cross-bar at the lower end of the
socket . while their other ends are loft free to move up and down upon the pin or rod d²,

page_text: as shown in Figure 4. In Figure 1, we have also shown an auxiliary spring k
arranged in combination with the spring y'.
This feature of our said invention is also applicable in cases where other kinds
of main springs, for example, spiral springs, are used between the backbone or frame
and the axle or axles.
We sometimes employ one or more springs between the steering handle and a
shoulder on the fork or equivalent part in a bicycle or in a front-steering tricycle or
other velocipede, to diminish the jar or vibration imparted to the hands and arms of a
rider when the velocipede is travelling upon rough or uneven roads.
Figure 5 shows an arrangement of springs for this purpose. At the top of the
rod or post immediately under the handle are arranged two small springs 16
having curved or C-shaped portions. These springs are secured to the handle and
bear against a shoulder on the rod or post . Figure 6 shows similar springs
applied to the steering handle of a bicycle. We can, if desired, use for this purpose
other springs than those shown in the drawings.
In velocipedes wherein the frame is made with a cross-piece above the driving axle,
for example as shown at a¹ in Figures 12 and 13, we find it advantageous to make
the bars or posts D flat. We attach a socket h² to each end of the cross-piece a' and
provide the bar or post D with an extension D2 which is fitted to slide up and down
in the socket h². We sometimes use the reverse of this arrangement, that is to say,
we attach a bar or post to the cross-piece a¹ and fit it to slide up and down in a socket
formed on, or attached to the post D. We prefer that the bars or posts and the
sockets should be so arranged that the wider sides of the same will extend in the
direction of movement of the velocipede, the requisite rigidity may thus be imparted
to the velocipede without greatly increasing its weight.
In tandem velocipedes of the kind or class termed the "Rudge rotary," there are
two chain-wheels e¹, e² fixed on the axle e as shown in Figure 12. In such
velocipedes, we make the bar or post D with an extension D³ which is bent upward at
its extremity and has fitted therein a ball-bearing for the axle e. A forked piece D*
is fixed on the cross-bar a¹ and is fitted to slide up and down in guide-ways formed in
the extension D' of the bar or post D, as more clearly shown in Figure 14. To
provide an efficient support for the inner end of the axle e and to maintain the said
axle in a horizontal position, a spring lever e³ is pivoted at e to two arms e' projecting
upward from the horizontal part of the extension d³. One end of this spring lever
bears against the underside of the cross bar a¹; its other end is forked and bears
against two pins or studs e fixed in the vertical part of the extension D³.
Our said invention, moreover, comprises an improved saddle or seat and a rest or
support therefor as hereinafter described.
One form of our improved seat-rest or saddle support is shown in Figures 7 and 8.
Instead of being formed of a bent rod as described in the said former specification
No. 2133, this saddle-support comprises a straight rod or post m having two upper
arms or branches m' which are forked as shown in Figure 8. A slotted bar or plato n
provided on its underside with two arms n³, n² is secured to the forked ends m¹ of the
rod or post m by means of bolts m², m³ passed through the said arms n³, n' and
through the forks of the arms m¹. The said slotted bar or plate is thus hinged or
pivoted at m². The arm n¹ of the bar or plate n is provided with a segmental slot n
so that the said bar or plate may be turned upon or about its pivot m² and adjusted to
any desired angle or inclination, without changing the position of the bar or post m.
The inner faces of the forked' arm m¹ which carries the arin n' of the slotted bar or
plate n are preferably roughened, so that, when the bolt m³ is tightened, the two sides
of the arm n¹ will be firmly gripped between the two parts of the said fork, thus
preventing slipping of the arm n' therein. We sometimes make the arms m¹ with
only one cheek instead of making them forked as above described.
The seat or saddle is attached to a plate or frame such as that described in the said
former specification No. 2133. This plate or frame o, Figures 9 and 10, has formed
in its underside a dovetail groove o¹ which fits the correspondingly shaped edge of the
slotted bar or plate n Figures 7 and 8. The said plate or frame o is, moreover,

page_text: provided with a central slot o, and a bolt o³ is passed through the slot in the bar or
olate n and through the said slot in the plate or frame o and is provided with a nut of
whereby the plate or frame o may be firmly secured in any desired position upon the
slotted bar or plate n. The said seat or saddle may thus, in addition to its angular
adjustment, be moved horizontally from the back towards the front of the velocipede
or vice versa. By these means we are enabled, if desired, to place the scat or saddle
vertically over the top of the fork or over the treadles, and to provide for its adjust-
ment so that it will be either directly above, or in front of, or behind the said fork or
treadles, or the bar or post m.
Upon the front end of the plate or frame o are formed or fixed two cheeks or
projections o. Between these cheeks or projections upon a bolt p we suspend a
scroll-shaped spring p¹ more clearly shown in Figure 10. On the other end of the
plate or frame o we mount two or more springs p³ having circular or C-shaped
portions like those above referred to. The said springs p³ are so arranged that they
converge to a convenient point above the spring p and are connected thereto by
means of bolts and nuts, screws or rivets. Between the plate o and the springs p
and also between the said springs and the scroll-shaped spring p¹ are inserted
cushions or layers of india-rubber or other elastic material to effectually prevent any
noise that might be occasioned by the rubbing together of the metal surfaces.
These cushions may, however, be dispensed with if desired. To the upper part of
the springs pl and p² is secured, by means of screws or otherwise, a suitably shaped
plate på of steel or other metal provided with a covering p* of leather or other
suitable material. This plate på securely retains the said springs in their proper
positions. We thus form a yielding seat or saddle which is incapable of any
unpleasant side rocking action.
The saddle and saddle-support shown in Figures 7 to 10 is sometimes attached
to a tricycle as shown in Figure 2. The double-armed bar or post m passes
through a suitable head or socket 7 upon the extremity of the frame a and is
retained at any desired height by means of a set-screw q.
Our improved saddle-support is of greatly reduced weight as compared with the
L-pins heretofore used. It is, moreover, advantageous whether the saddle be made
adjustable or not.
In Figure 1, we have shown another method of attaching the slotted bar or plate
to the frame of a tricycle. One end of the slotted bar or plate n is pivoted at
formed on
one end to a bent rod or post r which is inserted in a head or socket g
an extension of the frame a and is held in any desired position therein by means
of a set-screw q¹. The other end of the slotted bar or plate n is provided with a
quadrant n pivoted to the said bar or plate and adapted to work in a slotted block n'
attached to the frame a. The said slotted block is provided with a set-screw n³ by
means of which the seat can be secured at the desired angle or inclination. The
plate or frame o carrying the seat or saddle is secured to the slotted rest n
substantially as above described. This device can be used in various classes of
velocipedes interchangeably.
When the said slotted bar or plate n is to be attached to the back-bone of a bicycle,
we dispense with the double armed bar or post and form a fork n', Figure 11, on one
end of the said slotted bar or plate, which is pivoted at n³ to the neck of the bicycle.
The other end of the slotted bar or plate is provided with a quadrant n, a slotted
block n' and a set-screw n³ as above described.
It is obvious that we may somewhat modify the construction of our improved
velocipedes without departing from the nature of our said invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we wish it understood
that we claim :-
First. A velocipede wherein ono or more springs are arranged between the back-
bone or frame and the axle or axles and wherein provision is made for the automatic

page_text: adjustment of the driving chain according to the. weight carried by the velocipede
for the purpose above specified.
Second. The combination, with the driving chain, of a spring attached to the fram
and provided with a toothed wheel. or roller bearing against the said chain
substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Third. The combination, with a spring or springs arranged between the backbone o
frame and the axle or axles, of one or more supplementary or auxiliary springs which
will act when, but not until the main springs have been more or less compressed, as,
and for the purpose, above specified.
Fourth. The employment of one or inore springs between the backbone or frame
and the steering handle of a velocipede, for the purpose above specified.
Fifth. The employment, between the frame and the axle or axles, of flat bars or
posts and sockets, the wider sides of which extend lengthwise of the velocipede, as,
and for the purpose, above specified.
Sixth. The combination of parts comprising the flat post or bar D provided with
the extension D³, the sockets attached to the frame, the springs and the spring lever,
all substantially as, and for the purposes, set forth.
Seventh. The employment of a straight rod or post having two arms or branches
for supporting the scat or saddle, as above specified.
Eighth. The combination, with the double armed straight rod or post, of a slotted
bar or plate hinged or pivoted at one end to the said rod or post, and adjustable at
the other end for the purpose of varying. the angle or inclination of the seat or saddle,
as above specified.
Ninth. The employment of a saddle and saddle-support so constructed that the
said saddle is capable of adjustment to bring the centre thereof either in a vertical
line with, or behind, or in front of its supporting rod or post, as, and for the purpose,
above specified.
Tenth. The employment, in a seat or saddle for a velocipede, of a metal plate to
which the springs are attached and which is covered with leather or other suitablo
material, substantially as and for the purposes, set forth.
Eleventh. The combination of parts comprising the grooved plate o, the scroll-
shaped spring p', the curved springs p² and the metal plate p³, with or without the
india-rubber or other cushions, all substantially as, and for the purposos, set forth.
Twelfth. The improved device substantially as described with reference to Figure 1
or to Figure 11 of the drawings whereby we provide for the angular adjustment of
the seat or saddle of a velocipede, as above specified.
Thirteenth. The improved velocipede consisting of the parts constructed and
combined substantially as described with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying
drawings.
Dated this 21st day of October 1887
Dated this 21st day of October 1887
WILLIAM LEE.
DAVID WIGGINS.
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicants.