Year: 1897

page_text: We, THEODORE JAMES BIGGS and ALBERT CHARLES HILLS, of the Firm of
A. C. Hills Limited, of 95, Colmore Row, in the City of Birmingham, Manu-
facturers, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:―
This invention consists of improvements in the fastening or attachment of a
cycle handle bar to the steering tube, in the adjustment of the driving chain,
and in other parts of cycles.
For securing a cycle handle bar to the steering tube in accordance with our
invention we employ one or more split collars for embracing the upper or split
end of the steering tube. Such collars have a conical or tapered configuration
fitting within the correspondingly tapered eye or aperture of the lamp bracket,
and the adjusting cone of the ball bearing head, or into a projection from the
inner face of the locking nut. On tightening the lock nut the wedge-like action
upon the split collars causes such parts to grip upon the split end of the steering
tube which is thus contracted or clamped upon the handle bar stem and effectually
secures the same in the desired position.
For racing and like handle bars we preferably form with the split and exter-
nally coned or tapered collar, a suitable lug for the reception of the bar.
In the provision of means for the adjustment of the tension of the driving
chain we use one or more eccentric discs at each end of the hub axle, which fit
into recesses in the rear fork end of the frame in the ordinary manner and are
there secured in position by tightening the nuts upon the outer ends of the axle.
To ensure the eccentrics at either end of the axle being moved simultaneously
we form taper cones on the axle and cause these to fit tightly into correspondingly
tapered holes in the eccentrics, which are thus firmly secured to the axle in such
a manner that when either the axle or one of the eccentrics is moved or rotated
the other eccentric moves in a corresponding manner.
To support or strengthen the axle of a cycle hub, we use a concentric or where
desirable, an eccentric washer with a boss sufliciently long to project into the
hub and thus support the axle at a point very close to the path of the bearing
balls.
To prevent the fixed ball bearing cup of the cycle bottom bracket or hub from
entering too far within the ends of such brackets, or hubs, we provide a conical
shoulder at the outer end of such cup to abut within a countersunk recess in
the bracket or hub when the cup is in its innermost position.
To provide a more effectual lock for the chain wheel on the hub of the rear
or driving wheel of the cycle, we cut a screw thread within the eye of the chain
wheel, and upon the part of the hub on which such wheel is mounted, of a
coarser pitch than the thread of the ball bearing cup which is screwed into the
adjacent end of the hub, and which carries an annular projection or head at the
outer end of the cup, such end abutting against the outer extremity of the hub
and also of the chain wheel boss, and thus as the threads of the two parts are

page_text: of unequal pitch any slackening movement of the chain wheel will be arrested
on its contact with the head of the ball bearing cup. We sometimes employ
a lock nut on the head of the cup having a left hand thread, the ordinary threads
of both the cup and the chain wheel being right hand.
For the purpose of closing the usually open ends of a hollow or cylindrical
front fork crown of a cycle, we cut away portions from the inner side of the
hollow fork blades in such a manner that the extending portions which are left,
are carried to the top of the crown and thus form the outer ends of such crown.
We make an improved hinged brake frame from sheet metal having extensions
from the main or central part to which the brake rod is connected; such exten-
sions are bent to a suitable angle and arranged for the rubber or like blocks or
pads for pressing against the wheel rim. We also provide arms or extensions
from the central part of the frame (and in one piece therewith), at right angles
to the brake block extensions, and these arms we bend at right angles and pivot
their outor ends upon the fulcrum lug or ear.
We form an improved seat lug for a cycle frame by stamping or forming such
part from sheet metal to the required shape, and instead of bolting the rear stays
to this lug in the usual manner we form projections which enter the rear stays
and are brazed or similarly fixed thereto.
We, THEODORE JAMES BIGOS, of Dungarvon Buildings, Frome, in the County
of Somerset, Engineer, and ALBERT CHARLES HILLS, of Ewell Grove Avenue,
Moseley, Birmingham, Cycle Manufacturer, late of 95, Colmore Row, Birming-
ham, 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:—
This invention consists of improvements in the fastening or attachment of a
cycle handle bar to the steering tube, in the adjustment of the driving chain, and
in other parts of cycles.
For securing a cycle handle bar to the steering tube in accordance with our
invention we employ one or more split collars or collets for embracing the upper
or split end of the steering tube. Such collars or collets have a conical or
tapered external configuration fitting within the correspondingly tapered eye or
aperature of the lamp bracket, and the adjusting cone or race of the ball bearing
head, or into a projection from the inner face of the locking nut. On tightening
the lock nut the wedge like action upon the split collet causes such part to grip
upon the split end of the steering tube which is thus contracted and clamped upon
the handle bar stem and effectually secures the same in the desired position.
For racing & like handle bars we preferably form with the split and externally
coned or tapered collet, a suitable lug for the reception of the bar.
In the provision of means for the adjustment of the tension of the driving
chain we use one or more eccentric washers or discs at each end of the hub axle,
which fit into recesses in the rear fork end of the cycle frame and are there

page_text: secured in position by tightening the nuts upon the outer ends of the axle in
the ordinary manner. To ensure the eccentrics at either end of the axle being
moved cimultaneously we form taper cones on the axle and cause these to fit
tightly into correspondingly tapered holes in the eccentrics, which are thus firmly
secured to the axle in such a manner that when either the axle or one of the
eccentrics is moved or rotated the eccentric at the other end of the axle moves
in a corresponding manner.
To support or strengthen the axle of a cycle hub, we use a concentric or where
desirable, an eccentric washer or disc with a boss sufficiently long to project into
the hub and thus support the axle at a point very close to the path of the bearing
balls.
To provide a more effectual lock for the chain wheel on the hub of the driving
wheel of a cycle, we cut a screw thread within the eye of the chain wheel, and
upon the part of the hub on which such wheel is mounted, of a coarser pitch
than the thread of the ball bearing oup which is screwed into the adjacent end
of the hub, and which carries an annular. projection or head at the outer end of
the cup, such end abutting against the outer extremity of the hub and also of
the chain wheel boss, and thus as the threads of the two parts are of unequal
pitch any slackening movement of the chain wheel will be arrested on its contact
with the head of the ball bearing cup. We sometimes employ a lock nut on
the head of the cup having a left hand thread, the ordinary threads of both the
cup and the chain wheel being right hand when the chain wheel is fitted upon
the right hand side of the machine, or left hand when the chain wheel is upon the
left hand side.
For the purpose of closing the usually open ends of a hollow or cylindrical
front fork crown of a cycle, we cut away portions from the inner side of the
hollow fork blades in such a manner that the extending portions which are left,
are carried to the top of the orown and thus form the outer ends of such crown.
We make an improved hinge brake frame. from sheet metal, having extensions
from the main or central part to which the brake rod is connected; such exten-
sions are bont to a suitable angle and arranged to carry the rubber or like brake
blocks or pads in the usual manner for pressing against the wheel. We also
provide arms or extensions from the central part of the frame (and in one piece
therewith), at right angles to the brake block extensions, and these arms we
bend at right angles and pivot their outer ends upon the fulcrum lug or ear.
We form an improved seat lug for a cycle frame by stamping or forming such
part from sheet metal to the required shape, and instead of bolting the rear stays
to this lug in the usual manner we form extending projections which fit the rear
stay tubes and are brazed or similarly fixed thereto.
With reference to the accompanying drawings;-Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive, illus-
trate methods we adopt for securing the steering tube to the handle bar or
vice versa, according to our invention. In Fig. 1 the collar or collet C fits over
the steering tube T and also into the conical aperatures in the lamp bracket L and
the adjusting race or cone R of the ball bearing head. On tightening up the
uut N the conical aperatures in the lamp bracket L and race R cause the collet C
to contract upon the steering tube T which being split, closes in upon the handle
bar stem H and thus lock all parts together. The lamp bracket may be sub-
stituted by a washer having a couical aperature. Fig. 2 is similar to Fig. 1
except that two collets C C and two washers L L are employed. In Fig. 3 the
washer L is provided with a loop or eye Y to which the racing handle bar is
brazed. piece of tube or a thimble H may be inserted in the steering tube T
for the said steering tube to be closed upon, or the slitting of the steering tube
may be omitted, in which case the tube H would not be required. Fig. 4 is
somewhat similar to Fig. 3, the loop Y to carry the handle bar is formed on the
collet C instead of on the washer L. Fig. 5 is similar to Fig. 1, except that the
collet C fits into a conical aperature in the race R only, the upper surface being
left flat where pressure from the nut is applied.

page_text: Fig. 6 represents our improved method of fixing the eccentric chain adjusting
dises to the hub axle according to our invention. The taper cone K which we
form on the hub axle A fits tightly into the taper hole in the eccentric disc X.
which is thus secured to the axle in such a manner that when either the axle A
or the eccentric X is moved or rotated, the eccentric at the other end of the axle
moves in a corresponding manner. By fitting the eccentrics on taper cones in-
stead of the usual method of using a flatted or squared axle, the eccentrics may be
forcibly loosened from the cones on the axle and their relative positions adjusted
radially, after which they may be forced tightly on to the cones again.
The eccentrica X are shown provided with a boss B which extends into the
hub cup D & supports the axle up to a point very close to the path of the bear-
ing balls F. When the chain is adjusted by other means than that of eccentric
discs we use a concentric disc or washer having a boss reaching into the hub in a
similar manner.
Figs. 7 & 8 show improved methods of locking the chain wheel on a cycle hub
according to our invention. In Fig. 7 the chain wheel G is screwed on to the
hub with a coarse pitch thread & the cup M is screwed into the hub with a
thread which is cut the same hand as that of the chain wheel, but of finer pitch.
The cup M is provided with the annular projection or head M1 which is of
sufficient diameter to engage with the boss of the chain wheel G. Owing to the
thread of the chain wheel being of coarser pitch than that of the cup, any
slackening movement of the chain wheel becomes arrested by the cup and the
threads of both become jambed. In Fig. 8 the chain wheel G is locked by the
locknut P on the head of the cup M. By this arrangement the chain wheel
may be removed from the hub Q without removing the cup M as the head of
the cup is of such a diameter that the eye of the chain wheel will pass over it.
The threads of chain wheel and cup are the same as those in Fig. 7, but the
thread in the locknut and on head of cup is preferably the reverse hand to that
of the chain wheel and cup.
Figs. 9 to 14 inclusive, show various views of a fork crown made according
to our invention. Fig. 9 is a half section front view, Fig. 10 a side view, Fig. 11
a half section plan, and Fig. 12 an inverted plan. Figs. 13 & 14 show the shape
to which D shaped fork blades are cut to fit the crown. The crown S has an
aperature to receive the steering tube & the body portion S1 is hollow &
cylindrical in the usual manner, the lugs V at the ends of the crown are suitably
shaped to fit the internal section of the oval or D shaped fork blades W which
are cut away to shape shown in Figs. 13 & 14, so that the portion at W2 fits the
cylindrical portion of the crown & the extending portions W3 cover up the ends
of the crown. The flat liner W4 is inserted to strengthen the fork blade, the
cup or thimble W5 is inserted to connect the top portion of the crown to the
bottom and to harbour the brass during brazing. When all parts are fitted in
place they are secured together by brazing or a like method. The plate S2 is
fitted to keep mud and dirt from entering the steering tube.
Figs. 15, 16 & 17 show a brake spoon frame made according to our invention.
Fig. 15 is a side view, Fig. 16 a front view & Fig. 17 a plan. The brake
plunger rod is connected to the stud Y 1, the brake blocks Z are carried on exten-
sions Y2 from the central portion Y in the usual manner. The extensions Y3
are provided, and hent and twisted to the shape shown to carry the screw Y4
which pivots the brake frame to the fulcrum lug or ear on the fork crown.
Figs. 18, 19 & 20 show a seat lug for a cycle frame made according to our
invention. Fig. 18 is an inside view of one half, Fig. 19 is a rear view & Fig. 20
a plan. The seat lug is pressed and formed from a piece of sheet metal, and is
provided with an aperature J1 to receive the down tube, the extension J2 to
carry the top tube, and the bosses J3 with the hole J4 to carry the saddle_pillar
clamping bolt, and is brazed to the frame tubes in the ordinary manner. Exten-
sions J5 are formed on the bosses J3 which fit the rear stay tubes to which they
are brazed or similarly fixed.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is:-
Firstly. In a cycle or similar machine the arrangement and construction of
parts herein described, and illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 of the accompanying
drawings, whereby the steering tube and the hundle bar may be secured together
by using one or more split collars or collets in combination with conical aperatures
in such adjacent parts as may have pressure applied to them by a nut on the
steering tube, for the purpose of contracting such collets upon the steering tube.
Secondly. The forming of a loop Y on the washer L as shown in Fig. 3 for
the purpose of carrying the handle bar.
Thirdly. The forming of a loop Y on the collet C as shown in Fig. 4, for the
purpose of carrying the handle bar.
Fourthly. The securing of cycle chain tension adjusting eccentric dises to the
hub axle by the use of taper cones on the said axle fitting tightly into taper holes
in the eccentric discs, in the manner and for the purpose described with reference
to Fig. 6.
Fifthly. The locking of a coarse pitch right hand threaded chain wheel on a
cycle hub by a fine right hand threaded bearing cup provided with an annular
projection or head which impinges against the boss of the chain wheel, an
described with reference to Fig. 7.
Sixthly. The locking of a coarse pitch left hand threaded chain wheel on a
hub by a fine pitch left hand threaded bearing cup provided with a head which
impinges against the boss of the chain wheel, as described with reference to
Fig. 7.
Seventhly. The locking of a coarse pitch right hand threaded chain wheel ou
a hub by a fine pitch right hand threaded bearing cup, on the head of which cup
is screwed a left hand threaded lock nut which impinges against the boss of the
chain wheel as illustrated and described with reference to Fig. 8.
is
Eighthly. The locking of a coarse pitch left hand threaded chain wheel on a
hub by a fine left hand threaded bearing cup, on the head of which
cup
screwed a right hand threaded locknut which impinges against the chain wheel
as described with reference to Fig. 8.
Ninthly. The closing of the usually open ends of a hollow cylindrical front
fork crown by cutting away portions from the inner side of the fork blades in
such a manner that the extending portions which are left, are carried to the top
of the crown and thus form the outer ends of such crown, as illustrated and
described with reference to Figs. 9 to 14 inclusive.
Tenthly. A brake spoon frame having extensions Y3 bent and twisted as
shown in Figs. 15, 16 & 17, for the purpose of carrying a screw or pin to hinge the
brake frame to the fulcrum lug or ear on the fork crown.
Eleventhly. In a cycle frame seat lug which is formed from sheet metal the
provision of extensions J5 carried on the bosses J3 for the purpose of brazing
the rear stay tubes thereto, as described with reference to Figs. 18, 19 & 20.
Dated this 2nd day of September 1898.
THEODORE JAMES BIGGS, } Applicants.
ALBERT CHARLES HILLS,