CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN LAMPS PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Frederick Daniel Miller of Birmingham in the
County of Warwick for an invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN LAMPS
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Frederick Daniel
Miller at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th May 1882.
HENRY FREDERICK DANIEL MILLER, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN LAMPS APPLICABLE FOR BICYCLES TRICYCLES AND
OTHER VELOCIPEDES "
My invention relates to lamps chiefly designed for bicycles tricycles, and other
velocipedes, to bicycles this class of lamp is arranged upon the axis between the
two discs of the hub by means of a barrel (to be hereinafter described) and thus
suspended.
Various modes have been employed in the construction of these lamps so that
they shall pass between the spokes and be adjusted upon the axis readily but a
difficulty has arisen both hands having to be employed which is objectionable
complication of parts with lamina and spiral springs which are always open to
disarrangement or breakage.
I will describe my Invention thus: The lamp proper I construct of any shape
or configuration most suitable to my purpose: a curved plate fixed permanently
to the top of the body of the lamp at the front, carries the barrel above described,
which consists of two semicircular forms jointed or hinged at the front the upper
part of the said barrel is permanent the lower moveable by means of the said
hinge, the door with lens (which forms the front of the lamp) is also hinged to the
upper section of the barrel a little above the first named hinge. To connect or
affix this lamp the said door is elevated perpendicularly (the lower section of the
barrel falling by its own weight) the body of the lamp is so reduced that it can
be passed through the spokes and placed upon the axis, by the opening formed by
falling of the lower part of barrel, the door is now brought down and a projection
Darr

page_text: upon the inner side forces against and closes the lower part of barrel and finally
secured by engaging in a spring as hitherto the whole being carried out with the
use of one hand.
The above describes the barrel opening at the back of lamp, but by transposing
the same parts it can be so arranged as to open at the front.
The barrel of bicycle lamps are usually fitted with semicircular forms of leather
so as to reduce the friction and prevent a noise, the upper part bearing upon the
axis is quickly worn away and a difficulty has arisen in the replacing of them. To
remedy this I construct a second section fitting in the upper part of barrel before
described this receives the leather and can be slided in from either end and then
secured by an ordinary thumbscrew
The back of the lamp which has hitherto been entire with the body. I propose
to hinge at the most convenient part of the body thus forming a second door to
the inner surface of which I affix the reflector so that the said reflector and back
of lamp can be cleaned when required with facility, secured by the ordinary
spring.
The glass or lens of the lamp which is affixed to the door permanently by
inserting in a bevel and rolling over. I propose to hinge at any convenient part
of the said bevel so that in case the glass may be broken by accident another inay
be substituted without the necessity of having to take it to the manufacturer, it
would be secured as above described.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Henry Frederick Daniel Miller in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 8th November 1882.
HENRY FREDERICK DANIEL MILLER, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN LAMPS APPLICABLE FOR BICYCLES TRICYCLES AND
OTHER VELOCIPEDES,"
My Invention relates to lamps chiefly designed for bicycles, tricycles, and other
velocipedes, to bicycles this class of lamp is arranged upon the axis between the
two discs of the hub by means of a barrel (to be herein after described) and thus
suspended.
Various modes have been employed in the construction of these lamps so that
they shall pass between the spokes and be adjusted upon the axis, readily, but
a difficulty has arisen, both hands having to be employed which is objectionable,
complication of parts, with lamina and spiral springs which are always open to
disarrangement or breakage.
I will describe my invention thus:-The lamp proper I construct of any shape
or configuration most suitable to my purpose. A curved plate fixed permanently
to the top of the body of the lamp at the front, carries the barrel above described

page_text: which consists of two semi circular forms jointed or hinged at the front the upper
part of the said barrel is permanent the lower moveable by means of the said
hinge, the door with lens (which forms the front of the lamp) is also hinged to the
upper section of the barrel a little above the first named hinge. To connect or affix
this lamp the said door is elevated perpendicularly (the lower section of the barrel
falling by its own weight) the body of the lamp is so reduced that it can be
passed through the spokes and placed upon the axis, by the opening formed by
falling of the lower part of barrel, the door is now brought down and a projection
upon the inner side forces against and closes the lower part of barrel and finally
secured by engaging in a spring as hitherto the whole being carried out with the
use of one hand.
The above describes the barrel opening at the back of lamp, but by transposing
the same parts it can be so arranged as to open at the front.
The barrel of bicycle lamps are usually fitted with semicircular forms of leather
so as to reduce the friction and prevent a noise, the upper part bearing upon the
axis is quickly worn away and a difficulty has arisen in the replacing of them. To
remedy this I construct a second section fitting in the upper part of barrel before
described, this receives the leathers and can be slided in from either end and then
secured by an ordinary thumb screw. The back of the lamp which has hitherto
been entire with the body I propose to hinge at the most convenient part of the
body thus forming a second door to the inner surface of which I affix the reflector
so that the said reflector and back of lamp can be cleaned when required with
facility, secured by the ordinary spring.
The glass or lens of the lamp which is affixed to the door permanently by
inserting in a bezel and rolling over, I propose to hinge at any convenient part
of the said bezel so that in case the glass may be broken by accident another may
be substituted without the necessity of having to take it to the manufacturer, it
would be secured as above described.
Such being the nature and object of my said invention, I will now proceed to
describe more in detail the manner in which the same is or may be performed
or carried into practical effect, and the above mentioned advantages attained,
aided by a reference to the drawings hereunto annexed which are illustrative
thereof, marked with figures and letters of reference corresponding with those in
the following explanation the same letters of reference being used to denote like
or corresponding parts throughout the various views of the drawings.
Fig. 1 is a front view in clevation of a lamp, in general formation (so far as
outline) somewhat the same as those hitherto employed.
Figs 2 and 3 are side views in elevation. Figs 4 and 5 back views in elevation.
Figs 6 and 7 parts detached. a is the body, b the curved plate carrying the upper
and lower section of barrel, c and d, the latter hinged at e, f is the door hinged
at I, is the inclined projection for closing the barrel sections c and d regulated
or steadied by the thumb screw i, f being engaged in the spring j securely when
closed. Figs 6 and 7 illustrate a mode for arranging or receiving the semicircular
forins of leather which find a bearing upon or against the axis or shaft for reducing
the friction and preventing noise. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal view. Fig. 7 an end
view, in form and length corresponding to the interior of c and d on being fitted
into each, by sliding from either end (the leather washer k, having been first
adjusted) and shewn at 1, Figs 2 and 3. m is a door at back of lamp which carries
the reflector n, hinged at o, when closed secured by the spring p, shewn at Figs
1, 2, 3, the Intter by dotted lines, opened and partly elevated. q is a box per-
manently affixed to f, r is a bezel for holding the glass or lens s hinged at t, when
closed secured by the spring u shewn at Figs 1 (open) 2, 3, closed.
Figs 4, 5, illustrate a simple mode of lighting the lamp without removal and
consists Fig. 4 of a circular or other suitable form (corrugated or roughed on its
surface) being suspended by a pin at when the lamp is required to be lighted
the match is struck upon this surface and moved in either desired direction
exposing the opening w through which the match is put to the wick. Fig. 5 is

page_text: a modification, in this case the door x slides in the frame y for the above named
purpose as both these are back views the reflector is also provided with an opening
or aperture corresponding, but in many cases to a particular class of lamp this
mode of lighting will be arranged at the side.
Having now described and ascertained the nature and object of this my said
invention together with the manner in which the same may be performed or
carried into practical effect, nevertheless I wish to observe in conclusion that
I do not limit myself to the precise details herein given and set forth as various
modifications may be pursued according to the skill of the artisan employed,
without affecting the character or principle of this my said invention. I claim as
my invention :-
1st. The construction, combination, and arrangement of parts whereby the body
or bulk of the lamp is so reduced that it can be passed through the spokes of the
vehicle and arranged upon the axis or shaft, and secured, with the employment of
one hand.
2nd. The construction and arrangement of parts for receiving the leathers, and
their removal when necessitated by wear, and substituting others.
3rd. The construction and arrangement of parts forming a door and opening
(with reflector) hinged or otherwise at the back for the cleaning of the reflector, or
lighting the wick.
4th. The construction and arrangement of parts forming a door and opening
at the front for cleaning the glass or lens, and replacing the same when broken.
5th. The construction and arrangement of parts forming a door and opening at
the back or sides for lighting.
And lastly, the general construction, combination, and arrangement of parts
substantially as herein before described and set forth and illustrated, or any mere
modification thereof.
In witness whereof I the said Henry Frederick Daniel Miller have hereunto
set my hand and seal this seventh day of November in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty two.
Witness
THOMAS KENDRICK.
HENRY FREDERICK DANIEL MILLER (L.S.)