IMPROVEMENTS IN CONSTRUCTION OF VELOCIPEDES, AND IN APPARATUS IN CONNECTION THERE- WITH"
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry John Lawson, of Coventry, in the County
of Warwick, Engineer, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
CONSTRUCTION OF VELOCIPEDES, AND IN APPARATUS IN CONNECTION THERE-
WITH"
THE
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry John Lawson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th June 1880.
HENRY JOHN LAWSON, of Coventry, in the County of Warwick, Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF VELOCIPEDES, AND IN APPARATUS IN
CONNECTION THEREWITH."
My Invention consists in certain improvements in velocipedes, and machinery to
be used or connected therewith.
In the machine as constructed to carry one rider three wheels are used of various
sizes, the rims of which are inverted in the U section ordinarily used, angle spokes
coming through the sides to prevent buckling under the additional strain with
solid heads, the driving wheel being further connected by a band stretching across
the bottom of the section so as to render it hollow, and the bub as usual wide
enough for the swinging of the lamp suspended on side coils, and small enough for
the spring clip to spring together. The smallest of the wheels is used for steering,
and placed in a line with medium wheol at one side of the machine. It may be
situated either at front or back, the largest or driving wheel being situated at the
other side, and being suitably fitted with the usual crank treadlo arrangement as
now generally used. The seat or saddle for rider is placed upon a stoel spring,
which is divided and coiled at the sides into four coils, with the usual slide in
bicycles. It is situated between the larger and steering wheels, between which
points the greatest weight is arranged to lie; greater strength in the frame is
obtained by its construction of steel tube, by preference oval, placed edgeways, and
connected together by double bands of metal which bind the outsides, and are
adjusted by bolts at each side with a pin to equalizo the pressure upon entire
surface. By the addition of a cup and cone to the before mentioned medium wheel,
which is situated a little behind the large driving wheel, it too is converted into a
driving wheel, also worked by the rider. The cup is fixed upon the said wheel,
and the cone is fixed upon an independent axle fitted with a toothed wheel to work

page_text: in a corresponding one of the required speed, which is driven by one on the main
shaft. The cone is kept in position by a strong spring, which is slightly with-
drawn at every movement of the steering handle. This wheel, which may
obviously be of larger proportionate size, slides upwards into position along a slot
in which there is a spring, and is arranged so that in the same manner it may be
withdrawn.
The machine as constructed to carry two or more riders is fitted with the well-
known rotary action, and a detachable wheel or wheels in frame similar to a
miniature bicycle is portably attached behind, fitted with spring and saddle, tho
measurer being attached portably with a clip and acted upon by the crank. The
said saddle is adjustable to various heights by means of handles relieved by a small
spring catch so constructed that the rider can wind up the chain upon which the
seat is suspended, or with the assistance of spring push himself up by simply
leaning upon handles. This wheel is driven by cranks in the usual way, but being
very small is multiplied by a small toothed wheel attached to the side of the fork,
and working in one to correspond fixed on the sliding axle, to which is attached a
pin wheel for driving when the said wheels are out of gear; a similar arrangement
is attached to the rotary crank bearing the treadles to enable the rider to lessen
speed, but to gain power, a small pin being lowered into a recess to keep the same
in respective positions. Both wheels are driven in this machino by means of a
silent feed clutch, the means of treading backward being thus obtained. The small
lever which clutches the edge of flange is made to continue round the axle on both
sides, and is fastened by a spring to the lever which is fixed on axle. The move-
ment of axis is consequently made to bite the flange equally in whichever direction
taken. The rollers on the axes of pins forming the clutch are adjusted by a nut at
the top to compensate for wear, which forces the top downwards. To reverse this
driving a secondary axle with intermediate cog wheel is fixed, which is introduced
by a small lever sliding it into position, an engraved dial showing the position of
the various cogs to the rider while seated. One seat of this machine is fitted for
a lady rider with cushion, and the other a saddle is fitted with a spring coiled at
the front, and rested upon two spiral pistons at the sides.
I protect the riders from the weather, without intercepting the view, by a case or
covering fitted with an arched glass front so as to cleave the wind. This is chiefly
constructed of light metal netting covered with leather or other suitable material,
the edges being bolted together to correspondingly recessed and protruding portions
of the framing, the glass sliding in grooves of india rubber.
All the bearings are ball, and all the balls run upon axes in a revolving cage,
those of the pedals being situated inside and adjusted in the usual manner of ball
bearings. The levers under the said saddle drive the clutches by acting upon their
circumferences with racks, and are reversed by a bevel wheel between the said
clutches.

page_text: "
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Henry John Lawson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
24th December 1880.
HENRY JOHN LAWSON, of Coventry, in the County of Warwick, Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF VELOCIPEDES, AND IN APPARATUS.
CONNECTED THEREWITH.".
My Invention consists of certain improvements in velocipedes, and machinery in
connection therewith. The machine as constructed to carry one rider (Fig. 1) has
three wheels of various sizes, the rims of which are inverted in the U section
ordinarily used (Fig. 2), angle spokes coming through (Fig. 3) the sides with solid
heads. These spokes are similar in shape and section to what are known as
paragon wires or ribs in umbrella construction, and besides being placed so that
they may cleave the wind they are also placed at an anglo in the hub for rigidity.
The rim of the driving wheel is further connected by a band stretching across the
bottom of the section so as to render it hollow (Fig. 4), and the hub being mado
wide enough for the swinging of a hub lamp which is suspended on small side coils
(Fig. 5), the same coiled springs causing the clip to spring together round the axis
of wheel. The smallest of the wheels is used for steering, and placed in a line with
the medium wheel at the same side of machine. It may be situated either at front
or at back (Fig. 6), the largest or driving wheel being situated at the other sido,
and being suitably fitted with the usual crank and treadle arrangements. The
seat or saddlo for the rider is placed upon a steel spring, which is divided and.
coiled at the sides into four coils (Fig. 7) with the usual slido (in bicycles), as in
(Fig. 8); it is situated between the larger and steering wheels, between which
points the greatest weight is arranged to fall; greater strength in the frame is
obtained by its construction of steel tube, by preference oval, placed edgeways, and
connected together by double bands of metal, which bind the outside, and are
adjusted by bolts at each side, with a pin to equalize the pressure upon entire
surface (Fig. 9). It is obvious that other shapes would do equally well, By this
moans all the welding and brazed joints are rendered unnecessary, the tube of
frame being merely clipped together. By the addition of a cup and cone to the
before mentioned medium wheel, which is situated a little behind the large driving
wheel, it too is converted into a driving wheel. The cup is part of the hub of wheel,
the cone is attached to the driving axis so that it may slide backwards and
forwards upon a feather, or in the rotary tricycle drive the cup by being connected
with the driving crank by means of a chain working upon teeth which are part of
the cone itself. In the latter arrangement the whole of the apparatus, together
with the hub, turns upon a tubo (Fig. 10), letter A. The cone is kept in position
by a strong spring, which is slightly withdrawn at every movement of the steering
handle by means of a lever actuated by a cam fixed upon steering handle. This
wheel, which may obviously be of larger proportionate size, slides upwards into
position along a slot in material attached to the frame (Fig. 11), so that in the
same manner it may instantly be withdrawn, the weight keeping it in position.
The machine as constructed to carry two or more riders (Fig. 14) is fitted with the
well-known rotary action to drive one wheel, and the system of lever action
described in Letters Patent No. 3934, 1879, to drive the other wheel. The two
larger wheels are placed in front or at the side of riders, and the steering wheel behind
the riders. This steering wheel is portably attached; it is fitted with a backbone,
at the end of which is a small roller which may be increased in size so as to form a
miniaturo bicycle (Fig. 12): The saddle is adjustable to variable heights and
positions along tho-backbone, upon which the spring carrying it slides. To the
said spring a small band is attached which at its extremity winds upon a spring

page_text: drum or box, so that the saddle is automatically drawn forward or raised, a small
catch (letter A), so constructed that it falls in ratchet wheel fixed upon handle,
keeping the said saddle in position. This wheel is worked by the rider, who is
seated upon saddle, in the usual way, by means of cranks which revolve below the
axis of wheel and some inches in front of the same, the said cranks having fixed
to them suitable cog wheels which multiply the spoed and communicate with the
hub of the wheel eithor by means of chains or by intermediate toothed wheels; this
wheel or wheels is so arranged as to be easily detached from tricycle by unscrewing
the nut (letter B), and when so detached may be ridden separately as a miniaturo
bicycle or unicyclo.
When desired, the following system of multiplying speed and also decreasing
the same is used (Fig. 13); this illustration shews the apparatus applied to tho
tricyle. The driving axlo (letter A) slides loosely in the hub of wheel (B), and
when one speed is obtained the teeth or clutch (C) are slid by the action of the feot
or hands into the recesses or apertures (D); when the second speed is desired they
are withdrawn, and the wheel (E) runs into the teeth of wheel (F) which turns
loosely upon its axis. It is obvious that minor alterations would follow the use of
toothed wheels instead of chain wheels, to render them suitable for the miniature
bicycle or unicycle.
Both wheels are driven in this tricycle (Fig. 14) by means of a "silent feed"
clutch, somewhat similar to that described by me in Letters Patent, September
1879. The means of treading backward being thus obtained the small lover
(Fig. 15, A) which clutches the edge of flange (B) is made to continue round the
axle on both sides (letters C, C,), and is fastened by a small adjustable spring (D)
to the lever which is fixed so as to oscillate upon a pin (E), while the whole revolves
upon a separate bearing (F). When the small tooth (G) upon axle begins to move
in either direction it presses upon the small levor (A) at (H), which causes the two
teeth to grip the flange (J, J.); when the movement ceases the small spring (D)
causes the lever (A) to return to its position and allow the flange to freely pass.
It is obvious that a movement in either direction would equally actuate the clutch.
The rollers on the pins (I, I) are adjusted to compensate for wear by the nut (K)
which forces the top pin downwards.
The machine is fitted with a cushioned seat for a lady rider above the rotary
crank and with a saddle upon suitable springs for a male rider situated above the
levers. The said spring works upon coils at front (Fig. 16), and is supported by
secondary spring with two spirals at back and sides. It will be noticed that in this
lever system there is hitherto no means of driving back. I obtain this result by a
cone cup (Fig. 17, A) fixed to the side of hub and an intermediato wheel (B) upon a
secondary axle (C), which said intermediate wheel on one side revolves in the cone
cup, and upon the other sido against a corresponding wheel (D), which is introduced
or brought to bear upon the circumference of the intermediate wheel by means of a
small lever (E). These wheels have either teeth or smooth surfaces, the latter being
preferable. The said lever (E) is actuated by another lover (Fig. 18) situated close
to the rider. The said lever A (18) passes round the dial (B), and with a small
spring catch is fixed in any desired position; upon this dial is indicated the amount of
power or loverage necessary or being exercised, so that the rider can by moving the
lever to one portion of tho dial increase the speed, to the other portion decrease the
speed and increase the power (as explained in Letters Patent, September 1879), or
still further reverse the motion of machine and propel it in a backward direction.
Tho said dial has for its object the removal of any confusion that might arise
through the rider being unaware of the amount of leverage, &c. being used. The
levers on the said side of tricycle are made to alternate by a bevel wheel (Fig. 19)
acting in the flanges of the "silent feed" discs, described in Letters Patent,
September 1879. The bearings are known as antifrictional (being constructed with
balls), but in this machine the balls are made to run upon axes in a revolving cage
placed in boxes on the interior in the case of pedals (Fig. 20). I protect the riders
from the weather without intercepting the view by a case or covering fitted with

page_text: an arched glass front so as to cleave the wind (Fig. 21). This is chiefly constructed
of light metal netting covered with leather or other suitable material. The upper
part or roof is complete in itself (Fig. 22), and is supported by two side uprights
which can be lifted out of their sockets (letters A, A, Fig. 22). The lower part of
this case is suspended from a bar attached to the top of the said sockets, and
reaching round from each side, turning as if hinged; to these bars are attached
suitable fastenings or bolts, and from them the metal netting proceeds downwards.
The upper part is of glass and slides upon and down in grooves of india rubber in
a similar manner to the windows and doors of ordinary vehicles. It is obviously
easy to unhook these hanging coverings, which are made to serve as doors both back
and front.
Having now described my Invention, what I claim as now is,—
1st. The inverting of the rim and the method of rendering it hollow, substantially
as herein before described (Fig. 2).
2nd. The rendering of the spokes angular in section and situation in the hub,
so that they may better cut or cleave the wind, substantially as hereinbefore
described (Fig. 3).
3rd. The hub attachment to lamp, being the application of side springs to hub
lamps coiled in the manner shewn at Fig. 5, together with the application of springs
to the clip so that it may automatically close upon hub, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
4th. The combination, construction, and arrangement of the seat in tricycles
having one driving wheel at the side, so that the weight of rider falls mainly
between the steering and driving wheel when the tricycle is of a form illustrated
at Fig. 1, the steering and the medium wheel running in a straight line and
forming only two tracks when propelled in a forward direction, substantially as
horein before described.
5th. The construction of the spring in tricycles and bicycles with four coils, as in
Figs. 7 and 8, substantially as herein before described.
6th. The method of construction of tricycle framing by means of oval clips
which are adjustable and may be regulated in their surface pressure by means of a
small pin (Fig. 9), substantially as hereinbefore described.
7th. The application to tricycles of a frictional clutch or cone combined with the
method of releasing the same, so as to effect an economy in friction (Fig. 10), the
whole turning upon a separate tube, substantially as hereinbefore described.
8th. The construction and arrangement for portability of a slot for the reception
of the axis of the third wheel so that it may be immediately withdrawn or passed
into position and 'in contact with the driving gear (Fig. 11), substantially as
herein before described.
9th. The application to velocipedes of an adjustable saddle in combination with
a spring drum which automatically draws it into position and raises it (Fig. 12),
substantially as hereinbefore described.
10th. The combination, construction, and arrangement of one wheel attachablo
to a tricycle with complete driving gear in such a manner that it may be used as a
miniaturo bicycle or unicycle (Fig. 12), substantially as hereinbefore described.
11th. The combination, arrangement, and construction of small gear wheels, which
may be made to increase or decrease the speed in tricycles and the power required,
without interfering with the chain or band (Fig. 13), substantially as herein before
described.
12th. The application to tricycles and construction of a clutch which acts upon a
flange, locking it by the motion of the axis in either direction by means of teeth
attached to a rocking or oscillating lever, which said lever is set in motion by a cam
or tooth fixed upon axle; also the attachment and combination of the said lever
to and with a secondary lever or disc which revolves upon a separato bearing.
(F, Fig. 15); also the adjusting of the teeth of clutch, substantially as herein before
described.
13th. The application and construction of a spring to and in velocipedes, resting

page_text: at the back upon a secondary spring working upon coils (Fig. 16), substantially
as hereinbeforo described.j
14th. The application to velocipedes in which the levers drive from the circum-
ference of discs of a bevel or tooth wheel to alternate the motion of levers, instead
of cords or rocking bars as now used (Fig. 19), substantially as heroin before
described.
2
15th. The application to velocipedes which drive from the circumferenco by
levers, as hereinbofore described, of a system by which they may be propelled in a
backward direction by means of an intermediate wheel (Fig. 17), substantially as
herein before described.
16th. The application to velocipedes, in which the leverago is variable, of a dial
or index situated within view of the rider, indicating the relativo amount of leverago
being used (Fig. B 18), substantially as herein before described.
17th. The application to ball bearings of a revolving cago to carry the sides or
axes of balls (Fig. 20), substantially as herein before described, the said cages being
in the interior of pedal frames.
18th. The application, combination, and construction to and with and of a suitable
covering or casing for tricycles which shall completely or partially enclose the rider,
having glass frontage so constructed as to cleave the wind; india rubber grooves
for the glass to slide in, and put together in such a manner as to be easily removed
at will (Figs. 21 and 22); also 'the method of construction with netting or other
suitable light framing covered with waterproof material, and the arrangement of
each back and front portion to turn upon hinges or their respective sockets, so that
an opening inay be made cither back or front, substantially as herein before
described, and
Lastly. The general combination and arrangements of mechanism, as and for tho
purposes hereinbefore described and set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry John Lawson, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty third day of December, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and eighty.
TART TSON
HENRY JOHN LAWSON. (...)