IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES
Year: 1880

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Hillman at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th October 1880.
WILLIAM HILLMAN, of Coventry, in the County of Warwick, Machinist.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES."
My Invention relates to improvements in velocipedes, and comprises various
novel features in the construction of bicycles and tricycles as hereinafter specified.
The said Invention consists partly in the novel construction of springs for the
saddles or seats of velocipedes. In one of the forms or modifications of this part
of my Invention I mount the saddle of a bicycle upon a double bow spring, the top
and bottom plates of which are united at their ends by bending them one over the
other around pins or bolts. But the chief peculiarity of this part of my Invention
is the peculiar construction and arrangement of the spring upon the back-bone in
such a manner that the desired elasticity is obtained without encroaching on the
available space above the main wheel of the vehicle. For this purpose the bottom
plate of the spring is slotted longitudinally or divided into two portions between
which the back bone projects, that is to say, the said lower plate of the spring is
not placed above or on the top of the back bone, but its two portions are secured
to lugs formed or fixed on the sides thereof at or below its centre. The said plate
is secured to the said lugs by small screws or bolts passed through the same.
in applying this part of my Invention to existing bicycles I provide clips formed
to encircle the back and to hold the said lower plate of the spring.
Or
I modify this part of my Invention by constructing a spring seat or saddle as
follows, that is to say :-I attach to the back bone a horizontally arranged ring or
hoop of iron, or other suitable metal, and I connect with this hoop a series of
springs formed of thin steel plates; the said springs are rivetted to the said
hoop or ring, and extend therefrom downward, and then in a volute form upward
to the top of the seat, where they terminate, and are secured to a flat circular plate
formed of thin steel or other metal; I thus form a circular cushion-shaped spring
seat or saddle, which may be covered with leather or other suitable material.

page_text: In this form of my Invention, as in that above described, it is important to
provide for the elasticity of the seat without occupying unnecessary space above the
back bone. I therefore arrange the said springs in such a manner that those
adjacent to the backbone are sufficiently far apart to allow the back bone to pass
between them, and the said springs are so arranged that their lower portions
descend below the top of the said back-bone, and there is ample space between the
latter and the top plate to allow the required freedom for the action of the said
springs.
Another part of my Invention consists in providing an improved adjustable
step for a bicycle. These vehicles are usually provided with a fixed step, but it is
sometimes found desirable to provide them with an adjustable step instead of or
in addition to the fixed step. Some difficulty exists with regard to the adjustability
of such steps on the back-bone by reason of the taper form of the latter, and for
this reason as well as that of their unsightly appearance none of the devices
heretofore employed have been satisfactory. But by my Invention I provide a
device for this purpose which will be capable of very easy adjustment to any
desired part of the back-bone, and which will not present the unsightly appearance
of other devices heretofore provided for this purpose. My improved device has a
horse-shoe shaped piece or strap which fits the hack-bone with its ends projecting
at one side of the same; to these ends I connect the ends of a similar piece, which
forms tho step; within these pieces I place an excentric or taper pin so arranged
that by means of a screw bolt passing through the said strap or by any other
suitable contrivance the said excentric or taper piu may be tightened or made to
pinch the back-bone, and thereby hold the said step firmly in any position in which
it is desired to retain the same, while by slackening the said excentric or pin the
step will be released for further adjustment.
My Invention further consists in improvements in the construction of ball
bearings for velocipedes; according to this part of my Invention I construct a ball
bearing for a velocipede wheel with a bush divided longitudinally into two halves,
and provide the same with end plates or washers in such a manner as to effectually
exclude dust from such bearings, thereby greatly increasing their durability and
facilitating the working of the vehicle. The said two halves are fitted together
and provided with grooves or channels extending around their interior surface for
the reception of the balls or spherical rollers; I prefer to employ four of such
grooves and series of rollers. The said bush is inserted in the boss or hub of the
wheel, and is secured in the latter by a screw recessed or countersunk in the face
or faces of the boss or by other suitable means for keeping the bush in place in the
wheel, and the said bush is fitted upon the shaft or journal thereof in the usual
manner. The faces of the said hub or boss are recessed for the reception of the
aforesaid end plates or washers, which may be formed of brass or other suitable
metal, and have a short external neck or projection which fits the said spindle.
These washers are preferably secured upon the faces of the hub or boss by means
of small screws, and when properly secured in place they will form very efficient
protection against the entrance of dust to the bearing. When this contrivance is
applied to the small wheel of a bicycle, I prefer to recess the inside of the boss of
the fork to receive and enclose the projections on the said washer, and thus further
ensure the exclusion of dust.
This part of my Invention also includes ball bearings for the pedals of bicycles.
These bearings are also made in two halves longitudinally. Each half consists of
two ends which enclose the balls or rollers, and which are united by two longi-
tudinal bars whereon the feet of the rider rest; these bars are either serrated or
covered with india rubber. Each end consists of a flat plate on which is formed
the part that encloses the said rollers; I prefer to use two series of rollers in each
end. The top and bottom halves of the two ends are secured together around the
shaft or journal of the pedal by small screw bolts and nuts. I provide means for
the exclusion of dust from these bearings by the employment of end plates or
washers as follows:-On the exterior surface of the end pieces I provide an

page_text: undercut or recessed rim or flange which, when the top and bottom parts of the
ends are united, forms a complete circle which is equally divided by the said top
and bottom parts of the bearing. I make a circular plate of thin steel or other
metal of the proper thickness to enter the recess of the said flange. I insert the
said plate in the recess in one part of the bearing, and then when the two parts of
the latter are fitted together the said plate will enter the recess in the other part
of the bearing, and will thus form a perfectly tight dust, excluding cover to the
same without the use of screws or similar fastenings.
I provide an improved device for securing the cranks of bicycles on their shaft
or axle. For this purpose I drill and tap a hole in the crank for the reception of
a screw-pin, and I also drill or counterbore this hole to a larger size for the
reception of the screw head in such a position that when the crank is on the shaft
the screw-head could not be inserted into the said hole if provision were not made
for its reception by forming in the shaft a recess, which may be considered as a
portion of the said hole, but is of such a depth in the shaft that when the screw
head, which is taper, is forced into its hole it binds tightly against this recess, and
thereby secures the crank or lever in place. I modify this contrivance by forming
a rectangular recess or groove in the shaft and inserting into the same a taper key
or wedgo, which is made flat on one side to fit the said rectangular recess, and
curved on the other side to conform to the shape of the screw-head. The latter in
this case is not made taper as it is used simply to force the said key or edge
inward. The screw-head has an oblong groove or recess in its top or outer face
for the reception of a similarly shaped key or any flat piece of metal whereby the
said screw can be turned. Either form of this contrivance as above described will
afford very convenient means for securing in place or removing the cranks of
bicyles without any special tools or implements, and as the screw-head when the
crank is in place is flush with the face of the latter, the crank will be free from any
any projecting parts, such as nuts or screw heads, which might cause inconvenience
by catching in the garments of the rider.
I further improve the construction of bicycles by increasing the length of the
neck which works in the top centre. For this purpose I make the top centre
tubular by counterboring the same to a size somewhat larger than that of the
vertical part of the neck, so that the latter projects into the said tubular part and
has its bearing at the upper end of the same.

page_text: DIECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters ratent bied
by the said William Hillınan in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 29th
April 1881.
WILLIAM HILLMAN, of Coventry, in the County of Warwick, Machinist.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES.'
My Invention relates to improvements in velocipedes, and comprises various
novel features in the construction of the same, as hereinafter specified.
The said Invention consists partly in the novel construction of springs for the
saddles or seats of velocipedes.
One form of my improved springs is illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 of the
accompanying Drawings, in which,
and
Figure 1 is a plan or top view of the said spring, and
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same.
Figure 3 is a longitudinal section of the said spring on the line x, x, Figure 1,
Figure 4 is a transverse section of the same on the line x, x¹, Figure 1.
According to this part of the said Invention I mount the saddle or seat of a
bicycle on a double bow spring, that is to say, the said spring is composed of a top
plate a and a bottom plate b. These plates are united at their ends preferably by
bending or turning the ends a¹ of the plate a over or around the ends of the
plate b, the said plate a being provided with projecting pieces a*, designed to
enter notches formed in the ends b² of the plate b to prevent any lateral displace-
ment of the said plates. The chief peculiarity however of this part of my Invention
consists in the novel construction of the spring and its arrangement upon the
backbone in such a manner that the desired elasticity is obtained without
encroaching on the available space above the main wheel of the vehicle. For this
purpose the bottom plate 6 of the spring is provided with a longitudinal slot or
aperture c within which the back-bone projects, that is to say, the said lower plate b
of the spring is not placed above or on the top of the back-bone, but its two
portions b*, b*, are secured to the lugs d¹ of clips & by means of screws or bolts e
passed through the said portions b* and the lugs. These clips are formed to
embrace or encircle the back-bone of the bicycle and permit the said spring to be
readily applied to existing bicycles; or instead of securing the said plate to lugs
formed on the aforesaid clips as above described, the said plate may be attached
to lugs formed or fixed on the sides of the back-bone at or below its centre.
In Figures 5 to 8 I have shewn a modification of this part of my Invention as
adapted to a seat or saddle for use upon a tricycle.
Figure 5 is a plan of the said seat.
Figure 6 is an underside view, and
Figure 7, a rear view of the same.
Figure 8 is a vertical section of the said seat on the line y, y, Figure 5.
According to this modification I attach to the back-bone of a bicycle, or to a
suitable piece designed to be attached to the frame of a tricycle, a horizontally
arranged ring, hoop, or piece f, of iron or other suitable metal, and I connect with
this piece a series of springs 9 formed of thin steel plates. These springs are
rivetted to the said hoop, ring, or piece f, and extend therefrom downward and
then in a volute form upward to the top of the seat, as shewn in Figure 8, where
they terminate and are secured to a flat circular plate formed of thin steel or other
metal. I thus form a circular or approximately circular cushion-shaped spring-
seat or spring-saddle, which may be covered with leather or other suitable material.
In some cases the metal plate may be dispensed with, and the volute springs g
attached directly to the leather or other covering material h, as shewn. In this

page_text: form of my Invention when applied to a bicycle, as in that above described, it is
important to provide for the elasticity of the seat without occupying unnecessary
space above the backbone; I therefore arrange the said springs in such a manner
that those adjacent to the back-bone are sufficiently far apart to allow the back-
bone to pass between them, and the said springs are so arranged that their lower
portions descend below the top of the said back-bone, and there is ample space
between the latter and the top plate to allow the required freedom for the action
of the said springs.
Another part of my Invention consists in an improved adjustable step for a
bicycle. These vehicles are usually provided with a fixed step, but it is sometimes
found desirable to provide them with an adjustable step instead of or in addition
to the fixed step. A difficulty exists with regard to the adjustability of such steps
on the back-bone by reason of the taper form of the latter, and for this reason, as
well as that of their unsightly appearance, some of the devices heretofore employed
have not been satisfactory; but by my Invention I provide a device for this
purpose, which will be capable of very easy adjustment to any desired part of the
backbone, and which will not present the unsightly appearance of other devices
heretofore provided for this purpose. Moreover my improved device does not
necessitate the drilling of a hole in the backbone to enable it to be fixed in any
desired position, nor does it require any alteration or addition whatever in or to
the backbone of any existing bicycle to permit its attachment thereto. My
improved device has a horse-shoe or U shaped piece or strap, which fits the back-
bone, with its ends projecting at one side of the same. To these ends I connect
the ends of a similar piece, which forms the step. Within these pieces I
place an excentric or taper pin, so arranged that by means of a screw bolt
passing through the said strap, or by any other suitable contrivance, the said
excentric or taper pin may be tightened or made to pinch the back-bone, and
thereby hold the said step firmly in any position in which it is desired to retain
the same, while by slackening the said excentric or pin the step will be released
for further adjustinent. I prefer however to modify this construction slightly by
dispensing with the said excentric or taper pin, and forming the said device as
shewn in Figures 9 to 11 of the Drawings, in which,
Figure 9 is a top view; and
Figure 10 a side view of the said device.
-
Figure 11 is a vertical section of the same on the line y', y¹, Figure 9.
The said device has the aforesaid U-shaped piece or strap i designed to embrace
or fit around the backbone. Within this pieco I arrange the adjustable piece j,
whose upper surface is preferably serrated, as shewn, and serves as a step. This
piece is provided with slots, through which and the piece i a screw bolt k is
passed, the latter being provided with a nut k¹ to retain the same in place. In
order however to clamp the back-bone firmly between the pieces i and j I pass
through a tapped hole in the bolt a screw k², which when screwed up will exert
sufficient force upon the part j to clamp the same firmly upon the buck-bone, the
said screw being provided with a lock-nut k³ to ensure the retension of the said
part j in position when so clamped upon the back-bone. The slots j¹ permit the
piecej to be moved inward or outward within the piece i, according to the position
it is to be fixed in and to suit the varying diameter of the backbone consequent
upon its taper form.
My Invention further consists in improvements in the construction of ball
bearings for the wheels and treadles of velocipedes.
This part of my Invention is illustrated in Figures 12 to 18 of the Drawings, in
which,
Figure 12 is a side view of the hub or boss of a wheel provided with my improved
ball bearings; and
Figure 13 is a similar view of the same with the end plate or washer removed.
Figure 14 is a vertical section on the line z, z, Figure 12.

page_text: figure is a pian or top view or a treadle provided with my improved bau
bearings; and
Figure 16 is a similar view, with part of the said treadle removed.
Figure 17 is an end view of the said treadle; and
Figure 18 is a section on the line 2', 2¹, Figure 15.
In applying my improved ball bearing to a wheel I employ a bush m divided
longitudinally into two halves, as shewn in Figure 13, and insert the same within
the boss or hub n of the wheel. The said bush is secured within the boss n by a
screw mo at each end of the latter. The head of each screw enters a countersunk
aperture or recess n* formed in the face of the boss, and also a recess m* in the
bush m, and thus serves as a stop to prevent any endwise movement of the said
bush; or other suitable means for keeping the bush in place in the hub may be
employed, the said bush being fitted upon the spindle shaft or journal o of the
wheel in the usual manner.
The said two halves of the bush m are fitted together and provided with grooves
or channels m¹ extending around their interior surface, and the journal or shaft o
is also provided with similar grooves o', o¹; the said grooves serve for the reception
of the balls or spherical rollers p. I prefer to employ four of such grooves and
series of rollers. To effectually exclude dust from such bearings, thereby greatly
increasing their durability and facilitating the working of the vehicle, I provide
the hub or boss with end plates or washers n¹, n¹. The faces of the said hub or boss
are recessed for the reception of these end plates or washers which may be formed
of brass or other suitable metal, and have a short external neck or projection n²
which fits the spindle o. These washers are preferably secured upon the faces
of the hub or boss by means of small screws, and when properly secured in place
they will form very efficient protection against the entrance of dust to the bearing.
When this device is applied to the small wheel of a bicycle I prefer to recess the
inside of the boss of the end of the fork to receive and enclose the projections n² on
the said washer, and thus further ensure the exclusion of dust.
In applying my improved ball bearings to the pedals or treadles of bicycles, as
shewn in Figures 15 to 18, I make the pedal g in two halves, as shewn at q', q'.
Each balf consists of two ends q², 9, which enclose the balls or rollers and which
are united by two bars q³, q³, whereon the feet of the rider rest. These bars are
either serrated, as shewn, or covered with india-rubber. Each end consists of a.
flate plate q*, and on these plates I form the parts q³ that enclose the said balls or
rollers. I prefer to use two series of rollers in each end. The top and bottom
halves of the two ends are secured together around the shaft or journal r of the
pedal by small screw bolts & passed through the parts q² and provided with
nuts. I provide means for the exclusion of dust from these bearings by the
employment of end plates or washers as follows, that is to say:-On the exterior
or outer surface of the end pieces q² I provide an undercut or recessed rim or
flange qº, which when the two halves q, q, aro united forms a complete circle
equally divided between the said halves, as shewn in Figure 17. Within the
recess in the end plate of the bearing I insert a circular plate or disc d of thin
steel or other metal, which when the two parts q', q², are properly fitted together
will enter the recess in the end plate of the other part of the bearing, and will thus
form a perfectly tight dust excluding cover to the same without necessitating the
use of screws or similar fastenings.
Having thus fully described my said Invention and the manner of performing
the same, I wish it understood that I claim,-
First. A spring consisting of the upper plate and the lower plate with a longi-
tudinal slot or aperture therein, and adapted to be secured to clips embracing and
fixed on the backbone of a bicycle or to lugs upon the backbone, as above set forth
and for the purposes specified.
Second. In a spring, consisting of the two plates described, the method of uniting
the said plates by turning the ends of one plate over those of the other plate,

page_text: thereby securing them together without screws or other like fastenings, as above
set forth.
Third. For a velocipede a spring seat, consisting of the cover or seat proper, of
leather or other material supported upon a series of volute springs attached at one
end to the said cover or to a plate supporting the same, and at their other end to
the ring, hoop, or piece, as above set forth.
Fourth. For a bicycle, an adjustable and detachable step formed of the two
U-shaped pieces provided with fastening devices, so that the said step may be
made to fit and be secured upon any desired portion of the backbone, substantially
as above set forth.
Fifth. For the wheels of velocipedes a ball or other bearing consisting of the
bush formed in two halves and secured within the boss or hub, and provided with
grooves arranged in combination with grooves in the shaft or spindle for the
reception of the balls or rollers, all substantially as above set forth.
Sixth. The combination of parts comprising the bush secured in the hub or boss
by the screws, the journal, and the end plates or washers, substantially as above
set forth and for the purposes specified.
Seventh. For a velocipede pedal a ball or roller bearing whose two halves have
ends which are united by cross bars, and which enclose the balls or rollers
surrounding the journal, as above set forth.
Eighth. Providing the outer end of the said bearing with the rim or flange for
the reception of the plate or disc, substantially as above set forth and for the
purpose specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Hillman, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twenty seventh day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty-one.
WILLIAM HILLMAN.
(L.S.)