Originally Posted by
T-Mar
The subject patent only covers the sliding hub mechanism. It does not include any mechanism for derailing the chain, only giving vague suggestions in lines 85-93. Consequently, it's only a patent for a semi-automatic chain tensioner. It is is not a derailleur patent for the Cambio Corsa, as it only covers one of the two processes of a derailleur. I've read that Campagnolo only considered the sliding hub mechanism to be patentable and that this was the rationale for the limited scope of the patent. Yet, the 1943 patents on the Disraeli gears site define the derailing rod mechanism. Together the two patents define a Cambio Corsa, so I consider the patent date for a Cambio Corsa to be 1943.
There are extant pre-war bicycle catalogues where the Vittoria Margherita is listed as standard equipment on top
models. For example the 1937 Legnano catalog...
Why did you skip lines 55-85? Combine that with 85-93, you have cambio corsa. The 1943 patent is what is called a continuation. The cambio corsa was standard equipment on Bianchi in 1940. If used in 1940, you cannot get a patent in 1943 after public disclosure. That's how patents work.
VM is not in the 1939 Ancora, 1938 Benotto, 1930 Bianchi, 1931 Bianchi, 1932 Bianchi, 1934 Bianchi, 1935 Bianchi, 1937 Bianchi, 1939 Bianchi, 1940 Bianchi, 1937 Frejus, 1938 Frejus, 1934 Ganna, 1938 Ganna, 1930 Legnano, 1932 Legnano, 1933 Legnano, 1934 Legnano, 1934 Maino, 1939 Olympia, 1936 Touring, 1937 Touring, 1938 Touring, 1935 Wolsit and 1936 Wolsit catalogs.
You see it in the 1936 Legnano, 1938 U. Dei and 1939 U. Dei. It is an exception to be standard equipment. And if you mistakenly think VM wasn't around much, below is World Champion Giuseppe Martano in 1932 and amuateur Gino Bartali in 1933.
Martano 1932 by
iabisdb, on Flickr
Bartali 1933 by
iabisdb, on Flickr