An Improved Compression or Double Action Brake for Velocipedes and similar Vehicles.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 26th June, 1894-Accepted, 28th July, 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION,
An Improved Compression or Double Action Brake for Velocipedes
and similar Vehicles.
I, ETTORE PASETTI of Como in the Kingdom of Italy, Commercial Agent, 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:-
The brakes now in use for cycles and like vehicles effect their object by pressure
on the india-rubber or elastic tires of the wheels. The result of this is that the
elastic tire wears rapidly while the actual friction is necessarily diminished by the
yielding nature of the tire.
The present invention is designed to act on an improved principle whereby the
pressure is applied laterally, or from below and above with a double or opposed
compression on the metal wood or other hard material of the rim of the wheel.
The advantages of such a system of brake are easily perceived, since it secures
the absolute intangibility of the india rubber tire, whilst on the other hand a very
great frictional resistance is obtainable.
I will now describe the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings
which show one form in which I propose to exemplify the principle of my
invention. I wish it understood however that I do not confine myself to any
particular form of application, but claim the right to apply the principle involved,
namely that of compressing the rim of the wheel by means of opposed or double
action pressure applied laterally or from beneath and above in any suitable way.
Fig. 1 shows an elevation of part of a bicycle to which is applied the ordinary
system of brake denoted by the letters a, a, a.
My invention is shown applied to the vertical rod a', upon which I fix the
sleeve b, which slides on the rod, and may be fixed in any required position by
means of a set screw 1. Two lugs b', extend laterally from this sleeve and are
pivotted to the moveable arm d, at 2. The other end of the arm d, is pivotted at 3
at the ends of the levers e, e, which are fulcrumed on bolt 4. The bolt 4, is attached
to the fork of the machine. The lower ends of these levers e, e, terminate in a
dovetail formed holder in which is placed the small cushion or pad which
corresponds to the height of the rim of the wheel; and which may be made of
wood, metal, leather or india rubber or other suitable material.
To the rim of the wheel constructed with the former system of brake I attach by
means of screws or rivets a peripheric plate or pad of metal, leather or wood, the
surface of which corresponds in inclination to the pad f. In new bicycles however
this peripheric plate can be formed solid with the rim of the wheel.
In all cases it is preferable from regard to the solidity & diminution of elasticity
in the rim to remove the old rim and substitute for it another furnished with
suitable plates or pads, solidly attached to the rim. For this purpose aluminium
would be most suitable as it will furnish a solid and light rim, or an alloy of
alluminium and copper might be employed. This alloyed plate could be firmly
attached to the rim so as to ensure the greatest amount of resistance.
'
This description of metal would have an ornamental effect to the wheel and
would not require to be enamelled, but would be kept bright by the friction of
the brake.
When applying the brake to the wheel the rod a, being depressed, draws down
with it the sleeve b, which also depresses the arms d, d, which consequently press
outwards the upper ends of the levers e, e; and these levers turning on their
fulcrums 3, 3, press the brake cushions f, f, against the rim of the wheel and upon

page_text: the pads or plates g, g, attached thereto. It is thus manifest that the least
pressure of the rod a, must develope a greatly increased power in the short arm of
the lever, so that the brake power is applied with the least effort and with the
most complete command of the wheel. This very considerable brake power can be
applied without injury to the surfaces with which it is. placed in contact, because the
pressure being precisely opposed or applied on opposite sides is compensated for in
the encounter. Also it will be seen that the plates or pads of a strong and resisting
character can be applied to the rim consequently they would sustain very little
wear from the friction evolved; and should the face pad of brake, f, f, be worn
down it can be easily charged and replaced at small cost whenever required.
Finally it is possible when fixing the sleeve, to rod a, to arrange it so that in case
of extreme danger both the new and old brake can simultaneously be brought into
action upon the periphery of the wheel; thus obtaining by the triple pressure an
important increase of power whereby the machine can be stopped immediately when
travelling quickly. Or the old brake could be arranged to act as a reserve brake
in case any injury occurred to the new brake, thereby avoiding much danger.
Fig. 2 shows a side elevation of the same parts as Fig. 1, and also shows how
easily my improved brake can be attached to the fork of the machine and how the.
sleeve and arms of the lever can be readily attached to lugs b₁ b1, by means of the
set screws and pivot pins as shewn.
Fig. 3 shows an enlarged side view of the peripheric pads or plates g, and of the
brake pad and holder, e and f.
Fig. 4 shows in perspective a back view of the lower end of the lever with
the dovetail shaped brake holder e¹ and the convex brake pad f.
Fig. 5 shows an enlarged back view of the convex brake pad f.
Fig. 6 shows a similar view of same.
The apparatus can be made of any required dimensions to suit the vehicles to
which it is to be applied.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :
1. In a brake for velocipedes and like vehicles the system of opposed pressure
or compression of the rim between two or more counteracting surfaces as herein
described & set forth.
2. In a brake for velocipedes and like vehicles the combination with
counteracting or opposed pressure of a peripheral pad or plate as herein described
& set forth.
3. In a brake for velocipedes and similar vehicles the sleeve b, pivotted connecting
rods d' levers e, brake holders e¹, brake pads f, and peripheral plate 9, as herein
described and set forth.
Dated this 26th day of June 1894
S. S. BROMHEAD,
97, Newgate Street, E.C., Agent for the Applicant...