Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Apr., 1887
Complete Left, 6th Jan., 1888
Complete Accepted, 29th Mar., 1888
I JOHN MARRATT TAYLOR of Seer Green in the County of Bucks, Clerk in Holy
Orders, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates first to an improved tricycle propelled by hand power applied
by an action similar to rowing, and secondly to improvements in the parts and
arrangement thereof, some of which are also applicable to other types of velocipedes.
My improved tricycle has two driving wheels, and a front steering wheel which is
mounted in a manner to be hereafter described. The driving wheels are loosely
mounted parallel with, and opposite to, each other on suitable stud axles. On the
inner side of each of the driving wheels is loosely mounted a driving pulley which is
connected to its adjacent wheel by any suitable form of driving clutch which will
permit of the driving pulley driving the wheel in a forward direction, and yet allow
the wheel to over run the pulley.
Motion is communicated to the driving pulleys by a pair of hand levers of the first
or second order. If of the latter order they are below the axles of the driving wheels
on suitable extensions on each side of the frame of the machine. Each hand lever is
connected with one of the driving pulleys by a band, cord, or chain passing from it
round an idle pulley mounted on a suitable axle in front of the fulcrum of the hand
lever and then to the driving pulley. If the hand levers are of the first order, the
lower ends of them are provided with segments, preferably curved with an increasing
radius from the front to the rear ends. The driving bands are fixed to the forward
ends of these segments, and after passing round them-preferably in a groove formed
in their faces-run direct to the driving pulleys so that the idle pulleys are dispensed
with.
The seat for the rider is mounted so that it will move forward like the sliding seat
of a boat. This is effected either by mounting it on a suitable rocking frame pivotted
at or about the fulcrums of the hand levers, or by fixing the seat on rolling segments
mounted on two horizontal or approximately horizontal "ways" or runners, suitable
teeth, or an equivalent device, being formed on the engaging surfaces to ensure the
segments rolling forwards and backwards, without slipping. In either case the seat is
preferably mounted pivotally on its support so that it may swivel to accomodate itself

page_text: to the movements of the rider, and the frame or frames carrying the seat are so
arranged that the forward movement of the seat is effected either wholly, or partially,
by gravitation. I sometimes connect the hand levers to, or make the part of, the
frame carrying the seat so that they have one common fulcrum for a portion or the
whole of the stroke.
On to the back of the seat or on to the frame or supports carrying it, is fixed a
frame carrying a pad which is preferably mounted so that its vertical height may be
adjusted to suit the rider, the best position being that which will allow the pad to
bear against the riders back above the lower end of the spinal cord, and yet below the
position of the lungs. On to cach side of this pad, or to a rod or bar fixed thereto are
fixed the free ends of the driving bands cords or chains, after being fixed to the land
levers; or independent connecting bands cords or chains may be used if desired.
The steering wheel is mounted in the following manner which is applicable not only
to this particular machine, but to all other types of velocipedes :-The tubes or bars
forming the sides of the frame are carried forward for a convenient distance being
well splayed out to permit of the free oscillation of the wheel between them. Between
the extremities of these tubes or bars is bolted a curved or segmental bar struck from
a radius of about four inclics. This segmental bar or are is mounted with its convex
side towards the front, and the extensions of the frame of the machine are inclined
upwards towards their forward ends so that the axial line on which the wheel will
turn, runs between the centre of the are and the point of contact of the wheel with the
ground, so that its point of support is incidental with its point of pivot.
On the arc is mounted a light skeleton axle free to slide circumferentially on the
are, but not to turn radially thereon. On the skeleton axle is mounted the steering
wheel preferably with balls interposed to reduce friction. The arc may be of a round
square or any other convenient section, and the skeleton axle is made to coincide
therewith suitable means of adjustment between the parts being provided to compensate
for wear.
On each side of the axle of the steering wheel is fixed an arm which is connected
by suitable rods to a cross bar pivotted to a cross tube of the frame immediately in
the rear of the steering wheel. This cross bar is controlled in any suitable manner
according to the type of machine to which it is fitted, but in my hand driven machine
it is connected with one of a pair of foot plates, or pedals, pivotted to the frame or to
brackets carried thereby. This footplate or pedal-which is preferably the right hand
one is pivotted near to the heel so that it is free to move the steering wheel either to
the right or left. The top of the pedal plate is furnished with a jaw and tooth or arc
by which it is connected with the steering bar. The left hand pedal plate is also
pivotted near the heel but it has no steering action, it simply rests against the front
bar of the frame at the position of straight steering, so that it locks the steering, for
the machine to run in a straight line. The top of this foot plate is cut away, and its
place is supplied by a plate fixed direct to the steering bar, so that the left foot is
always in touch with the steering action of the right foot, and can lock or control it
in any position. Each foot plate is preferably provided with a toe strap to assist the
rider in pulling the body into a forward position at the commencement of each stroke,
and to counteract this pull on the foot plates, they are connected with the frame by
suitable springs.
Dated this 6th day of April 1887
ROBT. ED. PHILLIPS, M.I.M.E.,
Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent,
Royal Courts Chambers,
70, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agent for the Applicant.

page_text: I, JOHN MARRATT TAYLOR of Seer Green in the county of Bucks, Clerk in Holy
Orders 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:
My invention relates first to an improved tricycle propelled by hand-power applied
by an action similar to rowing, and secondly to improvements in the parts and
arrangement thereof, some of which are also applicable to other types of velocipedes.
My improved tricycle has two driving wheels, and a front steering wheel, which is
mounted in a manner to be hereafter described. The driving wheels are loosely
mounted parallel with, and opposite to, each other on suitable stud axles. On the
inner side of each of the driving wheels is loosely mounted a driving pulley which is
connected to its adjacent wheel by any suitable form of driving clutch which will.
permit of the driving pulley driving the wheel in a forward direction, and yet allow
the wheel to over run the pulley.
Motion is communicated to the driving pulleys by a pair of hand levers of the first
or second order. If of the latter order they are mounted below the axles of the driving
wheels on suitable extensions on each side of the frame of the machine. Each hand
lever is connected with one of the driving pulleys by a band, cord or chain passing from
it round an idle pulley mounted on a suitable axle in front of the fulcrum of the band
lever and then to the driving pulley. If the hand levers are of the first order, the
lower ends of them are provided with segments, preferably curved with an increasing
radius from the front to the rear ends. The driving bands are fixed to the forward
ends of these segments, and after passing round them-preferably in a groove formed
in their faces-run direct to the driving pulleys so that the idle pulleys inay bo
dispensed with.
23
The seat for the rider is mounted so that it will move forward like the sliding seat
of a boat. This is effected either by mounting it on a suitable rocking frame pivotted
at or about the fulcrums of the hand levers, or by fixing the seat on rolling segments
mounted on two horizontal or approximately horizontal "ways" or runners, suitable
teeth, or an equivalent device, being formed on the engaging surfaces to ensure the
segments rolling forwards and backwards without slipping. In either case the seat is
preferably mounted pivotally on its support so that it may swivel or oscillate to
accomodate itself to the movements of the rider, and the frame or frames carrying
the seat are so arranged that the forward movement of the seat is effected either
wholly or partially by gravitation. I sometimes connect the hand levers to, or make
them part of the frame carrying the seat so that they have one cominion fulcrum for a
portion or the whole of the stroke.
:
On to the back of the seat or on to the frame or supports carrying it, is fixed a
frame carrying a pad which is preferably mounted so that its vertical height may be
adjusted to suit the rider, the best position being that which will allow the pad to bear
against the-riders back above the lower end. of the spinal cord, and yet below. the

page_text: position of the lungs. On to each side of this pad, or to a rod or bar fixed thereto are
fixed the free ends of the driving bands, cords or chains, after being fixed to the hand
levers; or independent connecting bands, cords or chains may be used if desired.
The steering wheel is mounted in the following manner which is applicable not only
to this particular machine, but to all other types of velocipedes. The tubes or bars
forming the sides of the frame are carried forward for a convenient distance being
well splayed out to permit of the free oscillation of the wheel between them. Between
the extremities of these tubes or bars is bolted a curved or segmental bar struck from
a radius of about four inches. This segmental bar or are is mounted with its convex
side towards the front, and the extensions of the frame of the machine are inclined
upwards towards their forward ends, so that the axial line on which the wheel will
turn, runs between the centre of the are and the point of contact of the wheel with the
ground, so that its point of support is incidental with its point of pivot.
On the arc is.mounted a light skeleton axle free to slide circumferentially on the
are but not to turn radially thereon. On the skeleton axle is mounted the steering
wheel preferably with balls interposed to reduce friction. The arc may be of a round,
square or any other convenient section, and the skeleton axle is made to coincide
therewith, suitable means of adjustment between the parts being provided to
compensate for wear.
On each side of the axle of the steering wheel is fixed an arm which is connected by
suitable rods to a cross bar pivotted to a cross tube of the frame immediately in the
rear of the steering wheel. This cross bar is controlled in any suitable manner
according to the type of machine to which it is fitted, but in my hand-driven machine
it is connected with one of a pair of foot plates, or pedals, pivotted to the frame or to
brackets carried thereby..
This foot plate or pedal-which is preferably the right hand one is pivotted near to
the heel so that it is free to move the steering wheel either to the right or left. The
top of the pedal plate is furnished with a jaw and tooth or are by which it is connected
with the steering bar. The left hand pedal plate is also pivotted near the heel but it
has no steering action, it simply rests against the front bar of the frame at the position
of straight steering, so that it locks the steering for the machine to run in a straight
line. The top of this foot plate is cut away and its place is supplied by a plate fixed
direct to the steering bar, so that the left foot is always in touch with the steering
action of the right foot, and can lock or control it in any position. Each foot plate is
preferably provided with a toe strap to assist the rider in pulling the body into a
forward position at the commencement of each stroke, and to counteract this pull on
the foot plates, they are connected with the frame by suitable springs.
In order that my invention may be fully understood I will more particularly
describe it making reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 Sheet
No. 1 is a side elevation of a tricycle embodying my invention and Figure 2 Sheet
No. 2 is a plan thereof. Figure 3 Sheet No. 3 is a side elevation of a tricycle
showing a modification of my invention. Figures 4 and 5 Sheet No. 4 are a side
elevation and half sectional plan respectively of the steering mechanism of a tricycle
embodying my invention, and Figure 6 Sheet No. 4 is a half longitudinal elevation in
section, through the centre of the hub of the steering wheel. Throughout these views
similar parts are marked with like letters of reference.
Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings, it will be seen that
the driving wheels A, A are mounted parallel with, and opposite to, each other on
suitable stud axles carried by. the frame B. On the inner side of each of the driving
wheels is loosely mounted a driving pulley. C connected to its adjacent wheel A. by
any suitable form of driving clutch which will permit of the driving pulley imparting
motion to the driving wheel in a forward direction, and yet allow the driving wheel
to over run the pulley. Motion is communicated to the driving pulleys C, C by a
pair of hand levers D, D, pivotted to the frame of the machine B at band b. The
levers D, D may be either of the first or second order, the former being illustrated by
Figure 3, and the latter by Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
If the levers D, Dare of the second order as illustrated by Figures 1 and 2 they

page_text: are cach connected with one of the driving pulleys C, C by a band cord or chain E
passing from it round an idle pulley F mounted on a suitable axle carried in
bearings on the frame of the machine B in any suitable position in advance of the
fulcruins b, b of the hand levers, and thence to the driving pulleys C, C, to which the
ends of the bands are made fast.
To reverse the action of the driving pulleys C, C and hand levers D, D, any
suitable device may be employed, but I prefer to use reversing lines wound on
extensions of the driving pulleys in opposite directions to the driving bands or cords
and attached to the driving levers in such a position that the said lines and driving
bands or cords will be taut under all conditions. To take up the slack of the lines or
bands due to stretching or other causes suitable springs are interposed in any
convenient part.
The seat G is mounted on a suitable frame H preferably formed with suitable
springs to give elasticity to the seat. This frame is pivotted to the frame of the
machine Bat the same points b, b as the hand levers are pivotted, or at any other
convenient part of the frame contiguous thereto. The seat G is not rigidly fixed to
the frame H but is preferably mounted on a rocking axle carried thereby to allow
the seat to oscillate to accomodate itself to the movements of the rider. An
adjustable stop is provided on the frame H to take against the frame of the machine
to limit its backward movement and to adjust the length between the seat and the foot
plates to suit the length of the rider's legs, and a suitable spring is provided to connect
the frame H with the cross bar of the frame B at the back of the machine, to restore
the frame H to its normal position after being moved forward by the rider. The
frame His extended upward behind the seat to carry the driving pad K which is
pivotted thereto at & to allow it to oscillate and so give to the movements of the body
of the rider. The supports of this pad are preferably made adjustable so that the
height of it with respect to the seat may be varied as desired to suit the rider, the best
position being that which allows the pad to bear against the rider's back above the
lower end of the spinal cord and yet below the position of the lungs. On the top of the
frame H is fixed a cross bar H' fitted at the ends with thimbles ¹, ¹ to receive
the ends of straps or their equivalent E¹, E', connected at their other extremities to
the driving levers D, D. The ends of the straps E¹, E¹ are adapted to be adjusted
on the thimbles, so, that the lengths of the straps E', E, and therefore the
distance between the driving pad K and the hand levers D, D.-may be varied as
desired to suit any rider, as it is essential that the rider should have his back against
the pad K when his arms are fully extended.
It may sometimes be more convenient to form the hand levers D, D and frame H in
one so that they move through the same arc for a portion or the whole of the stroke.
If the hand levers are of the second order as illustrated by Figure of the
accompanying drawings the lower ends of the are preferably provided with
segments D, D formed with an increasing radius as shown, to give increased power
towards the end of the stroke. The driving bands E E are fixed to the forward ends
of the segments D', D' and after passing round them-preferably in grooves formed
in their faces run direct to the driving pulleys C, C to which they are made fast..
The seat may either be mounted as hereinbefore described and illustrated by Figures 1
and 2 of the accompanying drawings, or it may be mounted on rolling segments H, H
mounted on two horizonial or approximately horizontal "ways" or runners B¹, B,
formed on, or forming part of, the frame of the machine B. Suitable teeth, double
bands or any other equivalent device may be employed to ensure the segments rolling
forwards and backwards without slipping. The steering wheel A' may be mounted in a
fork in the usual manner or as illustrated by Figures 4, 5 and 6 of the accompanying
drawings, this part of my invention being applicable to all other types of Velocipedes.
The front part of the frame of the machine B is extended forward to carry an are or
segmental bar L of a radius of about four inches. This are is firmly bolted or
otherwise fixed to the ends of the frame B so as to form part of one solid frame. On
this are is mounted-a skeleton axle free to slide thereon and consisting of a pair of
collars M, M, kept apart by two plates M'; M₁, fixed thereto by screws m', 'm_etc.

page_text: Between the bearing surfaces of the arc L and the plates M³, M balls are preferably
interposed to reduce friction. On the skeleton axle is mounted the hub N of the
steering wheel, balls being interposed to reduce friction as shown.
To each of the collars M, M, of the skeleton axle is fixed an arm O the free end of
which is connected by a suitable rod P with a cross bar Q pivotted to the frame B
behind the steering wheel. This cross bar or a duplicate one Q on the same pivot, is
operated and controlled in the manner set forth in my prior Patent No. 1098 dated
the 7th of March 1882, in which a pair of foot plates R and R' are pivotted near the
rear or heel part to a suitable support on the frame of the machine, the right hand
foot plate R being connected with the right arm of the cross bar Q₁ by a suitable
connection, and the left-hand foot plate R' being formed in two parts, the toe part
being fixed to the left arm of the cross bar Q. Suitable toe straps are provided on
each foot plate to assist in pulling the body in a forward position at the commencement
of the stroke. By this arrangement the rider steers principally with the right foot,
the left foot being used to assist, and principally to steady the action of steering, by
means of the detached portion of the left foot plate.
In other types of velocipedes the arms 0, 0, are connected with the type of steering
handles with which the machine is fitted in the usual manner.
On reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings it will be seen that the
forward part of the frame of the machine supporting the arc L is inclined upwards so
that the axial line on which the steering wheel turns-that is a line drawn through
the centre from which the arc is struck at right angles to the horizontal plane of the
said arc meets the ground at the point of contact of the wheel therewith, thus the
wheel when operated to cause the machine to travel in a curved path leans or
cants forwards the centre of the path of its motion, and all drag or strain on the tyre
of the wheel is avoided, as the wheel turns on its actual point of support. By this
method of mounting the steering wheel of a velocipede, a wheel of any size may be
conveniently used as the rigid connection of the frame through the wheel gives a
maximum of strength and rigidity with a minimum-of weight.
By constructing my hand power tricycle as herein before described [ obtain a greater
concentration of the working mechanism than has hitherto been obtained in machines
of this type and I therefore secure simplicity and compactness of construction,
reduction of weight, facility of entrance to and exit from, the seat, and greater ease
and freedom of propulsion.
By reducing the height of the back rest or driving pad of the rocking seat I am
able to make more effective use of the loins thus the "wind" is not pressed with this
form of seat driving under the hardest conditions of resistance to work, while the
power applied at that part of the body' is enormous, with all the vis viva of the play of
the lower limbs for propelling momentum. The shoulders of the rider are also left
free so that their swing back is unobstructed and they can share in the differential
motion of the arms which in this type of velocipede answers the purpose of differential
"balance" gear in tricycles propelled by the feet.
or
The action of propelling my improved velocipede is as follows:-The rider being
seated and having his feet inserted in the straps of the foot plates, grasps the hand
levers and by a slight pull from his feet moves the seat from its state of rest when it
swings forward by gravity. When it has reached its forward position-or sooner if
desired the rider thrusts back the scat frame by straightening his legs, when the
driving wheels are propelled by means of the driving bands operating from the
driving pad on the seat frame to the driving clutches. When the seat frame has
reached its rearward position-or sooner if desired-the hand levers are pulled
backwards thus giving increased driving power by the power of the arms after the
legs have done their work. The result of this combination is that the rider takes off
all the drag of resistance from the beginning of the stroke, his arms being at rest, and
he can merge the back or leg driving into shoulder and arm driving, smoothly,
increasingly, and wholly at his pleasure.
The length of stroke moreover is entirely optional, and all the work inay be done if
desired without the use of-the-arms..

page_text: I am aware that Velocipedes propelled by the hands and steered by the feet have
already been constructed, and I am also aware such machines have been fitted with
sliding seats and I therefore do not broadly claim such machines, but having now
particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. A velocipede constructed, arranged and operated substantially as set forth.
2. In a velocipede of the type herein before described, the combination with the
driving levers, bands, and clutches, of the oscillating seat mounted on a swinging or
rolling frame connected to the driving levers by adjustable straps or their equivalent,
and the oscillating driving pad mounted on the frame carrying the seat, as and for
the purpose set forth.
3. In a velocipede of the type hereinbefore described, the combination with the
driving levers, bands and clutches, of the oscillating seat, mounted on a rolling or
swinging frame connected to the driving clutch drums through the driving lever by
means of adjustable straps, the oscillating pad carried by the said rolling or swinging
frame, the idle pulleys mounted in front of the pivots of the driving levers and guiding
the driving bands or cords, and the rocking foot plates, one of which is connected to
the steering mechanism to operate it, and the other arranged to check and control its
action as set forth.
4. In a velocipede the combination of the driving levers pivotted to the frame in
advance of the axles of the driving wheels, and connected with the driving clutch
drums by cords or bands, the rolling or swinging frame connected to the driving
levers by straps or their equivalent and carrying an oscillating seat and back pad, and
adapted so that the forward movement may be effected by gravitation and the
backward movement without muscular exertion on the part of the rider and the rocking
foot plates for operating and controlling the steering wheel as set forth.
5. Mounting the steering wheel of a velocipede in the manner and for the
purpose hereinbefore described and shown.
6. In a steering mechanism for Velocipedes, the combination with the wheel, of the
skeleton axle carrying it, and adapted to slide freely on an are or segmental bar
carried by the extended frame of the machine which is splayed out to allow of the free
oscillation of the wheel, and the arms attached to or forming part of the said skeleton
axle for effecting the movement of the wheel on the said are or segmental bar as set
forth.
7. In a steering mechanism of the type hereinbefore described and shown and
claimed by the preceding claim, including the forward part of the frame carrying the
arc or segmental bar, so that the axial line on which the steering wheel turns-that is
a line drawn through the centre from which the arc is struck at right angles to the
horizontal plane of the said arc-meets the ground at the point of contact of the wheel
therewith as and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this cal
1300
ROBT. ED. PHILLIPS, M.I.M.E.,
Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent,
Royal Courts Chambers,
70, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agent for the Applicant.
ROBT. ED. PHILLIPS, M.I.M.E.,
Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent,
Royal Courts Chambers,
70, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agent for the Applicant.