improvements in or relating A communication
Year: 1897

page_text: improvements in or relating
A communication by MAURICE EUGENE BLOOD and CLARENCE CLYDE BLOOD, both of
Kalamazoo, in the County of Kalamazoo, and State of Michigan, United States.
of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both in the
County of Lancaster, 118, New Street, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, and
322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in velocipedes and similar vehicles which
are self propelling.
The objects of this invention are first, to provide for a vehicle having three or more
ground wheels, a device that will allow perfect freedom to the steering wheels while
they are being turned out of a straight forward direction so that one wheel will not
crowd or cramp another; second, to provide a pivotal connection between the steering
wheels and the remainder of the vehicle that will allow the steering to be done with
the least possible friction; third, to provide a vehicle that will be partially or wholly
self steering when going in a straight forward direction; fourth, to provide a device
for steering that will allow the steering wheels to pass over obstructions in the road
with the least possible 'disarranging of the steering or jolting of the vehicle and:"
load; fifth, to provide a gearing and frame work for vehicles having three or more:
wheels that will be adapted to support and carry a box for carrying loads or a.
supplementary seat for carrying persons and make the same as light and compact as,
possible; sixth, to provide a body, either a seat or box that can be quickly and easily
attached or detached; seventh, to provide a vehicle and chair especially well adapted"
for use together that shall be a great convenience especially for invalids and other
feeble persons; and further objects appearing in the detailed description.
These objects are accomplished by the devices and means described in the following
Specification.
The carrying wheels of the velocipede consist of a rear wheel which is also the
driving wheel and the forward wheels which are also the steering wheels.
The frame to the rear consists of a hollow post or down tube with a rear fork and
braces extending from the top of the post down to the rear, like the construction of
the rear portion of a safety bicycle. The saddle is mounted in the usual position on
the top of the post. The cranks and their hanger located in the usual position along
with the usual sprocket wheels and chains make up the driving or propelling
mechanism. A reach extends from the post downwardly and forwardly and connects.
to a cross tube or bar and is suitably braced by braces on each side. At each end of
the bar are cross arms or tubes vertical in position which serve as journals for the
connecting bars that join this rear section of the machine to the forward section.

page_text: The forward wheels of the velocipede are carried on the ends of the axle, which is
made up of a tube and forged blocks at each end by suitable ball bearings like those
of the forward wheel of a safety bicycle. In the solid ends of the axle are inserted
tubes to serve as bearings for the journals of the cross arms. These journals are at
right angles to each end of the arm or bar and are adapted to insert into one tube at
one end and into another tube on the opposite end of the crosspiece. A straight bar
is secured on the ends of the journals to form a hinged frame in connection with the
bar and its journals. Suitable ball races are placed on the ends of the tubes forming
the journal bearing with anti-friction balls therein so that the arms and the journals
will be retained in a fixed frame hinging the front and rear sections of the vehicle
together from opposite sides. The manner of joining the journals to the tubes is
similar to the joining of the front fork in the head of a safety bicycle, the ball
bearings being located in the same manner or in any other way.
There is an arm connecting at the right hand end of a cross piece and extending
over to the left hand end of an axle, the journals of which are inserted down through
the tubes. A bar is at the bottom of the journals and connects the same together
and so forms a strong connection. From the left hand end of this bar to the right
hand end of the axle there is a similar bar that has its journals inserted up through
the journals and a bar connects the top end of the journals and is curved down from
these to turn under the top bar. The bars cross each other somewhat in the manner
of the letter X so that they permit the swinging of the forward section from side to
side. In practice it is found that the tendency of this vehicle is to move in a straight
line owing to the balancing effect of this connection and the constant tendency of the
forward axle to swing to a position parallel with the cross bar when the vehicle is in
motion. In each block of the axle is inserted cach end of the handle bar which
extends back of the body of the vehicle with its ends extended downwardly and
forwardly into the sockets. The handle bar is adjustable up or down by means of
the set screws at each socket to suit the convenience of the person steering.
To the under side of the body whether it be the chair or the box are secured loop
springs, one on each side terminating in hooks which engage over the axle and
serve as supports for the body above. On the back side of the body are secured two
bolts having pivotal openings transversely through the same into which are inserted
the ends of a link connection, consisting of a straight shank portion and a downwardly.
projecting loop to engage the handle bar. To the middle of this part is secured a doubled
piece of spring wire, the same being folded over loops and extended to engage
between the shanks of the main portion. Where the body is a chair, this device is
secured to a bar which is retained to the chair by clip bolts at each end. Where the
body is a box, the bolts are secured directly to the box. In placing the body upon
the vehicle it is set upon its springs with the hooks over the axle at each end of a
bar and the link portion is hooked under the central portion of the handle bar and
the keeper is compressed together and closed down over the handle bar and hooked
under the shank portion by the outwardly extending hook portions, thus forming a
secure link connection for the body to hold it in proper position at that point which
can be easily detached. This makes the body easily removable and makes it possible
to easily change the chair for the box or the box for the chair to suit the convenience
of the user, and also give free action to the springs.
This velocipede is especially adapted for use in connection with the chair. The
chair is preferably made of suitable wicker work or other light material. To the
front thereof a step is secured on the end of suitable arms which are pivotally
connected to downwardly depending brackets. The brackets are best made of
suitable straps of iron doubled at the bottom to form an eye and secured to the
underside of the chair. From the step a strap at each end extends onto the seat of
the chair where it is suitably secured by buckles. The strap being adjustable
through the buckle, it is possible to adjust the step at any height or draw it up to
the front of the chair forming a suitable basket which is well adapted to the uses of a
baby cab.
My correspondents desire to state that their improved velocipede is capable of

page_text: great variation in its details without departing from the invention. It would be
possible to apply the arms in different relation to the other parts, so that it might not
be necessary for them to cross in the form of a letter X. Both arms are necessary
to secure the proper action. It also might be possible to provide other styles of
bearing than the ball bearing above described, but these ball bearings are much
preferred on account of their overcoming to a greater extent than any other known
means the friction at these points. It is needless to say that the handle bar might
be varied in its form and might connect to the different parts of the axle or machine
and still serve its purpose very well. My correspondents are also aware that the
principle of the steering construction is adapted to vehicles having four wheels or
to vehicles having more than four wheels and they do not wish to confine them-
selves to a velocipede having only three wheels. The springs under the body might
be omitted and the body be supported in other ways. It is also apparent that other
styles of motor than the pedals and chain in common use on a safety bicycle might
be employed, in fact, any propelling means might be utilised in this connection that
operates on the rear section of the machine and all the valuable features and
advantages of the steering means described be secured.
Other variations will no doubt suggest themselves to those skilled in the art to
which this invention appertains.
Deted this 17th day of March 1897
A communication by MAURICE EUGENE BLOOD and CLARENCE CLYDE BLOOD, both of
Kalamazoo, in the County of Kalamazoo, and State of Michigan, United States of
. America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both in
the County of Lancaster, 118, New Street, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
and 322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, 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:—
This invention relates to improvements in velocipedes and similar vehicles which
are self propelling.
The objects of this invention are first, to provide for a vehicle having three or more
ground wheels, a device that will allow perfect freedom to the steering wheels while.
they are being turned out of a straight forward direction so that one wheel will not
crowd or cramp another; second, to provide a pivotal connection between the steer-
ing wheels and the remainder of the vehicle that will allow the steering to be done
with the least possible friction; third, to provide a vehicle that will be partially or
wholly self steering when going in a straight forward direction; fourth, to provide a
device for steering that will allow the steering wheels to pass over obstructions in the
road with the least possible disarranging of the steering or jolting of the vehicle and
load; fifth, to provide a gearing and framework for vehicles having three or more
wheels that will be adapted to support and carry a box for carrying loads or a
supplementary seat for carrying persons and make the same as light and compact as
possible; sixth, to provide a body, either a seat or box that can be quickly and easily
attached or detached; seventh, to provide a vehicle and chair especially well adapted
for use together that shall be a great convenience especially for invalids and other
feeble persons; and further objects appearing in the detailed description.

page_text: These objects are accomplished by the devices and means described in the follow-
ing Specification, definitely pointed out in the claims and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, in which,
Figure 1 is a side elevation showing a three wheeled vehicle with a body consisting
of a specially constructed chair for carrying a person.
Figure 2 is a detail side elevation of the front portion of the vehicle showing the
body consisting of a box for carrying parcels, luggage or any load required.
Figure 3 is a detail plan view of the front part of the vehicle with the body
removed showing the steering mechanism, the dotted lines showing its relative
position in steering.
Figure 4 is a detail front elevation of the steering mechanism appearing in Figure 3
with the wheels and the handle bar broken away.
Figure 5 is an enlarged detail sectional elevation taken on line 5-5 of Figure 3
showing the structure of one of the forward joints of the transverse arms in the
steering mechanism and the attachment of the handle bar.
Figure 6 is an enlarged detail sectional elevation taken on line 6-6 of Figure
showing the structure of one of the rear joints of the transverse arms in the steering
mechanism.
Figure 7 is an enlarged detail sectional elevation taken on line 77 of Figure 3
showing relative parts and the means of supporting the body of the vehicle by its
spring.
Figure 8 is a detail view of the cross bar N to the front of the rear portion of the
vehicle and adjacent parts, the reach B being shown broken.
Figure 9 is a detail view of one of the cross bars E, showing the journals E E at
right angles thereto at each end.
Figure 10 is a detail plan view of the means of attaching the body to the
handle bar.
Figure 11 is a detail sectional elevation taken on line 11-11 of Figure 10.
In the drawing, all of the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of the
little arrows at the ends of the section lines and similar letters of reference refer to
similar parts throughout the several views.
Referring to the lettered parts of the drawing, A A¹ represent the carrying wheels
of the velocipede. The wheel A is the rear and also the driving wheel and the
forward wheels A¹ A¹ are the steering wheels.
The frame to the rear consists of a hollow post or down tube B with a rear fork D
and braces C¹ extending from the top of the post B down to the rear, like the con-
struction of the rear portion of a safety bicycle. The saddle is mounted in the usual
position on the top of the post B. The cranks and their hanger located in the usual
position along with the usual sprocket wheels and chains make up the driving or pro-
pelling mechanism. A reach B¹ extends from the post B downwardly and forwardly
and connects to a cross tube or bar N and is suitably braced by braces C on each side.
At each end of the bar N are cross arms or tubes N¹ N¹ vertical in position which serve
as journals for the connecting bars that join this rear section of the machine to the
forward section.
The forward wheels of the velocipede are carried on the ends of the axle, which is
made up of tube M¹¹ and forged blocks M at each end by suitable ball bearings
like those of the forward wheel of a safety bicycle. In the solid ends M of the axle are
inserted tubes M¹ to serve as bearings for the journals E¹ E' of the cross arms E. These
journals E¹ E' are at right angles to each end of the arm or bar E, and are adapted to
insert into a tube M' at one end and into the tube N¹ on the opposite end of the cross
piece N. A bar F is secured on the ends of the journals E¹ to form a hinged frame in
connection with the bar E and its journals. Suitable ball races u¹ are placed on the
ends of the tubes forming the journal bearing with anti-friction balls u therein, so the
arms E and F and the journals E¹ will be retained in a fixed frame hinging the front
and rear sections of the vehicle together from opposite sides. The manner of joining
the journals E to the tubes N¹ and M¹ is similar to the joining of the front fork in

page_text: the head of a safety bicycle, the ball bearings being located in the same manner or in
any other way.
There is an arm E connecting at the right hand end of the cross piece N and
extending over to the left hand end of the axle M", the journals E¹ of which are
inserted down through the tube N¹ and M¹. A bar is at the bottom of the journals
and connects the same together and so forms a strong connection. From the left
hand end of the bar N, to the right hand end of the axle M", there is a similar bar E
that has its journals E¹ inserted up through the journals M¹ and N1, at those points
as clearly appears in Figures 5 and 6, and a bar F connects the top end of the
journals and is curved down from these to turn under the top bar E. The bars E
cross each other somewhat in the manner of the letter X, as clearly appears in
Figure 3, so that they permit the swinging of the forward section from side
to side as clearly appears in Figure 3. In practice it is found that the tendency of
this vehicle is to move in a straight line owing to the balancing effect of this
connection and the constant tendency of the forward axle to swing. to a position
parallel with cross bar N when the vehicle is in motion. In each block M of
the axle is inserted the ends of handle bar G which extends back of the body of the
vehicle with its ends extended downwardly and forwardly in to the sockets. The
handle bar is adjustable up or down by means of the set screws at each socket to
suit the convenience of the person steering.
To the under side of the body H whether it be the chair or the box are secured
the loop springs I, one on each side terminating in hooks I¹ which engage over the
axle at M and serve as supports for the body above. On the back side of the body
are secured two bolts R having pivotal openings transversely through the same into
which is inserted the ends n of a link connection consisting of a straight shank
portion S and a downwardly projecting loop S¹ to engage the handle bar. To the
middle of this part is secured a doubled piece of spring wire the same being folded
over the loops S¹ at a and extended forwardly at T, upwardly at T', and downwardly
and outwardly at a to engage between the shanks S of the main portion. Where
the body is a chair, this device is secured to a bar P which is retained to the chair
by clip bolts P¹ P₁ at each end. Where the body is a box the bolts R are secured
directly to the box. In placing the body upon the vehicle it is set upon its springs I
with the hooks I¹ over the axle at each end of bar M¹¹ and the link portion S S¹
is hooked under the central portion of the handle bar G, and the keeper T T¹ is
compressed together and closed down over the handle bar and hooked under the
shank portion S by the outwardly extending hook portions a, thus forming a secure
link connection for the body to hold it in proper position at that point which can be
easily detached. This makes the body easily removable and makes it possible to
easily change the chair for the box or the box for the chair to suit the convenience
of the user, and also give free action to the springs.
This velocipede is especially adapted for use in connection with the chair. The
chair is preferably made of suitable wicker work or other light material. To the
front thereof a step K¹ is secured on the end of suitable arms K which are
pivotally connected to downwardly depending brackets J. The brackets J are best
made of suitable straps of iron doubled at the bottom to form an eye and secured
to the underside of the chair. From the step K a strap I, at each end extends
onto the seat of the chair where it is suitably secured by buckles L. The strap
being adjustable through the buckle it is possible to adjust the step K¹ at any
height or draw it up to the front of the chair forming a suitable basket which
is well adapted to the uses of a baby cab.
My correspondents desire to state that their improved velocipede is capable of
great variation in its details without departing from the invention. It would be
possible to apply the arms E in different relation to the other parts so that it
might not be necessary for them to cross in the form of a letter X. Both arms E
are necessary to secure the proper action. It also might be possible to provide.
other styles of bearing than the ball bearing shown in the journals M¹. N¹ but
the ball bearings are much preferred on account of their overcoming to a greater.

page_text: extent than any other known means the friction at these points. It is needless
to say that the handle bar might be varied in its form and might connect to
the different parts of the axle or machine and still serve its purpose very well
My correspondents are also aware that the principle of the steering construction is
adapted to vehicles having four wheels or to vehicles having more than four wheels and they
do not wish to confine themselves to a velocipede having only three wheels. The
springs under the body might be omitted and the body be supported in other ways.
It is also apparent that other styles of motor than the pedals and chain in common
use on a safety bicycle might be employed, in fact any propelling means might be
utilised in this connection that operates on the rear section of the machine and all
the valuable features and advantages of the steering means described be
secured.
Other variations will no doubt suggest themselves to those skilled in the art to
which this invention appertains.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the
said invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated
to me by my foreign correspondents, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In a velocipede, the combination of a rear section made up of parts like the rear
of a safety bicycle; a reach B¹ extending forwardly from the rear section; a cross
bar or tube N with vertical tubular bearings N¹ at each end secured to said reach;
an axle made up of tube M¹¹ and blocks N at each end with suitable carrying wheels
at each end; vertical bearing tubes M¹ M¹ at each end of the axle; connecting bars
or tubes E with journals E¹ at each end at right angles thereto, one end of each
for insertion in bearings N¹, and the opposite ends for insertion
in bearings M¹ on the axle at the opposite side; suitable handle bar G
in front of the saddle and extending downwardly and forwardly into sockets in
blocks M M to control the same for steering purposes; a body H, looped springs I,
terminating in hooks I, on the underside of said tbody engaging the axle; a link
connection on the back of said body consisting of doubled spring having shank S,
and downward curved portion S¹, to engage the handle bar; and a keeper consisting
of spring wire hinged at a¹, and extending forwardly at T, upwardly at T¹, and
downwardly and outwardly at a, to engage the shanks S, as specified.
2. In a velocipede, the combination of a rear section made up of parts like the
rear of a safety bicycle; a reach B¹ extending forwardly from the rear section; a
cross bar or tube N, with vertical tubular bearings N¹, at each end secured to said
reach; an axle made up of tube M", and blocks M at each end with suitable carrying
wheels at each end; vertical bearing tubes M¹ M' at each end of the axle; connecting
bars or tubes E, with journals E, at each end at right angles thereto one end of
each for insertion in bearings N₁, and the opposite ends for insertion in
bearings M¹, on the axle at the opposite side; suitable handle bars G, in front of the
saddle and extending downwardly and forwardly into sockets in blocks M¹ M¹ to
control the same for steering purposes; a body H, looped springs I, terminating in
hooks I, on the underside of said body engaging the axle; a link connection on the
back of said body to engage the handle bar for the purpose specified.
3. In a vehicle, the combination of a rear section made up of parts like the rear of
a safety bicycle; a reach B¹, extending forwardly from the rear section; a cross
bar or tube N, with vertical tubular bearing N¹, at each end secured to said reach ;
an axle made up of tube M¹¹, and blocks M, at each end with suitable carrying
wheels at each end of the axle; connecting bars or tubes E, with journals E¹, at each
end at right angles thereto, one end of each for insertion in bearings N¹, and the
opposite ends for insertion in bearings M¹, on the axle at the opposite side; suitable
handle bars G, in front of the saddle and extending downwardly and forwardly into
sockets in blocks M M to control the same for steering purposes; a suitable body
supported on the axle for the purpose specified.
4. In a velocipede, the combination of a rear section made up of parts like the rear
of a safety bicycle; a reach B¹ extending forwardly from the rear section; a cross bar

page_text: or tube N, with vertical tubular bearing N₁, at each end secured to said reach; an
axle made up of tube M", and blocks M, at each end with suitable carrying
wheels at each end; vertical bearing tubes MM₁ at each end of the axle; connecting
bar or tubes E, with journals E¹; at each end at right angles thereto one end of each
for insertion in bearings N¹, and the opposite ends for insertion in bearings M', on the
axle at the opposite side; suitable handle bars G, in front of the saddle and extending
downwardly and forwardly into sockets in blocks M M to control the same for steering
purposes for the purpose specified.
5. In a vehicle, the frame carrying the driving wheel and driving mechanism, and
the axle carrying the steering wheels, in combination with two swinging arins forming
substantially an X-shaped cross, having their ends on one side hinged to the steering
axle and their opposite ends hinged to the frame carrying the driving mechanism
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
6. In a vehicle, the combination of a rear section; means of propelling the same;
a forward section on suitable carrying wheels; transverse arms pivoted at each side
of the rear section and each arm extended transversely across and pivoted to the
opposite side of the front section to form a swinging connection between the sections
for the purpose specified.
7. In a vehicle, the combination of the frame carrying the driving wheel and
driving mechanism; an axle in front thereof connected by suitable pivots; a handle
bar secured by its ends to the axle and extended upwardly and rearwardly toward the
rear section as specified.
8. In a vehicle, the combination of a rear section; suitable means of propelling
the same; an axle in front with suitable wheels thereon pivotally connected to the
rear section; a handle bar in front of said rear section, the sides of which extend
downwardly and forwardly and are secured to said axle as specified.
9. In a vehicle, the combination of a rear section; suitable means of propelling
the same; an axle in front with suitable wheels thereon pivotally connected to the
rear section; a handle bar in front of said rear section, the sides of which extend
downwardly and forwardly and are adjusted in suitable sockets; a body with springs
on its underside hooking over the axle; and a detachable link connection from the
body to the handle bar for the purpose specified.
10. In a velocipede carrier, the combination of the driving mechanism to the rear;
an axle with suitable carrying wheels thereon to the front; a suitable handle con-
nected to said axle to guide the same; a chair with a foot rest and step in front
pivotally supported on said axle and means of securing the back of the chair as
specified.
11. In a velocipede carrier, the combination of the driving mechanism to the rear;
an axle with suitable carrying wheels thereon to the front; a suitable handle
connected to said axle to guide the same; a chair with a foot rest and step in front
and spring beneath pivotally supported on said axle and means of securing the back
of the chair to the handle bar as specified.
12. In a velocipede carrier, a chair; a foot rest below and to the front of the same;
pivotal connections between said foot rest and chair; and suitable means of adjusting
said foot rest to various heights or to close the front of the chair as specified.
13. In a velocipede carrier, a chair; downwardly projecting brackets J, at each
side; a foot rest K¹; arms K, extending rearwardly from said foot rest and pivotally
connected to said brackets; straps L, attached to each end of said foot rest; and
means for attaching the straps to adjust the foot rest as required for the purpose
specified.
14. In a vehicle, the combination of a suitable axle or support; a body with hooks
on its underside to rest thereon; a handle bar extending upwardly and to the rear
of said body; a link connection from the body to the handle bar consisting of a main
portion of wire, the ends of which extend into suitable bearings and the body of which
extends rearwardly and hooks under the handle bar, and a keeper portion of spring
wire the middle of which is wrapped around the middle of the main portion to form
a pivotal connection and the ends of which form upwardly projecting loops for

page_text: handling the same and then project downwardly and outwardly to engage the main
portion as specified.
15. In a vehicle, the combination of an axle or support; a body with springs under
the same hooking over the axle; a handle bar projecting upwardly from the axle ;
and a link connection between the body and the handle bar for the purpose
specified.