Improvements in Bicycles and other like Vehicles.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 28th July, 1896-Accepted, 5th Sept., 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Bicycles and other like Vehicles.
1, ARTHUR HARRIS, of 173 West 12th Street, City County and State of New.
York, United States of America, Gentleman, 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 is described as applied to bicycles but said improvements are
applicable to other like vehicles, and the word cycle is used herein to designate
this class of vehicles. These improvements relate chiefly to the pedal, brake,
clutch, gear and driving mechanisms, some of which may be readily applied to
cycles of the present construction.
In the drawings forming a part of this specification';
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a bicycle;
Figure 2 a sectional view of the pedal mechanism; Figure 3 a modification of
the same;
Figures 4 and 5 enlarged' views of parts of Figure 2.
Figure 6 a view of the brake mechanism;
Figure 7 a view of the clutch' mechanism';
Figure 8 a sectional view of the clutch mechanism with pulley attached for
altering the gear; Figure 9 a side elevation thereof;
Figure 10 a view of a device for connecting the pulleys;
Figure 11 a diagramatic view of the driving cords and pulleys;
Figure 12 an enlarged cross-section of part shown in Figure 3, with a pedal'
and foot-rest attached;
Figure 13 a front elevation of pedal;
Figure 14 a section on line x of Figure 12;
Figure 15 a plan view of pedal with foot-rest attached longitudinally;
Figure 16, a view of the ball axle bearings;
Figure 17 a modification thereof;
Figure 18 a view of the ball pulley bearings;
Figure 19 an adjustable frame for supporting the intermediate pulley and
brake;
Figure 20 a side elevation thereof;
Figure 21 a view of my invention as applied to ordinary bicycles and Figure 22
a rear elevation of the same.
In the drawings, A A" are driving pulleys, mounted on the respective ends of
the axle of the rear wheel, and B' B are pedals. B'is attached by a pedal rod or
tube C to one end of a cord or belt D, which extends from rod Cover pulley E
under the saddle, thence around pulley A where the other end is fastened to one
side of casing a. Another cord D fastened to the other side of the casing passes,'
reversely, around pulley A, thence over pulley F which serves as a guide pulley.
and forms part of my brake mechanism, thence around pulley A" and is fastened
to one side of casing a. A third cord D fastened to the other side of the casing
of pulley A passes around said pulley, thence-over pulley E and thence to pedal
rod C which is attached to pedal B The driving mechanism is alike on both
sides.
Each driving pulley is mounted upon the wheel hub and is provided on its outer
periphery with a series of inclined surfaces; and surrounding it is a casing in the
form of a flanged ring, which may be either spirally grooved or smooth. The

page_text: balls G of hardened steel fit loosely between the inclined surfaces of the driving
pulley and the inside surface of its casing. When force is applied to the driving
pulley, by means of the pedal and pedal cord attached to the outside of
this casing, to propel the bicycle forward, balls G become wedged between the
inclined surfaces of the driving pulley and the inside surface of its casing, thus
clutching the two so that the driving pulley and axle to which it is attached, and
also the wheel, take the same motion as the casing. When the casing is pulled in
the opposite direction, the clutch balls are released and the casing winds up the
cord ready for another forward movement, but the wheel continues to revolve
unchanged.
The curves of the entire circumference of easing a, Figure 7, and of the inclined
surfaces, made to revolve on a common centre are similar, therefore the balls G
might become considerably worn down but, under similar conditions, still be as
effective. Again, the path of travel being longer than usual in frietion clutches
there is a more gradual lessening of space, which prevents the slipping effect
noticeable if the decrease is sharper. The exact number of balls or of curves is
not material, and the curves may be smooth, grooved, or curved cross-wise. There
may be more than one pulley with the inclined surfaces and balls G under the
same casing. As an alternative, the curves are formed on the inside of the ring
casing, the pulley having a plain surface. When friction balls are used on the side
of the driving pulley I place them on both sides opposite each other. This
arrangement gives great strength and prevents any twist of the pulley.
A continuous cord or belt running from one pedal to the other may be used,
but in this ense, wido rings on the friction pulley are necessary, whether or not the
cord is fastened in the centre. If fastened, the ends must keep each to its own
side of the fastening, and if not fastened several turns of the cord are necessary
to prevent its slipping. Therefore I prefer to use three shorter cords D D' D³,
and I arrange them so that if the casings are grooved D D' will terminate on
adjoining grooves of casing a, and D1 D2 on adjoining grooves of casing a¹. By
this means the cords will travel alternately on their respective casings for some
distance on the same grooves, and narrower clutches and ring-casings will be
sufficient. The effect will be the same if the cords are wound on smooth pulleys.
The casing a will revolve easily the reverse way as a loose pulley on a smooth
shaft, but to reduce friction 1 support it at one side on a circle of balls H,
Figure 8, in a groove made for the purpose in spoke-flange I and at the other side
on a like circle of balls H' in a groove on a screw flange I, which keeps the ring in
place; or preferably, to further reduce friction, on a double circle of balls at
each side placed angle-wise or vertically, the circles being separated by a grooved
ring.
The guide-ways for the pedal rods and conls allow the force exerted in driving
to be applied in the most effective manner, and render mounting and starting easy
and convenient. A bicycle is usually put in motion before mounting. A revolving
pedal must be followed by the foot, and if not speedily caught, the rider must
dismount; and suspended stirrups become entangled with the wheel spokes, and
escape the feet. In my invention the pedals remain stationary when the wheel is
moving until pressure is exerted upon them. The most effective manner of
applying muscular force is to push straight from the hipy from a point in the
hollow of the foot in a line with the leg hones, but this cannot be done through
hanging stirrups nor by cranks. In my invention, stationary tubes parallel to the
bones of the outstretched leg are attached firmly to the frame of the machine, and
other shorter tubes to which the pedals are attached made to slide easily in or upon
them. These stationary tubes may either be on the outside or the inside of the
shorter tubes. In the former case the device consists of two hollow tubes J J,
Figure 2, in the lower halves of which slots are made to allow the vertical move-
ments of the pedal connectious. The metal rods CC are made to slide easily in
tubes J J and are attached at their upper ends to the driving cords DD' and at
their lower ends to the pedals. The stops L covered with rubber prevent the feet

page_text: from being carried too far down, and also serve as steps in mounting. The
rods CC¹ may be eucircled at both ends with a smooth collar loosely fitting in the
outer tube, and these will slide easily, but they will not prevent friction between
the pedal and the slot edges of the casing. Therefore I use rollers or a circle of
balls partially enclosed in a collar, Figures 2 and 4, in which J is the casing, C the
inner rod, c the collar, c¹ the collar flanges, e the balls and the slot in which the
pedal works. A rod e' attached to the inside of tube J or formed integral there-
with acts, in conjunction with the dividing plate c in the collar, to prevent the
inner tube from turning and consequently the attached pedal from rubbing against
the slot edges of the outer tube. A smaller number of balls may be used, but more
dividing plates will then be required in the collar. The tubes JJ are not
necessarily forined with the rod or integral piece c. They may be made with
longitudinal grooves in which the outer edges of the balls move vertically, or they
may be oval, triangular or square. Whatever the shape except circular, if the
collars and enclosed balls conform to the shape of the casing, the rods CC'
will slide vertically without any lateral movement. The casings J J₁ need not be
made to remain in one position, but may be adjustable vertically. In a modified
form of this device, Figures 3 and 12, the inner rod M is made stationary, and the
outer M' lined with collar and balls movable. In this case the lengths are reversed,
the inner tube being the longer, and the rod c, which prevents the pedal turning,
if used, is attached to inner tube M.
The pedals B B¹ may be made to work either at the sides or in front of
the guide-ways. When at the side they may be in one piece with upper surface
concave, or flat so that any part of the foot may rest thereon, but I prefer
two pieces; one flat and to fit the hollow of the foot one concave piece d, Figure 15.
When in front, the concave foot-rest d is placed crosswise at the end of the pedal,
the heel resting on the flat rear part. By means of bolts d', nuts d2 and washers d
foot-rest d may be adjusted on the flat piece vertically and horizontally to suit any
foot. The pedals consist of rectangular frames, formed, preferably for lightness,
of bars, though they may be simple, perforated plates. On one end of each frame
is formed heel-piece d to prevent the backward slipping of the foot; and at that
end there is a shank by which it is connected with the pedal rod, and on the other
end is mounted foot-rest d, preferably of concave-convex form with the concave
surface uppermost. The rubber washers d provide elastic support for the feet.
An additional heel-piece d adjustable horizontally is provided in machines for
ladies, who wear boots with heels nearer the middle of the foot. The pedal to
connect to the movable outside tube is provided with a band de, Figure 12, open at
the back and provided with flanges through which bolts pass to secure it to
the tube.
The brake mechanism, consists of intermediate pulley F, Figure 6, preferably on
ball bearings, journaled in frame F¹ to the upper end of which is attached spring N,
which is attached at its upper end to the framework of the cycle, and to the lower
end of the frame is attached, or formed thereon, the brake shoe O. The brake acts
upon the tire of the rear wheel, and is operated by exerting pressure ou both
pedals. The spring N under normal conditions remains inoperative, but when
pressure is exerted upon both pedals said spring is expanded, through the action of
cord D and pulley F, and the brake shoe is caused to forcibly impinge upon the
tire. The brake is released by removing the pressure from one pedal, and the
brake shoe resumes its normal position.
The power required to drive a cycle upon a level smooth road is small, but a
machine suited to these conditions is unsuitable for use on hilly or rough roads.
I adapt my cycles to both conditions by altering the size of the driving pulleys,
whereby the force exerted and the speed attained are inversely proportionate to
the increase or decrease of the diameter of said pulleys. On each of the driving
pulleys A A', I place a larger pulley R, Figure 8, which is made in two pieces,
and may either be clasped at the opposite adjoining sides or hinged on one side and
hooked on the other, as clearly shown, Figure 9. To prevent one pulley turning

page_text: on the other I use projecting pins e, on the inner circumference of pulley R that
enter corresponding holes in the outer circumference of pulley A, or I use a cross
bar e, Figure 10, that slips into slots cut in the rim of pulley A. The pulley R
may be narrower than pulley A, and the cord, driving pulley A, may be attached
by a hook readily detachable, and similarly hooked to pulley R, or may be wound
around pulley R without detaching it from pulley A by cutting a slot e³ in the rim
of pulley R.
The periphery of pulley F should be in line with the peripheries of pulleys A A¹
and, if fixed in this position, when the gear is changed by the use of larger
pulleys R, the connecting cord will not run true. Therefore, I connect the pulley
to an adjustable frame, Figures 19 and 20, by the use of which the surfaces of the
respective pulleys, are always kept in line. In Figure 20, one side of pulley Fis
shown with a slotted casing in which it works when spring N is extended or
contracted. At the bottom of this casing is a cross-piece , at each end of which
is a hinge h² attached to triangular frame h, which is attached to the frame of the
cycle. The upper part of casing his attached to the apex of triangle ³ by an
adjusting screw, or a cross-bar through which pin is inserted. Another
hole is made in the bar at such distance as to properly adjust the frame and
pulley to the altered gear when the pin is passed through it. The same result can
be attained by having the frame formed with two slots one in line with casing of
pulley A and the other in line with the periphery of pulley R.
The pulley ball bearings, which I prefer for greater reduction of friction to usе,
consist of two or more circles of balls, and dividing rings. Next to axle. m,
Figure 18, of pulleys E E F, or to a loose ring thereon, is a series of balls.
Encircling these is a loose ring m¹ which is encircled by a series of at least two
other rows of balls m³ placed horizontally, and outside of these additional rings
and series of balls a pulley S. A flange m³ separates the rows to prevent the
Jateral movement of the pulley. A similar flange m is attached to the inner
ring or rings. On each side of the pulley is flange m, held against the balls
by collar mo.
For the axles of the wheels on which rest greater weight and therefore are
subject to greater wear, I use cups n attached to the wheel hubs and cones n',
Figure 16, of the usual pattern, but I prefer to use two or more circles of balls.
This form may also be used on the pulley bearings, as the form described for
the pulleys may also be used for the wheel bearings. The said circles are
divided by ring n², concave in a line with the balls on each side, and placed at
any suitable angle. In the case of wear the cones are screwed further on the
axle bringing the cups, balle, rings and cones into closer connection.
circles of balls may be used with a ring between any two circles, but when three;
circles are used, I prefer to arrange them V shape, as shown, Figure 17. Besides
friction being lessened by the use of two circles in case one is rendered inoperative
the other will act independently, but if one ball breaks in a single circle, the
mechanism is disabled.
More
The driving pulleys A A1, in the modification shown, Figures 21 and 22, are
located under the saddle, instead of being attached to the axle of the rear wheel,
and on the shaft to which they are attached is placed a sprocket T, which, through
sprocket wheel T¹ and sprocket chain T2, transmits motion to the rear wheel of the
cycle. These pulleys are of such diameter, that one downward stroke of the pedal
will not cause a complete turn, and they may therefore be very narrow. The
modification from the plan shown, Figure 1, extends to the arrangement of the
brake mechanism. In Figures 21 and 22 the cord D owing to the position of
the driving pulleys, passes under pulley F journaled in frame F', and consequently
serves to pull the frame of the pulley in an upward direction, which necessitates
the attaching of spring N to the under side of said frame and the employment of
a cross-bai U, to one end of which the pulley frame is attached and to the other
end of which is fixed brake shoe O, said cross-bar being pivoted on the frame.
When pressure is exerted on both pedals as before described cord D will cause

page_text: the pulley and its frame to rise, and the brake shoe to impinge the tire of the
wheel, while removing the pressure will lower the pulley frame and consequently
disengage the brake shoe from the tire.
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:
First. In a cycle, friction clutch pulleys having surfaces of essentially the same
curve as concentric casings surrounding them, with a gradual inclination thereto,
and clutch balls contained between said inclined surfaces and the inner surfaces of
said casings as and for the purposes described.
Second. In a cycle, friction clutches consisting of circular pulleys and balls, and
ring casings having inside surfaces of essentially the same curve as enclosed pulleys
with gradual inclination thereto, substantially as shown and described.
Third. In a cycle, the combination with a clutch pulley and surrounding casing,
of two belts attached thereto, one at each side in such manner as to allow them to
travel alternately on the same portion of the surface of such casing, as shown and
déscribed.
Fourth. In a cycle, the combination with friction clutch pulleys, of flanged
surrounding rings, supported on ball bearings, substantially as shown and described.
Fifth. In a cycle, the combination with a clutch pulley casing, of a spoke flange
for the driving wheel having a groove to hold a circle of balls which support said
casing, as shown and described.
Sixth. In a cycle, the combination with a clutch pulley casing, of a screw flange
to retain said casing in place, having a groove to hold a circle of balls which
support said casing, as shown and described.
Seventh. In a cycle, a tube attached to the frame of the machine in a position
parallel to the outstretched leg of the rider, in which a rod or tube, to which is
attached a belt or cord at one end and a pedal at the other end, moves vertically,."
substantially as described.
Eighth. In a cycle, the combination with a pedal guide-way tube attached to
the frame of the machine, of a rod attached to the inside thereof or integral
therewith, substantially as and for the purpose described.
Ninth. In a cycle, a rod or tube attached to the frame of the machine in position
parallel to the outstretched leg of the rider, on which a tube of larger diameter
with attached pedal moves vertically, substantially as described.
Tenth. In a cycle, the combination with an outer tube attached to the frame of
the machine, of a tube or rod, lined on the outside at each end with a collar
containing dividing plate and balls, with belt and pedal attached, moving vertically
therein without lateral movement, substantially as described.
Eleventh. In a cycle, the combination with an inner rod, of a tube, to which is
attached a belt and pedal, and which is lined at each end with a collar containing
balls, to move vertically thereon, substantially as described.
Twelfth. In a cycle, attached to pedal tubes moving vertically in or on guide-ways,
pedals provided with a shank or band connection, and having a flat or concave
surface, substantially as shown and described.
Thirteenth. In a cycle operated by a vertical movement of the feet, a pedal
provided with a fixed base plate and a foot-rest adjustable thereon, substantially
as described.
Fourteenth. In a cycle, elastic cushions located between the foot-rest and the
base plate, substantially as described.
Fifteenth. In a cycle, a pedal provided with an adjustable heel-piece, for the
purpose set forth.
Sixteenth. In a cycle provided with pedals, attached to pedal tubes moving
vertically in or on guide-ways, elastic stops secured to the lower euds of said
guide-ways, substantially as set forth.
Seventeenth. In a cycle, the combination with driving pulleys and cords

page_text: connecting said pulleys, of an intermediate pulley, mounted in a casing suspended
from the frame of the machine by a spring placed in a direct line to said pulley,
with a brake shoe attached to said frame, and devices for expanding and retracting
said spring to cause a braking action, as shown and described.
Eighteenth. In a cycle, the combination of two driving pulleys, so constructed
and arranged that the gear may be altered, substantially as shown and described.
Nineteenth. In a cycle, the combination with a pulley intermediate to two
driving pulleys of alterable size, of a pulley-holding frame, which can be adjusted
to keep said pulley in line with the peripheries of said driving pulley, whenever
altered in size, substantially as shown and described.
Twentieth. In a cycle, the combination with a pulley or wheel axle, of balls
arranged horizontally in two or more circles placed vertically, each two circles
being divided by a horizontal ring of flat surface, the outside circle supporting the
pulley rim or wheel hub and the inside one resting on said axle or on a loose ring
encircling it, as shown and described.
Twenty-first. In a cycle, the combination with bearings consisting of circles of
balls placed horizontally and vertically, of rings of flat surface, and attached flange
projecting between two horizontal rows of balls, one such ring dividing every two
vertical circles, substantially as shown and described.
Twenty-second. In a cycle, the combination with bearings consisting of circles
of balls placed vertically and rings placed between said circles, of flanges loosely
encircling the axle, and kept one on each side loosely against said balls by lock-
nuts attached to said axle, substantially as described.
Twenty-third. In a cycle, the combination with a wheel or pulley axle, of balls
arranged in two circles placed angle-wise, one of which is supported and retained
in place by a screw cone on the axle or by a groove formed in a flange, said circle
supporting a dividing doubly concave ring, which ring supports the other circle of
balls, on which a cup, attached to the hub of the wheel or a pulley suitably
grooved, rests, or of a larger number of circles of balls placed angle-wise, with a
ring supported by one circle and supporting another, dividing any two of said
circles, substantially as described.
Twenty-fourth. In a cycle, the combination with a bearing consisting of circles
of balls placed angle-wise, of a ring, placed between every two circles, having a
concavity on each side, as shown and described.
Twenty-fifth. The combination of the operative parts, embodied in the bicycle
illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings, constructed and arranged substantially as
shown and described.
Dated. this 28th day of July 1896.
ALLISON BROS.,
Agents for the Applicant.