Improvements in Brake Mechanism applicable to Bicycles and other Velocipedes.
Year: 1899

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Brake Mechanism applicable to Bicycles and other
Velocipedes.
CHARLES INWOOD, Gledholt Cottage, Sun Lane, Gravesend, in the County of
Kent, Mechanical 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:
My invention has for its object improvements in brake mechanisms applicable
to bicycles and other velocipedes in which a free driving wheel is used, it being
understood that the term "free wheel" as applied to cycles is one in which a
clutch action is fitted to its chain wheel (or other driving device) locking as a
fixed wheel when rotated in a forward direction only.
I claim by the principles of construction of my brake mechanism to produce
a brake by which a backward movement of either pedal cranks in
any position of their paths of rotation, shall, whilst the machine is
being ridden in a forward direction cause the brake to be imme-
diately applied. That the brake shall automatically release itself out
of gear if wheeled backward or forward, provided, backward pressure is not
applied to cranks, and that the brake shall not be capable of being applied by
turning the cranks backward whilst the wheel is at rest. Obviously it will be
understood my brake can only be applied whilst the free driving wheel is being
revolved forward and the pedal cranks are being revolved in the reverse direction
at the same moment.
To obtain each of the aforesaid movements I employ the combination of two
mechanical devices namely:-Mechanism for actuating brakes and a brake
carriage of peculiar construction.
Figs. 1 & 2 of the accompanying drawings are front and sectional views
representing in principle that portion of my invention for transmitting. move-
ment to the brake. It consists of three machine elements. The roller race A
a roller B and a cam lever C. The action of this combination may be readily
understood by assuming the race A is fixed concentrically to a crank axle and
the lever C is pivoted at to the machine frame. Therefore, if race A is
revolved in the direction of arrow, roller B by its frictional contact would like-
wise revolve as sufficient space is provided between race and lever for this pur-
pose. Should however the race be turned in an opposite direction the roller
will be forced between the periphery of race and the inner face of lever from
whence motion to the latter is imparted as shewn by the dotted lines in Fig. 1
Obviously if a connected rod be jointed at the centre c and coupled to brake it
may be applied or released according to the direction given to race A Fig. 1.
Having illustrated my method of obtaining motion to the brake by referring
to the drawings Figs. 3 4 & 5, I will describe the principles and actions of
obtaining a brake power which shall only be applicable when the driving wheel
is revolving in a forward direction. By the front and sectional drawings
Figs. 3 & 4 it will be observed my brake carriage consists of three main parts
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page_text: namely: The guide E the slide F and the brake block H. Brake bar G is not
a fixture to the slide F being held in position and against its face by the
links g, g, which are pivoted upon the slide F at h, h, and upon the bar G
at i, i, the combination producing the principle of a parallel rule and its appli-
cation to brake bars is an important feature in my invention. Its action as a
brake is as follows:-
Assuming the guide E is a fixture F & G are simultaneously drawn together
towards rim of wheel R by back pedalling. Obviously if R is revolving in the
direction of arrow, the downward frictional contact between the rim and the
brake block H is sufficient to hold bar G against adjusting stop S and the brake
may be applied. Should however the driving wheel be turned or wheeled back-
ward or be without motion the brake will upon back pedalling automatically
release itself by simultaneously rising and sliding backward as illustrated in
Fig. 5.
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. Reciprocated motion at will transmitted through connections at any point
in the path of rotation of bicycle or other velocipede cranks where a free wheel
is employed by the application of a concentric roller path, a roller to coincide
and a cam lever with necessary fittings and adjustments.
2. The sliding brake carriage provided with a loose brake bar connected
together by links embracing the principle of the ordinary parallel drawing rule
one end carrying brake block, substantially arranged that when impinged upon
a wheel rim to remain in or out of gear according to motion of frictional contact.
3. The combination of mechanisms whereby brake power may be transmitted
to a free driving wheel when its motion is in a forward direction only as herein-
before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 5th day of June 1800