IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BICYCLES, TRICYCLES, AND QUADRICYCLES
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Louis Edwin Broadbent, of 142, Stamford Street, in
the County of Surrey, for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
CONSTRUCTION OF BICYCLES, TRICYCLES, AND QUADRICYCLES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Louis Edwin Broadbent
at the Oflice of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th November 1881.
LOUIS EDWIN BROADBENT, of 142, Stamford Street, in the County of Surrey.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BICYCLES, TRICYCLES, AND QUAD-
RICYCLES."
This Invention relates to certain improvements in wheeled vehicles known as
bicycles, tricycles, quadricycles, and such like, the object being to obtain a direct
propulsion action by both feet and arms upon the crank shaft, and to make the
which easily convertible from one kind to one another or according to the con-
struction for the one particular sort of machine, and to furnish means for carriage
for a certain quantity of luggage with facility.
I mount the frame as of an ordinary bicycle on springs, preferably small carriago
springs, the backbone of the machine resting on one of the springs in front and the
other behind immediately over the wheel, or one spring on the end of each fork on
the wheel bearings.
I connect the hind part of the machine with the forks by extending the forks a
suitable distance below the centre of the wheel, and attaching connecting rods or
suitable chain appliances to the ends of the forks, and the back part arranged in
in such manner as to allow room for the wheel to turn to a given angle as may be
required for the purpose of guiding the machine. This arrangement prevents the
drag of the hind part of the machine and enables the same to be of lighter
construction.
I also affix a step for easier mounting the machine to the end of the extended
fork.
I also provide an arrangement to lock the machine to obviate the necessity of
carrying a padlock and chain; for this purpose I affix or clamp a suitable frame

page_text: work or casting to the fork or back-bone, to which is attached a small lever
working on a pivot, and on one end of the lever is a stud covered with india-
rubber, on the other end a small lock; the stud goes between the felloes of the
inachine and then the lock is turned so that the machine cannot be ridden until
again unlocked.
The lock and apparatus can be attached to any machine, whether bicycle,
tricycle, or similar machines.
For a convertible bicycle,―
I construct the bicycle, that is, I arrange for the back wheel to be taken off
adjoining the spring, and replace same by a suitable cross bow mounted upon two
wheels, thus forming a tricycle. I also provide for another seat to be attached
with this apparatus, so that a second person can ride and assist in working the
machine if required, both with the hands and feet simultaneously, or with cach
separate at pleasure; to effect this I affix a chain wheel between each of the
forks and the cranks, and affix corresponding chain wheels on a shaft which is
attached to the seat underneath on a pinion to allow the same to rotate to such
a given angle as may be required, a chain works round each wheel from back
to front. I also affix a lever forming a crank; to the end of the chain wheels a
rod is connected to each of the levers or cranks and worked by the feet by a
straight stroke at any angle required, or any length of stroke required. I also
provide for two rods to be attached to that point worked by the feet, having
handles to the same and suitable movable guides, so that the second person can
propel the machine simultaneously with his hands and feet or with each separate
at pleasure. I also provide a rest.for_the_feet_when-not-working-the-machine.
If the tricycle is not fitted up for a second person to ride I provide on the scat
portion arrangements for the rider to carry a quantity of baggage by applying
certain adjustments of board and straps to the backbone to enable the traveller to
take a large sized trunk, hat box, umbrella, walking stick, fishing rod, mail bags,"
or other paraphernalia as may be required for business or pleasure, and thus I
provide that the framework will hold fast any convenient sized box or parcel,
mailbags, or so forth.
"Tricycle" (for one or two persons). I also construct a tricycle, each wheel
being mounted on springs for one person to work with his feet and hands
simultaneously, or with cach separately at pleasure, in the manner described for a
convertible bicycle-tricycle. I also provide for another seat to be attached, and the
necessary apparatus for a second person to ride and assist in propelling the machine
if required with his hands and feet combined, or separately at pleasure; the machino
can be adjusted to suit the size of any rider or riders and any length of stroke, and
at any angle.
I also arrange for the rider to guide and "brake" the machine with one handle
simultaneously if required with one movement; to effect this the guide rod is con-
nected with the front wheel part by small bevel cog wheels or sections, so that by
turning the handle the machine is directed to travel as required; by pressing the
same handle down the brake is applied to both wheels, a spiral spring on the rod
is attached to remove the brake from contact; when the handle is not pressed down
the same spring serves to hold the guiding handle at any point, and can be
adjusted so that the movement of the guide handle can be made stronger or weaker
as required. I have only mentioned one handle, but there is one for each hand, so
that the rider can guide and brake the machine with either hand or both; the rider
need not retain his hand on the handle as the spring described always holds the
same in any position required.
I also provide an adjustable cover for the same of waterproof material for
inclement weather, the same may be made of leather or waterproof cloth on a light
steel or wood frame, with suitable glass windows or panels, making the same
either an open or closed carriage.
I also construct a tricycle mounted on springs for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 persons, nearly
in the form of a hansom cab, the guider & driver is placed in the position of the

page_text: horse with the guide wheel in front; between the hind wheels are attached seats
for 2 persons, the necessary adjustable apparatus is provided for each or both to
help to propel the machine with the feet and bands simultaneously or separately at
pleasure; I also provide for two more seats between the back wheels for two
persons facing backwards, also with the necessary adjustable apparatus for either
or both to work the machine with hands and feet simultaneously or separately at
pleasure, in the manner before described.
The guide wheel and brake are worked in the same manner as in the before
described tricycle for 1 or 2 persons, that is, one hand serves for both purposes.
An adjustable cover for the same is also provided as in the tricycle for 1 or 2
persons, making the same into an open or closed carriage.
I also construct a carriage on 4 wheels mounted upon spring for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6
persons; between the wheels in the body of the carriage are seats for 4 persons to
sit vis á vis; in the front is a seat for the driver and guider; behind the two back
wheels is an adjustable seat with the necessary apparatus to help to propel the
machine, the two front persons seated between the bind wheels may also help to
work the machine if required, as adjustable apparatus is provided for that purpose;
all the persons mentioned can each or all work the machine with hands and
feet simultaneously or separately as before described. The two front wheels are
mounted on a pivot to rotate in the manner of an ordinary carriage, so that the
machine may be turned in the smallest space possible. In this machine the front
or driving seat is connected with the back wheels by chain wheels and chain, in
the same manner as described for a convertible bicycle-tricycle.
In this machine a separate handle for guiding and braking the machine is
provided. I also provide an adjustable cover for the same, as in the before
described machine, making the same into an open or closed carriage.
In all the machines I provide adjustable cranks both for the hands and feet
which can be fixed to work any length of stroke required.
In all these machines I provide that the hands and feet can work at any
convenient angle (i.c.), more horizontally or perpendicularly as required.
I also provide that the hands and feet may each or both work with a circular
motion if desired or required, or with a circular motion with the hand and a
straight motion with the feet, but the straight stroke with hands and fect in
unison must be the best.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Louis Edwin Broadbent in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
9th May 1882.
LOUIS EDWIN BROADBENT, of 142, Stamford Street, in the County of Surrey.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BICYCLES, TRICYCLES, AND QUAD-
RICYCLES."
This Invention relates to certain improvements in wheeled vehicles known as
bicycles, tricycles, quadricycles, and such like, the object being to render the riding
more easy, to obtain a direct propulsion action by both hands and fect or either
separately upon the crank shaft; to make the vehicle easily convertible from one
kind to another, or according to the construction for the one particular sort of
machine, and to furnish means for facilitating the carriage of a certain quantity of
baggage.
I mount the frame, as of an ordinary bicycle, on springs, the backbone of the
machine resting on one set of the springs in front, and the other behind, immedintely
over the wheel.
I also provide an arrangement to lock the machine to obviate the necessity of
carrying a padlock and chain for this purpose; I affix a clamp_or_suitable_frame_
work or casting to the fork or backbone, to which is attached a small lever working
on a pivot, and on one end of the lever is a stud covered with india-rubber, on the
other end is a small lock; the stud goes between the felloes of the machine and
then the lock is turned, so that the machine cannot be ridden until again
unlocked.
The lock and apparatus can be attached to any machine, whether bicycle, tricycle,
or similar machines.
For a convertible bicycle-tricycle I construct the convertible machine by taking
off the back wheel close to the spring and replacing same by a suitable cross bar or
frame on which is mounted the wheels, thus forming a tricycle; I also provide for
another seat to be attached with this apparatus when required, so that a second
person can ride and assist in working the machine if desired, both with the hands
and feet simultaneously or with each separately at pleasure, as will be more fully
hereinafter described in reference to the Drawings.
If the tricycle be not used by a second rider the seat space will be available to carry
a quantity of luggage by applying convenient adjustments of board and straps to
the back-bone to enable the traveller to take a large sized trunk, hat-box, umbrella,
walking stick, fishing rod, mail bags, or other paraphernalia, as may be required
for business or pleasure, and thus I provide that the frame-work will hold fast any
convenient sized box or parcel, mail bag, or so forth.
Tricycle" (for one or more persons). I also construct a tricycle, the wheels being
mounted on springs for the rider or riders to work with feet and hands simul-
taneously or with each separately at pleasure, in the manner as described for the
convertible bicycle-tricycle. I also provide for another seat to be attached and the
necessary mechanism for another person or persons to ride and assist in propelling
the machine if required with his or their hands and feet simultaneously or
separately at pleasure; the machine can be adjusted as to the stroke or operating
to suit the size of any rider or riders.
I also arrange for the rider to guide and brake the machine with one hand,
simultaneously if required, with one movement; to effect this the guide rod is
connected with the front wheel part by small bevil cog wheels or sections, so that
by turning the handle the machine is directed to travel as required by pressing the
same handle down; the brake is applied to both wheels; a spiral spring is attached

page_text: to remove the brake from contact when the handle is not pressed down. I havo
only mentioned one handle, but there are two, one for each hand, so that the rider
can guide and brake the machine with either one hand or both. I also provide an
adjustable cover for the same of waterproof material for inclement weather, tho
same may be made of leather, or wood, or waterproof cloth on a light steel frame,
with suitable glass windows or panels, making the same either an open or closed
carriage.
In order that my said Invention may be readily understood and carried into
practical effect, I have hereunto annexed five Sheets of Drawings, and havo made
reference thereto in the following particular description :-
Fig. 1 is a section of the fork head and bandle bar of the front wheel; and
Fig. 2, a transverse section of fork of the hind wheel and termination of backbone
showing my improvements in so far as they relate to bicycles.
Figs. 3 and 30 show in cross sections at right angles to each other a modification
of the spring fitting of the hind wheel fork shown in Fig. 2.
Figs. 3b, 3c, show the improved locking apparatus.
A are spindles screwed into the part of the machine connecting the forks, said
spindles being of lesser diameter at B and fitting into two pillars, thus forming the
head; two spiral springs fit round the spindles A at C in the recess formed by the
reduction of the spindles B. This arrangement allows a free spring space for
the head from D to E; F are the handle bars connected to the head; G is the
centre of the back bone resting on the ball bearings at H, said balls fitting in a
semicircular groove in the cross bar H and a corresponding semi-circular groove in
the collar round the centre G. These parts are secured together by means of the
nuts I on the spindles A; and the centre Q terminates in a hollow cone fitting
the centre G of a pin screwed into the top cross bar and kept in position by a
lock nut K; L is a cap covering the free spring space on the spindles, thereby
obviating the soiling of the machine by the lubricating oil.
At M is indicated the
metal of the back-bone. By this spring head arrangement the shocks from the
vibration of the front wheel are obviated. For obviating the vibration of the back
wheel, and as shown in Fig. 2, I employ a similar arrangement to that for the front
wheel; N is the lower end of the backbone, the spindle A forms a continuation of
the back fork and reduced to a lesser diameter at the inner end, and fits in a
bush O brazed in the backbone; a spiral spring encircles the spindle as before
described; a slot P is cut in the backbone, through which slot is passed a screw G,
which also passes into a screwed hole in the end of spindle A and through the
sliding cover plate, which serves to cover the aperture, and thus the parts are held
together. A cap L serves to prevent the lubricant from soiling the machine, and
by this arrangement a free spring scope space is allowed from D to E, thereby
obviating vibration, as described for Fig. 1.
In Figs. 3 and 3a is shown another arrangement for the same purpose, and
consists of a hinged joint motion; O is a bush brazed inside the bottom of the
backbone provided with an aperture or socket in which the hinge piece forming
the continuation of the fork is received and works; c is the pivot pin; d, a screw
holding the pin in position; E is the spring fastened to the swivel part at f; the
free space g determines the scope allowed for the hinged joint to act, and in this
arrangement I make the fork more curved than ordinarily, to give the springing
motion of the back wheel more vertical play. The spring head and the back spring
arrangements obviate vibration being felt by the rider, all other parts of the
machine being constructed substantially as ordinarily except the front wheel hub,
which may be constructed in the same way as the tricycle hubs, as bereinafter
described, so as to allow the feet to rest on stationary pedals when the machine is
not required to be propelled; for instance, going down a steep incline the rider
could rest his feet on the pedals, whilst the wheel by its own momentum would
continue to rotate.
In order to obviate the necessity of carrying a padlock and chain to lock the
machine, I construct a locking arrangement for this purpose, as follows, and as

page_text: L
shown in Figs. 3b-3c. Two studs 1 are affixed to the forks; 2 is a hooked hanger
fitting round one of the studs 1, and to this hanger picce is attached a small lock 3;
4 is the round bolt of the lock turned into an aperture provided in the fork imme-
diately facing the same. The application of this attachment is as follows :—
The vertical or hanging position of the hanger, as shown on right of Fig. 3b and
on left of Fig. 3c, will leave the machine unlocked and free to run; but for locking
the machine the bolt of the lock is withdrawn, the hanger may then be turned on
the stud 1 to occupy a position between spokes of the wheel to the position
indicated by the dotted lines Fig. 3c; the back part of the lock 3 fitting partially
round the stud 1 on the other fork, where it will be locked in position by the bolt
shooting into an aperture 6 on the other fork, thereby locking the machine. The
hanger which connects the two parts of the locking apparatus may be easily
detached when unlocked and not required, and reapplied when necessary. This can
also be applied to tricycles and quadricycles.
Referring to Fig. 2. In order to convert the bicycle into a tricycle I withdraw
the screw G, the back wheel and parts being then free to be detached, and as
shown; Fig. 4 is a side view; Fig. 5, a back view; and Fig. 6, a plan; Fig. Ga
showing the connecting rods. a indicates the end of the backbone. When the
back wheel and parts are removed I first slip on the backbone the rest or pad for
the back rider to lean against, said back rest being fastened in a socket which is
screwed to the backbone at b, the back part being all ready made up is then attached
by fitting the back-bone in a socket and securing by a screw at h. The connecting
rods, shown in Fig. 6a, are then attached, thus connecting the front fork with the
back part, thereby drawing the back part along with the front fork instead of using
the back part only for that purpose. The hangers care hooked to the fork of the
front wheel at d and fit round the bearings, I then attach the swivel cross bar e¹
to the end of the backbone at a, the conversion then being complete; i are the back
wheels, and is a cog wheel fast to the driving wheel i, the same being actuated
by the cog wheel h¹, to which are connected the driving rods 1, the pedals being
attached to the driving rods at 1, the other ends of the rods being connected with
the driving cranks at S; m are the guides for the pedals and driving rod; nare
the foot rests; o is a slot through which a nut and bolt fastens the guide, whereby
the same may be regulated for the pedals to work more vertically or laterally as
desired; p are handles affixed to the guide rods, said handles and guide rods being
conveniently placed so that the rider can assist in propelling the machine with his
hands as well as with his feet simultaneously or separately at pleasure, or rest
either or both at will; Q is the cross bar and frame part to which are fastened the
contingent or working parts; R is a carriage or bow spring to which the scat is
attached, the backbone drawing part intervening; the machine thus converted can
then be ridden and propelled simultaneously by two persons, one driving in the
manner as for an ordinary bicycle, the other sitting on the seat behind and travel
back to back.
When not required for a second person to ride all the back parts may be detached,
leaving only the wheels, frame, and spring, to which a box, platform, or other sort
of receptacle with straps or other arrangements may be attached so that the rider
can carry a large quantity of luggage, there being also room for luggage in the
frame work between the back wheels.
I construct a tricycle as shown on Sheet 3, Fig. 7 being a side view and
Fig. 8 the plan, the same being adjustable for 1, 2, or more persons; A1, A2, A³,
show the seats as fitted for the riders, the frame-work D¹ rests on a bow spring
on each side of the machine immediately over the axles; the riders on the seats
A', A, propel the machine with both hands and feet simultaneously or either
separately at pleasure exactly in the same manner as the rider on the attached
part of the converted bi-tricycle. Similar pedals and suitable guide rods being
provided for each of the two riders, the only difference is that the driving rods are
attached directly to the cranks on the main shaft at E', the rider on the scat A²
guides and brakes, the machine by means of the handle F' immediately in front of

page_text: him. By turning the handles the two bevel cog wheels G₁, G, are actuated,
thereby turning the front guide wheel in the direction required to travel. The
brake is applied to the machine by pressing the same handles forward which
actuates the lever H, see Fig. 7a, bringing the brakes on each of the driving wheels
in contact by the connecting rod I which actuates the lever on the brake shaft J,
see Fig. 8; K is a spiral spring which removes the brakes from contact; the guide
rod L' is made square at the lower extremity fitting in the socket M', sufficient
space being left in the square socket for the guide rod to be depressed; Fig. 7b
shows a cross bar attached to the socket M', a spiral spring is attached to each end
of the cross bar and connected to the frame part at o'; the springs being of equal
tension and adjustable always, keep the guide rod and wheel in a direct position,
hence the rider need not retain his hands on the guiding handles as the machine
will automatically travel quite straight; N' is a suitable upright connected to the
frame holding the guide rod in position; P¹, see Fig. 74, is a round bar serving as
foot rests, also as the swivel bar to which the brake lever His attached at Q a
small collar R on the other side of the upright keeping the foot rests bar (or
swivel bar) in position.
I construct the hubs of the driving wheels, as shown, in sectional view on
enlarged scale, Fig. 9. A is the fixed driving portion of the clutch; there are three
such pieces in the circumferences. Fast to the shaft at the centre of the hubs B'are
two loose ratchet clutch collars, the inside large teeth whereof fit the driving clutch
portions A, the small outside teeth fitting into the hubs C, C, two cotter pins D2
passed through the shaft holding the parts together. When the shaft rotates the
fast clutch A' forces the loose ratchet clutch collars into gear with the small
driving teeth on the hubs and propel the wheel. If however the shaft rests
(thereby implying the pedals) the wheel may continue to rotate, as the hubs will
force the loose ratchet clutch collars out of gear with the hubs on to the parts A*
This may be effected, as shown, in general view, Fig. 10, and details, Figs. 10ª,
10b, 10c, wherein A are toothed collars fast to the driving shaft, the part cut
away allowing for the reception of the overlapping driving catches A to fit therein.
C¹, C, are the two halves of the hub loose on the shaft; C³ are two ratchet or
star wheels forming a continuation of the parts C1, C2, of the hub. Two holes A'
are drilled in each of the collars A³ for reception of pins As, whereon the two
catches A are hinged or hung, each catch having a cross bar or widening of the
point overlapping the collars A fitting the space cut thereout, and said catches also
come in contact with the ratchet wheels C3 by which they are actuated.
A spiral
spring fits round the catches A, holding same up to their work. When the shaft
is driven the catches A in gear with C³ drive the wheel, but if the shaft rests
(thereby implying the pedals), the hub and wheel is free to rotate the ratchet
wheels Clifting the catches A6, whilst the spiral spring always brings the catches
back when they have passed the teeth. I insert leather in the free space around
the shaft between the catches, see A5, Fig. 10b, to prevent the clicking sound
which would otherwise emanate as the catches traverse the ratchet wheels.
In this tricycle, Figs. 7 and 8, as shown, provision is made for three persons to
ride; the two on the seats A1, A2, can propel the machine; adjustable apparatus
can also be attached when required for the third rider; also to assist in propelling
the machine in the manner hereinafter described, and as shown in Figs. 11 and 12,
Sheet 4.
The part between the driving wheels may be wider, allowing room for two more
seats, with similar driving apparatus to be attached for two more riders seated
back to back, thereby effecting provision for five persons to ride. It will be seen
that the seats can be adjusted to suit the height of any rider by the screws C*
under the seat. By shortening or lengthening the foot rest S of the front seat by
means indicated at S, the said seat is rendered convenient for persons of different
height. To detach the back seat A¹ the screw C* supporting same is disconnected,
as also are the driving rods at the cranks E. By removing the screw bolts T the
whole adjustable part can be disconnected and the front seat A³ may be detached

page_text: by means of the nut U, and the machine would then be adapted for one rider
only.
I also construct a tricycle to work with a rotary instead of a crank motion, the
same being shown on Sheet 4. Fig. 11 is a side view and Fig. 12 a plan. The
machine is adjustable for one, two, or more riders in the same manner as in the
previous machine. It will be seen that the riders are seated so as to drive
the machine by rotating the pedals A, the combined action of which actuates
the crank B which is attached to the chain wheel C; a connecting chain D actuates
the chain wheel E loose on the driving shaft. This shaft is divided into three
parts, vis, a centre part M carrying the chain wheel M, at one end of which
chain wheel is also a clutch driving wheel, and a corresponding clutch driver
wheel E is on the other end, and two outer parts of the shaft M₁ carry the
road wheels and corresponding clutch driver wheels Mª both fast to these outer
portions M of the shaft. Figs. 13 and 14 are enlarged side and edge views
respectively of these parts combined, and Fig. 15 is a side view detached of the
clutch driver M of the road wheels, the outer parts M' of the shaft being carried
and running in the bearings.
The clutch driver M of the road wheel rotates in juxtaposition to the
drivers E, E', the object of which is to attain by another method the same result
ns is secured by the divided hub arrangement previously described. In the chain
In these
wheel E are four apertures, two of which are shown open at Fig. 13.
apertures are placed the driving catches G, either 1, 2, 3 or more, said catches
being backed by springs G¹, and projecting through the apertures F to engage in
the gaps M³ of the clutch driver M. The catches G are bevilled on one side, as
indicated by the lines at G, similarly to the liandle-bolt of a door lock; hence when
the machine is being propelled the catches G on the wheels E, E, are pressed by
the springs into the gaps M³ of the clutch drivers M2, and with them the road
wheels will receive motion from the chain D; if however the chain stops (implying
the pedals) the edges of the gaps M³ of the clutch driver M will come in contact
with the bevil edge of the catches and press the catches out of gear, and so the
wheel would continue to rotate whilst the pedals were stationary; but when the
pedals resume their action the springs will act to force the catches into gear; by
this arrangement both wheels are made into drivers, allowing the one to travel
faster than the other, as is necessary to turn the machine, and allowing the
As machines
pedals to rest whilst each of the wheels would continue to rotate.
thus constructed could not be driven backwards, I employ either a manual or
automatic arrangement to attain this object, which is carried into effect manually
as follows:-There are four apertures N in the clutch driver wheels M², Fig. 15, a
cross bar o (Figs. 12, 13, and 14, fitting round the shaft M, to which cross-bar are
attached two locking pins P. When the rider wishes to back the machine he
moves the bandle Q (the other end of which fits at R in the groove of the sliding
cross bar o) inwards, so as to press the pins P into the apertures N, thereby inter-
locking the loose and fast wheels E and M². The machine can then be driven
backwards; but to set the part again free for the machine to travel forwards, and
in order to allow the pedals to rest at pleasure, the locking handle must be
replaced; and in order automatically to hold the handle in a locked or unlocked
position, I affix a spring T* (Fig. 12a) to the framework at T', to which is attached
a retaining catch T2 which holds the handle in the required position by the pressure
of the spring.
In order to obtain the same object by an automatic combination I construct the
various parts as shown in Fig. 16; the inside parts of the two chain wheels E arc
formed as a ratchet S, having three large teeth; in the circumference of the shaft A
are also two ratchet driving clutches fast to the shaft, each having six small teeth
(the chain wheel E being loose on the shaft); intervening are two movable or
sliding ratchet collar clutches B'; two springs H are affixed to the chain wheels E,
and fit in apertures or slots in the sliding clutches B¹ which serve to hold the
sliding clutches in gear with the driving clutches A'. care two chain wheels

page_text: attached in the manner shown with the driving pedals; connecting chains D are
attached to the respective chain wheels; the mechanical effect of this arrangement
is in the first place constituted into what is termed a double driver; the rotation of
the loose chain wheels E actuate the clutches B', which being in gear with the
driving ratchets A' fast on the shafts of the road wheels, the machine is thereby
propelled, whilst the pedals may rest at pleasure, that is, in going down an incline
when the machine will travel by its own momentum, the pedals may rest whilst
the wheels would continue to rotate; the wheels traversing whilst the pedals are
motionless, the ratchets A automatically force the sliding clutches B₁ out of gear,
the wheels being thus free to rotate. When the pedals resume their functions the
springs H bring the sliding clutches again into gear with the driving ratchets A,
thus allowing one wheel to traverse faster than the other forwards or backwards as is
necessary, in order to guide and turn the machine to travel in the direction required;
the machine can also be automatically driven backwards by this arrangement, the
mechanical motion of same being that the opposite surfaces of the ratchets on the
chain wheels come in contact with the corresponding surfaces of the sliding
clutches B', the same being in gear with the driving ratchets A', and held
interlocked by the springs H, the machine would thus be driven backwards; hence
this arrangement enables the machine to be automatically driven forwards or
backwards, allowing each wheel to traverse faster than the other independantly in
any direction without extraneous assistance or waste of mechanical power;
ordinary wheels are employed in machines thus constructed. Machines may also
be constructed with this arrangement with the small or front wheel placed behind,
forming what is termed "
open fronted
machines with or without seats for more
than one rider..
"
Reverting to the other parts of the machines, the guiding of same is effected in
the most usual way, as in ordinary machines, as will be readily seen by Figs. 11
and 12, which require no further explanation. A double brake is applied to the
machine by pressing the handle F' (Figs. 11 and 12) forward, the spiral spring K¹
withdrawing the same from contact when not in action.
The machine can be adapted for the use of one or more riders as required by
removing the front seat, and I proceed as follows:-I take off the nut U and detach
the seat with the spring and replace the nut. I then disconnect the driving rod
at B, and the adaptation for two riders is then complete. To remove the back
seat I detach the driving rod at U'; I then remove the four nuts and bolts U2, the
framework being interfitting at the part indicated, either by interfitting tubes or
solid parts fitting in the tubes; the back seat and parts may then be removed
en bloc; the machine is then adapted for one rider only. When desired the removed
two seats may be replaced by suitable platforms with straps, or with cases or other
receptacles for carrying luggage, whilst there is also ample room underneath the
machine to affix or suspend a large quantity of luggage also.
The same adaptation of carrying luggage may also be applied to the previously
described machine.
If prefered I may also substitute a double crank action in lieu of chain and chain
wheel, still maintaining a rotary pedal action, of which Fig. 17 is the plan and
Fig. 18 is side view; I construct the main shaft with two cranks V, to which I
attach connecting rods with corresponding pedal cranks Y, the transformation or
substitution in then completed. Either of the methods of divided hubs in the
driving wheels may be adapted in this arrangement, or the method explained to
obtain the pedal resting contrivance whilst the manual or automatic back driving
gear could also be applied in conjunction, as will be readily understood.
I construct a quadricycle in a similar manner by removing the front wheel and
parts in the way before described, the same being replaced by adjustable appliance,
as shown on Sheet 5, of which Fig. 19 is a front clevation, Fig. 20 the plan, and
Fig. 21 side view. I connect the front cross bar A5, to which are attached the two
seats A, driving pedals and parts en bloc to the quasi-tricycle part at U, and then
connect the driving rod at B, and then affix the guide rod at W; the machine

page_text: is then intact with seats and apparatus for four persons each, or all to help to
propel the same; the back part may he made wider, and two more seats placed in a
similar position as the other two with corresponding driving apparatus; henco
there would then be seats and driving apparatus for six persons. Fig. 22 indicates
diagramatically the attachment of the adjustable hood or cover, the frame of which
will be carried upon and be bolted to the seat portion as shown.
Having now described the nature and particulars of the said Invention in such
wise that the same may be readily carried into practical effect, I claim,―
Firstly. The construction and application of the various parts in the construction
of a bicycle, as shewn on Sheet 1, as and for the purposes herein set forth.
Secondly. The locking device, as and for the purpose set forth.
Thirdly. The construction and arrangements for converting a bicycle into a
tricycle, with the auxiliary adjustable parts for that purpose, as shewn and
described in reference to Slicet 2, and for the purpose herein set forth.
Fourthly. The construction of a tricycle with the parts thereof, as shewn and
described in reference to Sheet 3, as and for the purposes herein set forth.
Fifthly. The construction of the tricycle combined and arranged, as and for the
purpose set forth and described in reference to the Figures on Sheet 4 of the
Drawings.
Sixthly. The construction of the parts shown by and described in reference to
Sheet 5 of the Drawings, for the purpose of forming a quadricycle machine, as set
forth.
Seventhly. The cover or bood adiustable to the tricycle or quadricycle machines
In presence of
WALTER A. BARLOW,
Patent Agent & Engineer,
6, St. Paul's Churchyard,
London, EC.
L. E. BROADBENT. (L.S.)