Improvements in and connected with Driving Mechanism for Velocipedes.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Aug., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 28th May, 1900-Accepted, 30th June, 1900
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION:
Improvements in and connected with Driving Mechanism for
Velocipedes.
I, AUSTIN RATTRAY, Gentleman, of 18, Burlington Road, Bayswater, London,
W., England, do here by declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to a driving gear for velocipedes consisting of a clutch-
mechanism, levers, and a connecting medium, combined in the forms herein-
after described. In one form of my invention, as applied to a bicycle, I pivot
onto the lower back stays or an attachment thereon one end of a lever the other
end of which carries a pedal of any approved design. Upon the hub of the back
wheel I attach a clutch-mechanism of any approved design capable of allowing
the wheel free revolutionary movement in a forward direction whilst such clutch
is stationary or revolving in a direction contrary to that of the wheel. I combine
with such clutch a suitable spring tending to cause it, after it has revolved in a
forward direction, to automatically revolve in the contrary direction. About
a box or casing containing such clutch-mechanism I wind a chain, or flexible
wire, or cord, or an equivalent, the free end of which I continue round a movable
pulley and attach to a point on the framework of the machine at or near the axle
of the wheel, or other suitable point; or I may attach at such point a fixed pulley,
and continuing the chain or its equivalent round such pulley attach it to the
movable pulley; or I may use a series of pulleys, or pulleys with multiple sheaves,
and pass the chain or its equivalent over such pulleys in suitable manner accord-
ing to the nature of the combination. To the aforesaid movable pulley, or to the
last movable pulley if a series are used, I attach a second chain or its equivalent,
which I pass over a small wheel or pulley carried on the saddle tube or upon an
attachment thereon, and attach the free end to the aforementioned lever. In order
to strengthen the framework of the machine I may from or about the point on
the seat tube where such wheel or pulley is carried extend an additional stay to
a point at or near the axle of the rear wheel.
A similar and independent combination is provided on each side of the machine,
so that upon the alternate or simultaneous depression of the two levers the cycle
will be propelled forward, the levers being raised at the end of the stroke and the
chain or its equivalent rewound on the clutch by the action of the spring con-
tained therein; or the machine may be propelled through the operation of one
lever alone the other being kept at rest.
Instead of passing the chain or its equivalent, which has been described as
wound about the clutch, round the aforementioned movable pulley, I may con-
tinue it over the small wheel or pulley described above as carried on the seat tube
or an attachment thereon, and, passing it round a fixed pulley or wheel carried
by the above mentioned lever, attach the free end to a suitable point on the frame-
work of the machine; or I may use combinations of pulleys in immediate con-
nection with the lever similar to the combinations described in a preceding para-
graph. That portion of the chain or its equivalent extending from the clutch to
the seat tube I may in such variety of my invention conceal within the tube

page_text: described above as forming an additional stay extending from the seat tube to
the rear wheel axle.
Instead of pivoting the lever on to the lower back stays or an attachment
thereon I may pivot it at a point forward, horizontally more or less, of the posi-
tion ordinarily occupied by the bottom bracket, providing for such pivot either
by a separate extension piece, or by constructing the framework of the machine
so as to cause the lower stays, the seat tube, and the diagonal tube, to meet at
such point; or by other suitable modification of the framework.
Or, I may pivot the lever at a point to the rear of the back wheel extending
the lower stays backward in that direction for such purpose; or I may pivot the
lever at the point now ordinarily occupied by the crank axle. Instead of wind
ing the chain or its equivalent about the box or casing of the clutch and com-
bining with the latter a recoil spring, I may dispense with such spring, and,
passing the chain or its equivalent over the clutch, continue it over a small wheel
or pulley revolving horizontally upon a spindle attached to the machine at a
point at or near the position occupied by the bottom bracket. Thence I may
continue such chain or its equivalent over the clutch on the other side of the wheel,
and thereafter bring it into connection with a combination of pulleys such as has
been above described.
I may further in all forms of my said invention dispense with the pulleys, and
passing the free end of the chain or its equivalent over the small wheel or pulley
described as connected with the seat tube attach it directly to the lever. Where
the lever is pivoted on a point to the rear of the back wheel I may also dispense
with such small wheel or pulley.
In all forms of my said invention I may make the point at which the lever is
pivoted variable and adjustable.
It is to be understood in all the above descriptions of my said invention that
similar and equivalent combinations are provided on each side of the machine.
I may make suitable modifications other than are described above in the frame-
work of the machine to adapt it to my invention.
In the application of my invention to tricycles and multicycles I make suit-
able modifications of detail to adapt it to such machines.
In all forms of my said invention I may make the point at which the chain or
its equivalent is attached to the lever variable and adjustable.
Dated this 28th day of August 1899.
AUSTIN
RATTRAY.
18, Burlington Road, Bayswater, London, W.
Improvements in and connected with Driving Mechanism for
Velocipedes.
I, AUSTIN RATTRAY, Gentleman, of 18, Burlington Road, Bayswater, London,
W., England, 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 a driving gear for velocipedes consisting of a clutch
mechanism, levers, and a connecting medium, combined in the forms hereinafter
described. I illustrate such combinations in the accompanying drawings where
I denote similar parts by similar letters of reference.
In one form of my invention as applied to a bicycle, and shown in various
modifications in side elevation in Figures 1 to 7 both inclusive, I pivot on to

page_text: the lower back stays, that is to say the tubes ordinarily extending from the bottom
bracket to the wheel axle, or on to an adjustable attachment thereon, such as a
clamp or clip A, one end of a lever B of which the other end carries a pedal of
any approved design. Upon the hub of the back wheel I attach a clutch mech-
anism of any approved design capable of allowing the wheel free revolutionary
movement in a forward direction whilst such clutch mechanism is stationary or
revolving in a direction contrary to that of the wheel. I combine with such
clutch a suitable spring tending to cause it after it has revolved in a forward
direction to automatically revolve in the contrary direction. About a box or
casing containing such clutch mechanism and spring I wind a chain, or flexible
wire, or cord, or an equivalent, the free end of which I continue round a movable
pulley and attach to a point on the framework of the machine at or near the axle
of the wheel or other suitable point; or I may attach at such point a fixed pulley,
and, continuing the chain or equivalent round such pulley attach it to the mov-
able pulley; or I may use a series of pulleys, or pulleys with multiple sheaves,
and pass the chain or equivalent over such pulleys in suitable manner according
to the nature of the combination. To the aforesaid movable pulley, or to the last
movable pulley if a series are used, I attach a second chain or equivalent which
I pass over a small wheel or pulley carried on the saddle tube or upon an attach-
ment thereon, and connect the free end to an adjustable and variable point on
the aforesaid lever. I show in Figures 1 and 2 two forms of these combinations. I
place the clutch mechanism and retracting spring within the casing or box C,
about which I wind a cord or equivalent D). In Fig. 1 such cord or equivalent D
passes round the movable pulley E, and is attached to the framework of the
machine at F. To the saddle tube of the machine or to an attachment thereon
A second cord or
such as the pieca G I pivot a small loose wheel or pulley H.
equivalent I attached at one end to the movable pulley E passes over the wheel H
and connects with the lever B at an adjustable and variable point J. Such point
of attachment is shown as provided by a clamp or clip, but other equivalent
means, such as a hook or swivel, are not thereby precluded; nor do I límit my-
self to the design of the attachment piece G as shown as the said piece may be
varied without detriment to the essential feature of this invention.
In Fig. 2 I show a fixed pulley K carried on the framework of the machine
near the rear wheel axle while the cord or equivalent 1) embraces both the mov-
able pulley E and such fixed pulley, and has its end then attached to and carried
with the said movable pulley E. The other parts are the same as in Fig. 1.
In Figures 3, 4, and 5 I show diagrammatically combinations of series of
pulleys and pulleys with multiple sheaves.
In Fig. 3 the cord or equivalent 1) embraces the movable pulley e and is
attached to the framework at F. A cord or equivalent d attached to the said
pulley embraces a second movable pulley el and is attached to the framework
at f. The movable pulley et connects with the lever B as in the previous examples.
In Fig. 4 the movable pulley e is double sheaved.
Fig. 5 shows a combination of two movable pulleys and a fixed pulley. The
cord or equivalent 1 passes round the movable pulley e and the fixed pulley K
and is then attached to the second movable pulley e¹. A cord or equivalent d
is attached to the pulley e and passing round the second movable pulley e¹ is
connected to the framework at f. The movable pulley e¹ connects with the
lever Bas in previous examples.
By these and similar combinations a great variety of power and speed may be
obtained.
A similar and independent combination is provided on each side of the machine
so that, in these forms of my invention, upon the alternate or simultaneous
depression of the two levers the cycle will be propelled forward, the levers being
raised at the end of the stroke and the cord or equivalent rewound on the clutch
box or casing by the action of the spring contained therein; or the machine may
be propelled through the operation of one lever alone the other being kept at rest.

page_text: In order to strengthen the framework of the machine 1 may from or about the
point where the small loose wheel or pulley marked H is carried extend an addı-
tional strut from a point on the seat tube to a point at or near the axle of the
rear wheel.
Figures 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, show such strut at L in combination with
various forms of my invention some of which are more particularly described
hereafter.
Instead of passing the cord or equivalent, which has been described as wound
about the clutch box, round the aforesaid movable pulley or combining it with
a system of pulleys, I may continue it over the small loose wheel or pulley carried
on the seat tube or attachment thereon, and, passing it round a small fixed wheel
or pulley detachably and adjustably carried by the lever, attach the free end
to a suitable point on the framework of the machine; or I may combinations of
pulleys in immediate connection with the lever, connecting, where desirable,
such combinations with the combinations of pulleys previously described; and,
where necessary in such construction, multiplying the sheaves of the small loose
wheel or pulley described as borne on the seat tube or attachment thereon.
That portion of the cord or equivalent extending from the clutch box to such
small loose wheel or pulley I may in. these forms of my invention, when the con-
struction so admits of it, conceal within the above mentioned strut L.
Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, illustrate these several points in my
invention. These figures like the preceding numbers give views in side elevation
of the respective constructions.
In Fig. 6 the lever B carries an adjustable and detachable clamp or clip or
other attachment P bearing a small pulley or wheel M round which the cord or
equivalent D passes and has its free end attached to the framework at a point O.
In Fig. 7, the cord or equivalent I already described in reference to Fig. 1
embraces a pulley carried on the lever similarly as in Fig. 6, the other parts of
the combination being as in Fig. 1.
In Figures 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 the lever, pivoted as hereafter described, carries
a similar form of small pulley.
In Figures 10, 11, 13; the small loose wheel or pulley H is double sheaved, the
cord or equivalent D passing twice round it and being then connected to the
adjustable clamp or clip or other attachment P carried by the lever.
In Figures 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, the dotted line indicates the cord or equivalent D
concealed within the strengthening strut L previously described.
Instead of pivoting the lever on to the lower back stays or an attachment
thereon as shown in Figures 1 to 7 I may pivot it at a point forward of the posi-
tion ordinarily occupied by the bottom. bracket, providing for such pivot either
by a separate clamp or clip or other attachment to the framework of the machine
or by other separate extension piece or pieces or by constructing the framework
of the machine so as to cause the lower stays the seat tube and the diagonal tube
to meet at the point desired for the pivot; or by other suitable modifications of
the framework.
In Figures 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 the lever B is shown pivoted in such forward
position to the extension piece Q which may be attached to the framework by
lugs, brazing, clamps, or other suitable form of attachment. In Fig. 9, the sup-
port for the pivot is shown in the small piece R attached by suitable means more
closely to the diagonal tube.
In Fig. 11 the lower stays, the seat, and diagonal tubes are severally extended
to meet at the point S where the lever is pivoted. The strut L is shown as
extended to join the diagonal tube at T, and an additional short tube U carrying
the pulley H connects the pivot point and strut L.
•
Whilst giving Figures 8 to 15 as an indication of the design of the invention
in the particulars above referred to I reserve the right of making such modifi-
cations as may be desirable. I may combine with the position of the lever shown
in Figures 8 to 15 any of the previously indicated arrangements of pulleys other

page_text: than are shown in such figures. I may further pivot the lever at the point
where is ordinarily placed the crank axle of existing types of machines, and i
may combine with such position of the lever any of the above described arrange-
ments of pulleys. Instead of combining with the clutch mechanism a recoil or
retracting spring I may dispense with such spring and passing the cord or equiva-
lent round the clutch box continue it round a small wheel or pulley revolving
horizontally upon a spindle attached to the machine at a point at or near the
position occupied by the bottom bracket and under it. Thence I continue the
cord or equivalent over the clutch on the other side of the driving wheel of the
machine, and thereafter bring it into connection with an equivalent combination
of pulleys and levers of the various types such as have been already described.
In Figures 12, 13, 14, I show the above horizontal wheel at V with adjoining
parts in side elevation. The cord or equivalent D passing round the wheel is
continued on the other side of the machine in a similar combination. I may
combine with such arrangement other positions of the lever and other combina-
tions of pulleys than are shown in these figures.
I may further in all forms of my invention dispense with the intermediate
pulleys, and passing the free end of the cord or equivalent over the small wheel
or pulley H described as carried on the seat tube or attachment thereon connect
it directly to the lever, as shown in Figures 14, and 15, where such connection
is made on to the adjustable and detachable clamp or clip or attachment P.
In Fig. 16 I show an enlarged scale view in side elevation and in section of
the pulley M and adaptable clamp P described in various preceding figures as
carried by the lever. The periphery of the pulley is here flanged to take a driving
gear of the nature of a cord but may be suitably adapted for a chain. The cone j
for the ball bearings is partially hollowed and screw-threaded on the outside as
shown. The hole takes the stud projecting from the clamp P, and may be
screwed thereto or otherwise suitably attached. The opposite cone k is screwed
on as shown and secured by the nut which is preferably oppositely threaded.
A cap or protection against dust may be attached as shown at m. A specially
hardened cup may be inserted between the balls and the piece constituting the
periphery of the pulley. In Fig. 17 I give a view in rear elevation of the levers
and adjacent parts with portions of the framework of the machine removed. The
wheels H are here shown on a spindle Wattached to the seat tube X of the machine.
The levers are pivoted on the extension piece of which particulars have been given
in reference to Figures 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15. The two levers one on each side
of the machine are shown at B and the cord or equivalent passing over the
wheel H at D and fixed direct to the clamp P.
I may in all forms of my invention protect against dust and dirt exposed parts
such as the pulley H, the movable pulley E, the clutch mechanism, the pulley M
carried by the lever, and other parts, by suitable casings or covers of tin or other
suitable metal or material. I show in Fig. 15 a form of my invention thus pro-
tected, where a casingh protects the wheel H; a casing c the clutch C; and a
casing n the under wheel or pulley and cord or equivalent D. These fittings
may be attached by screws, hooks, bolts, or other suitable means.
I may further
in the application of my invention to a lady's machine protect the rider's skirts
against risk of entanglement in any parts of the apparatus where it may be
exposed, by a netting of wire or cord, or by covering such exposed parts by a
metal or other shield.
I may make suitable alterations in the framework of the machine other than
are described above to adapt it to my invention.
In the application of my invention to tricycles and multicycles I make suitable
alterations of detail to adapt it to such machines.
I may attach the pulley M to the lever by other means than the clamp shown
on an enlarged scale in Fig. 16, as, for instance, by screwing or otherwise affix-
ing it to a stud on the lever, or by other convenient means.
It is understood that in all forms of my invention similar and equivalent com-

page_text: binations are provided on each side of the machine; and that where convenient
the parts run on ball or other antifriction bearings.
In
It will be observed that the driving gear described in this invention presents
in all its forms the advantage that the length of the pedal stroke is at the option
of the rider, and that the stroke is equally operative in its whole length.
those forms where the lever is carried in a position described as forward of the
bottom bracket, as for instance, in Figures 8, 12, 13, 14, 15 the thrust of the
rider's leg proceeds in a direction radial to its pivot, that is to say, the hip joint,
while at the same time the force acts in a direction tangential to the path of the
pedal, thus securing considerable advantage as compared with the ordinary type
of circular crank action.
I may use auxiliary springs to raise the levers in those forms of my invention
which include a recoil or retracting spring operating on the clutch.
Suitable material for the connecting medium between the clutch mechanism
and the levers may be found in a raw-hide or leather thong, gut, a six cord water-
proofed under the air pump after the manner of certain varieties of fishing tackle.
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:-
(i.) A velocipede driving gear consisting of a clutch mechanism, oscillating
levers, and a connecting medium operating in combination with an idle pulley
carried on the seat tube or on an attachment thereon and with an intermediate
removable pulley or system or series of pulleys, substantially as herein set forth
and described.
(ii.) A velocipede driving gear consisting of a clutch mechanism combined
with a recoil or retracting spring, oscillating levers, and a connecting medium
operating in combination with an idle pulley carried on the seat tube or on an
attachment thereon and with an intermediate movable pulley or system or series
of pulleys, substantially as herein set forth and described.
(ii) A velocipede driving gear consisting of a clutch mechanism combined
with a recoil or retracting spring, oscillating levers pivoted on an adjustable and
detachable clamp clip or suitable attachment carried on the lower back stays of
the machine, and a connecting medium. as described in the two preceding claims,
the whole substantially as herein set forth and described with reference to
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 of the accompanying drawings.
(iv) A velocipede driving gear consisting of a clutch mechanism combined
with a recoil or retracting spring, oscillating levers carrying on an adjustable
and detachable clamp clip or other attachment or having screwed or fixed a
small pulley, and a connecting medium operating in combination with such small
pulley and with an idle pulley carried on the seat tube or on an attachment
thereon, substantially as herein described and set forth.
(v.) A velocipede driving gear consisting of a clutch mechanism combined
with a recoil or retracting spring, oscillating levers carrying on an adjustable
and detachable clamp clip or other attachment or having screwed or fixed a
small pulley, and a connecting medium operating in combination with such small
pulley with an idle pulley carried on the seat tube or on an attachment thereon
and with an intermediate movable pulley or system or series of pulleys, the
whole substantially as herein set forth and described.
(vi.) A velocipede driving gear as in the two immediately preceding claims
having the oscillating levers pivoted on an adjustable and detachable clamp clip
or suitable attachment carried on the lower back stays of the machine, substan-
tially as herein set forth and described with reference to Figures 6 and 7 of the
accompanying drawings.
(vii.) A velocipede driving gear as in preceding claims but having the oscil-
lating levers pivoted at a point forward of the position ordinarily occupied by
the bottom bracket such pivot being supported by a separate clamp clip or other

page_text: attachment to the framework of the machine or by other separate extension
piece or pieces or by constructing the framework of the machine so as to cause
the lower stays the seat tube and the diagonal tube to meet at the point desired
for such pivot or by other suitable modifications of the framework, the whole sub-
stantially as herein described and set forth with reference to Figures 8, 9, 10, 11,
of the accompanying drawings.
(viii.) A velocipede driving gear as in preceding claims but having the oscil-
lating levers pivoted in the position ordinarily occupied by the crank axle in
existing types of machines.
(ix.) A velocipede driving gear consisting of a clutch mechanism combined
with a recoil or retracting spring, oscillating levers pivoted in the positions
described in preceding claims, and a connecting medium operating in combina-
tion with an idle pulley carried on the seat tube or on an attachment thereon,
substantially as herein set forth and described.
(x.) In a velocipede driving gear as herein described a strengthening tube con-
necting the seat tube to a point on the framework of the machine at or near the
axle of the rear wheel, and the concealment within such tube, where the con-
struction so admits, of that portion of the connecting medium extending from
the clutch to the idle pulley carried on the seat tube or on an attachment thereon,
the whole substantially as herein described and set forth with reference to
Figures 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, of the accompanying drawings.
(xi.) A velocipede driving gear consisting of a clutch mechanism, oscillating
levers of the forms and types described in preceding claims, and a connecting
medium operating in the combinations described in preceding claims and passing
round such clutch mechanism and continued to a small wheel or pulley revolving
horizontally upon a spindle attached to the machine at a point at or near the
position occupied by the bottom bracket and under it and thence further con-
tinued round such small wheel or pulley to an equivalent combination on the other
side of the machine, the whole substantially as herein described and set forth with
reference to Figures 12, 13, 14, 15, of the accompanying drawings.
(xii.) In a velocipede driving gear as herein described an adjustable and detach-
able pulley substantially as herein described and set forth with reference to
Figure 16 in the accompanying drawings.
(xiii.) In a velocipede driving gear as herein described the protection of ex-
posed parts fittings and attachments against dust and dirt and entanglement in
the rider's dress, substantially as herein set forth and in one form described in
Fig. 15 in the accompanyiny drawings.
(xiv.) The general combination arrangement and construction of a velocipede
driving gear with parts fittings and attachments, substantially as herein set forth
and described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1000