LOCKING STRAIGHT STEERING GEAR OF TRICYCLES AND VELOCIPEDES
Year: 1884

page_text: Southampton.
I, FREDERICK BAKER do hereby declare the nature of my Invention for SELF-
LOCKING STRAIGHT STEERING GEAR OF TRICYCLES AND VELOCIPEDES and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:—
Mechanism for the "Self-locking Straight Steering Gear" of Tricycles and
Velocipedes, Complete Specification left by the said Frederick Baker, at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, dated 6th March, 1884.
Frederick Baker of Southampton, in the County of the same Hampshire.
Improvements in mechanism for controlling the "Self-locking Straight Steering
Gear" of Tricycles and other Velocipedes.
Hitherto, it has been customary to control the steering of tricycles and other
velocipedes by means of a rack and pinion arrangement only, by which it has been
found in practice that much uncertainty exists upon this arrangement, and, that it
frequently happened that tricycles and other velocipedes swerved and threw the
rider off; caused either by momentary inattention or inability of properly
controlling such mechanism.
Now, the first part of my Invention, relates to an improved mechanical
arrangement, whereby all risk of accident is obviated; at sametine the rider
having his hand or hands at liberty and at ease, while straight steering is required
and able to relieve himself from continual fatigue.
This I accomplish by adding and adjusting to the ordinary rack and pinion
arrangement of any ordinary tricycle, a small circle or wheel, (see detailed view
Fig. 2.) about 24 inch in diameter with a piece cut off about an inch in length, (as
detailed in Fig. 2 by B.) the same being fixed to the spindle of Fig. 3. or steering
bandle, revoles with the spindle of Fig. 3.
A spring (detailed Fig. 1.) being fixed or screwed to the stationary support part
of handle or frame, the spring being straight or hook shaped to suit the construction
of arrangement as detailed by (Fig. 4.) C. being about 1 inch in width to cover the
width or edges of B on (Fig. 2) the same B being slightly bevelled at the edges
renders it easily worked.
The spring when fitted, as shown as on frame always pushes or rests upon Fig. 2.
A or B when on B it is locked on, or in action for straight steering; when on circle

page_text: as detailed by A. it is off or out of action, as though there was no straight steering
gear added.
As soon as the rider turns for straight, B will instantly fall on C
(Fig. 3) both being flat together by the pressure of the spring remain there, as long
as straight steering is required by the rider. A kick against a stone by the steering
wheel cannot unlock the B and C, but by the turn of the handle with scarcely any
extra pressure it is easily and instantly unlocked again.
The pressure of the spring is regulated by the screws, wherewith it is fixed; no
matter how easy or rigid the steering of any ordinary machine may be the pressure
of the spring is bound to cause its desired effect.
A detailed view in side elevation of my improved "Self-locking Straight Steering"
mechanism is given at Fig. 3. while at Fig. 5. and Fig. 4. it is shown as fitted to
front and rear steering tricycles. Having thus particularly described and ascertained
the nature of my said Invention of improvements for controlling the steering gear,
I would have it understood that what I claim as novel and desire to secure by the
herein before in part recited Letters Patent is the improved "Self-locking Straight
Steering "of tricycles and velocipedes consisting of a circle or wheel part A and B.
and spring C. combined and arranged to an ordinary spindle of handle and fitted
substantially in the manner hereinbefore described and shewn.
In witness whereof I the said Frederick Baker, have hereunto set my hand
this sixth day of March, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred
and eighty-four.
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