IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES, PARTLY APPLICABLE TO OTHER VEHICLES AND TO MACHINES."
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert James Rae, of Hampstead, in the County of
Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES, PARTLY
APPLICABLE TO OTHER VEHICLES AND TO MACHINES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert James Rae at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th March 1878.
ROBERT JAMES RAE, of Hampstead, in the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN VELOCIPEDES, PARTLY APPLICABLE TO OTHER VEHICLES AND TO MACHINES."
These improvements relate, firstly, to a novel form of brake. Upon the axle of
the driving or other wheel, or to the wheel itself, is fixed a pulley having a grooved
rim, around which a band or wire of steel or other suitable metal is coiled, inaking
one or more complete turns, according to the required breaking power. One end of
the spiral coil is fixed, and the other end attached to and operated by a tackle,
pulley, lever, or other suitable contrivance for multiplying power, to enable the coil
to be tightened up and caused gradually to grip the grooved pulley; or if desired
the spiral coil may be drawn tight by both ends. An advantage in this break is
that no power is required to throw it out of gear, the spiral having a natural
tendency to expand and free itself from the pulley.
Instead of the spiral coil being applied directly to the break pulley a wooden
ring may be interposed, constructed in segments, connected by springs or hinges in
such a way that when the spiral coil is tightened upon it the ring is compressed
and bears upon the pulley, thus acting as the breaking surface and avoiding undue
wear of the spiral coil. To enable the coil to grip the wooden ring more tightly the
latter may be made slightly eccentric externally, or have corrugations or pro-
jections on its periphery. This form of brake is applicable to velocipedes, tram
cars, and other vehicles, and to machinery generally.

page_text: Another improvement relates to the treadles of velocipedes which may be of the
usual roller or other form. In order to cause the foot to bite or grip more firmly,
the surface of the rollers or the flat of the treadle is provided or formed with conical
or other shaped projections, and thercover is stretched an india-rubber tube or
band; or instead of projections the rollers may have corrugations formed upon
them.
Another mode is to make the rollers or pedals with a plain surface, and cover
them with india-rubber tubes or bands perforated to prevent the foot slipping. In
roller treadles, in lieu of a tube on each roller a band may be stretched round both
rollers; the band having a tendency to revolve round with them will wear more
uniformly and last longer. When the outer surface becomes worn the inner surface
may be turned outside. To cause the foot to grip better on the part of the band
immediately over the roller a rod or bar may be applied so as to depress the band
between the rollers. The rollers or pedals may be made of "papier mâchó," with the
projections or flutes moulded thereon.
Another improvement consists in making the steering handles or levers of velo-
cipedes self-adjusting. Upon the vertical tube or socket in which the steering
handle turns is placed a metal tube or cylinder fitted to slide freely up or down, but
not revolve. The top end of this tube has one or more V shaped recesses, so that
when the steering handle is in the centre line, a lip or projection upon it fits into
the bottom of each recess. When the handle is turned to right or left it causes the
sliding tubo to descend upon a spiral spring, and when the handle is let go the
spring passes the tube up, and in so doing moves the handle back to the centre line
and there tends to hold it. The recesses are so formed that they prevent the handle
going too far round in either direction.
Instead of making the sliding tube to slide upon the vertical socket it is some-
times made to slide on another tube attached to the socket.
Another improvement relates to the seats of such tricycles as have a side driving
wheel and guiding wheels opposite thereto. The seat is mounted to revolve upon
a suitable metal frame having friction rollers or pulleys, if necessary, and provided
with levers or other means to enable the rider to turn the seat and mount or descend
therefrom at the side of the tricycle next the guiding wheels, and with greater com-
fort and convenience than when the seat is fixed as at present.
Another improvement consists in so arranging the cranks of a bicycle that the
rider can, while the bicycle is in motion, throw them in and out of gear with the
driving axle, the same contrivance forming an efficient brake and a convenient rest
for the rider's feet. Upon each end of the driving wheel axle, in lieu of the
ordinary cranks, is fixed a metal disc having a V or other shaped groove in the rim
to receive a metal ring or strap from which the crank is suspended. The crank is
provided with an arm or pawl to lock into a recess on the said disc, or a spring
clutch or other contrivance may be used for the purpose, the object being to enable
the rider to work the cranks in the usual way, and by a simple pressure of the foot
to disengage them from the axle at will. When the cranks are thus disengaged
the rider, by the pressure of his foot, or the whole weight of the body, if necessary,
on the crank, causes the metal ring or strap to bear on the disc which revolves with
the axle, and so brake the driving wheel.
The disconnecting cranks may be constructed in various ways to hang loose, the
strap or ring being sometimes fitted inside instead of outside the axle disc, and held
therein by suitable means; or the cranks may be hung loose on the axle itself, or
upon centres suspended therefrom. The cranks may vibrate on the hanging centres,
rings, or straps, before mentioned, or may be in one piece with these, or fixed firm
thereto, and made to clutch or lock into the axle disc, or into the axle itself by a
clutch, bolt, spring, or other suitable contrivance acting upon the inner or outer
surface of the axle disc, or upon the axle itself, and made to connect and disconnect
by the action of the feet, or by a cord, rod, or other contrivance under control of
the rider's hands, and acting upon a lever, spring, or catch, so placed as to cause the

page_text: crank to be thrown in and out of gear with the axle disc or axle. The cranks may
also be so formed and placed that when out of gear the feet can cause them to
press hard upon the inner or outer surface of the axle discs, and so act as a
brake.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Rubert James Rae in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 11th
September 1878.
ROBERT JAMES RAE, of Hampstead, in the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN VELOCIPEDES, PARTLY APPLICABLE TO OTHER VEHICLES AND TO MACHINES."
These improvements relate, firstly, to a novel form of brake. Upon the axle of
the driving or other wheel, or to the wheel itself, is fixed a pulley having a grooved
rim, around which a band or wire of steel or other suitable metal is coiled, making
one or more complete turns, according to the required breaking power. One end of
the spiral coil is fixed, and the other end attached to and operated by a tackle,
pulley, lever, or other suitable contrivance for multiplying power to enable the coil
to be tightened up and caused gradually to grip the grooved pulley; or if desired
the spiral coil may be drawn tight by both ends. One advantage in this break is
that no power is required to throw it out of gear, the spiral having a natural
tendency to expand and free itself from the pulley.
Instead of the spiral coil being applied directly to the break pulley, a wooden
ring] may be interposed, constructed in segments, connected by springs or hinges in
such a way that when the spiral coil is tightened upon it the ring is compressed
and bears upon the pulley, thus acting on the breaking surface and avoiding undue
wear of the spiral coil. To enable the coil to grip the wooden ring more tightly
the latter may be made slightly eccentric externally, or have corrugations or pro-
jections on its periphery.
This form of brake is applicable to velocipedes, tram cars, and other vehicles, and
to machinery generally.
This improvement is illustrated in the accompanying Drawing.
Figs. 1 and 2 shew the break as applied to a bicycle, the spiral coil a being
operated by the eccentric b; Figs. 3 and 4 shew the grooved pulley full size;
Fig. 3 being a side view, and Fig. 4 a cross section; Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate the
break with a segmented wood band interposed, the segments being held together by
the hinges c and spring d; Figs. 7 and 8 illustrato another adaptation of the
break, the groove being formed in the flange of the wheel itself, a metal band ƒ is
interposed between the spiral coil and the wheel.
Another improvement relates to the treadles of velocipedes which may be of the
usual roller or other form. In order to cause the foot to bite or grip more firmly,
the surface of the roller or the flat of the treadle is provided or formed with conical
or other shaped projections, and thereover is stretched an india-rubber tube or

page_text: band; or instead of projections the rollers may have corrugations formed upon
them.
Another mode is to make the rollers or pedals with a plain surface, and cover
them with india-rubber tubes or bands perforated to prevent the foot slipping. In
roller treadles, in lieu of a tube on each roller a band may be stretched round both
rollers, the band having a tendency to revolve round with thein, will wear more
uniformly and last longer. When the outer surface becomes worn the inner surface
may be turned outside. To cause the foot to grip better on the part of the band
immediately over the roller a rod or bar may be applied so as to depress the band
between the rollers. The rollers or pedals may be made of "papier maché," with
the projections or flutes moulded thereon.
This improvement is illustrated in the accompanying Drawing.
Figs. 9 to 18 inclusive represent various forms of treadles. In the case of
treadles having a hand stretched over rollers in order to prevent the band revolving
too freely, the rollers 9 may be made as shown in Figs. 15 and 16; this treadle
offers a good gripping surface to the foot of the rider, and at the same time is
tolerably elastic.
Another improvement consists in making the steering handles or levers of velo-
cipedes self-adjusting. Upon the vertical tube or socket in which the steering
handle turns is placed a metal tube or cylinder fitted to slide freely up or down, but
not revolve. The top end of this tube has one or more V shaped rocesses, so that
when the steering handle is in the centre line a lip or projection upon it fits
into the bottom of each recess. When the handle is turned to right or left it causes
the sliding tube to descend upon a spiral spring; and when the handle is let go the
spring prosses the tube up, and in so doing moves the handle back to the centre line
and there tends to hold it. The recesses are so formed that they prevent the
handle going too far round in either direction.
Instead of making the sliding tube to slide upon the vertical socket it is
sometimes made to slide on another tube attached to the socket.
This improvement is illustrated in the accompanying Drawing.
Fig. 19 being a front view, and Fig. 20 a side view; the handle h, when turned,
causes the lip i to depress the tube and spiral spring, the reaction of which tends
to force the handle back again when let free. Fig. 21 is a section of the vertical
socket or tube ; the projections m, m, fit into corresponding grooves in the sliding
tube K, and allow it to slide up and down only.
With regard to the improvement relating to scats of tricyles I have ascertained
since filing my Provisional Specification that the contrivance therein described is
not a novelty, and therefore I do not purpose making any claim in respect
thereto.
Another improvement consists in so arranging the cranks of a bicycle that the
rider can, while the bicycle is in motion, throw them in and out of gear with the
driving axlo, the same contrivance forming an efficient brake and a convenient rest
for the rider's feet. Upon each end of the driving wheel axle in lieu of the ordinary
cranks is fixed a metal disc having a V or other shaped groove in the rim to receive
a metal ring or strap from which the crank is suspended. The crank is provided
with an arm or pawl to lock into a recess on the said disc, or a spring clutch or
other contrivance may be used for the purpose, the object being to enable the rider
to work the cranks in the usual way, and by a simple pressure of the foot to dis-
engage them from the axle at will. When the cranks are thus disengaged, the.
rider, by the pressure of his foot, or the whole weight of the body, if necessary, on
the crank, causes the metal ring or strap to bear on the disc which revolves with
the axle, and so brake the driving wheel.
The disconnecting cranks may be constructed in various ways to hang loose, the
strap or ring being sometimes fitted inside instead of outside the axle disc, and
held therein by suitable means; or the cranks may be hung loose on the axle itself,
or upon centres suspended therefrom. The cranks may vibrate on the hanging
centres, rings, or straps before mentioned, or may be in one piece with these or fixed

page_text: firm thereto, and made to clutch or lock into the axle disc, or into the axle itself, by
a clutch bolt, spring, or other suitable contrivance acting upon the inner or outer
surface of the axle disc, or upon the axle itself, and made to connect and discon-
neet by the action of the feet, or by a cord, rod, or other contrivance under control
of the rider's hands, and acting upon a lever spring or catch so placed as to cause
the crank to be thrown in and out of gear with the axle disc or axle. The cranks
may also be so formed and placed that when out of gear the feet can cause them to
press hard upon the inner or outer surface of the axle discs, and so act as a
brake.
This improvement is illustrated in the accompanying Drawing.
Fig. 22 is a back view; Fig. 23, a side view; and Fig. 24, a section, shewing the
axle pulley n and strap or ring o; the dotted lines in Fig. 23 shew the position of
the crank p when thrown out of gear. The crank, when freed by the rider's foot,
is caused to spring into gear again by the contrivance q, consisting of a spiral spring
r, acting upon a projection & formed on the crank p.
Another adaptation of this improvement is shewn by Figs. 25, 26, 27, and 28;
Fig, 27 is a side view shewing the crank t in gear; Fig. 26 shews a section of axle
and pulley u, with the crank out of gear, the projection acting as a break upon
the revolving pulley u; the crank t hangs on the flanges x, which are fitted loose
upon the axle; the springs y cause the crank to lock into gear when desired. In
this form of crank when more break power is desired a shoe piece z may be fitted
between the crank t and the axle pulley u, as shewn in Fig. 29.
Having now set forth the nature of my Invention of improvements in veloci-
pedes, partly applicable to other vehicles and to machines, and explained the manner
of carrying the same into effect, I wish it to be understood that under the above in
part recited Letters Patent I claim,―
First. The construction of a spiral coil break applicable to velocipedes, to other
vehicles, and to machines requiring such a form of break as herein described, and
illustrated by Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive of the Drawing.
Secondly. The construction of treadles as described herein, and illustrated by
Figs. 9 to 18 inclusive of the Drawing.
Thirdly. The construction of a self-acting contrivance for steadying the guiding
levers or handles of velocipedes as described herein, and illustrated by Figs. 19, 20,
and 21 of the Drawing.
Fourthly. The construction of unlocking cranks as described herein, and
illustrated by Figs. 22 to 29 inclusive of the Drawing.
And, lastly. The construction of such modifications in the form and application
of any improvements as do not materially differ from the descriptions herein
set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert James Rae, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Eleventh day of September, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Jaines Rae, of Hampstead, in the County of
Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES, PARTLY
APPLICABLE TO OTHER VEHICLES AND TO MACHINES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert James Rae at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th March 1878.
ROBERT JAMES RAE, of Hampstead, in the County of Middlesex.
"IMPROVEMENTS
IN VELOCIPEDES, PARTLY APPLICABLE TO OTHER VEHICLES AND TO MACHINES."
These improvements relate, firstly, to a novel form of brake. Upon the axle of
the driving or other wheel, or to the wheel itself, is fixed a pulley having a grooved
rim, around which a band or wire of steel or other suitable metal is coiled, making
one or more complete turns, according to the required breaking power. One end of
the spiral coil is fixed, and the other end attached to and operated by a tackle.
pulley, lever, or other suitable contrivance for multiplying power, to enable the coil
to be lightened up and caused gradually to grip the grooved pulley; or if desired
the spiral coil may be drawn tight by both ends. An advantage in this break is
that no power is required to throw it out of gear, the spiral having a natural
tendency to expand and free itself from the pulley.
Instead of the spital coil being applied directly to the break pulley a wooden
ring may be interposed, constructed in segments, connected by springs or hinges in
such a way that when the spiral coil is tightened upon it the ring is compressed
and bears upon the pulley, thus acting as the breaking surface and avoiding undue-
wear of the spiral coil. To enable the coil to grip the wooden ring more tightly the
latter may be made slightly eccentric externally, or have corrugations or pro-
jections on its periphery. This form of brake is applicable to velocipedes, tram
cars, and other vehicles, and to machinery generally.

page_text: Another improvement relates to the treadles of velocipedes which may be of the
usual roller or other form. In order to cause the foot to bite or grip more firmly,
the surface of the rollers or the flat of the treadle is provided or formed with conical
or other shaped projections, and thereover is stretched an india-rubber tube or
band; or instead of projections the rollers may have corrugations formed upon
them.
Another node is to make the rollers or pedals with a plain surface, and cover
them with india-rubber tubes or bands perforated to prevent the foot slipping. In
roller treadles, in lieu of a tube on each roller a band may be stretched round both
rollers; the band having a tendency to revolve round with them will wear more
uniformly and last longer. When the outer surface becomes worn the inner surface
may be turned outside. To cause the foot to grip better on the part of the band
iminediately over the roller a rod or bar may be applied so as to depress the band
between the rollers. The rollers or pedals may be made of "papier mâché," with the
projections or flutes moulded thereon.
Another improvement consists in making the steering handles or levers of velo-
cipedes self-adjusting. Upon the vertical tube or socket in which the steering
handle turns is placed a metal tube or cylinder fitted to slide freely up or down, but
not revolve. The top end of this tube has one or more V shaped recesses, so that
when the steering handle is in the centre line, a lip or projection upon it fits into
the bottom of each recess. When the handle is turned to right or left it causes the
sliding tube to descend upon a spiral spring, and when the handle is let go the
spring passes the tube up, and in so doing moves the handle back to the centre line
and there tends to hold it. The recesses are so formed that they prevent the handle
going too far round in either direction.
Instead of making the sliding tube to slide upon the vertical socket it is some-
times made to slide on another tube attached to the socket.
Another improvement relates to the seats of such tricycles as have a side driving
wheel and guiding wheels opposite thereto. The seat is mounted to revolve upon
a suitable metal frame having friction rollers or pulleys, if necessary, and provided
with levers or other means to euable the rider to turn the seat and mount or descend
therefrom at the side of the tricycle next the guiding wheels, and with greater com-
fort and convenience than when the seat is fixed as at present.
Another improvement consists in so arranging the cranks of a bicycle that the
rider can, while the bicycle is in motion, throw them in and out of gear with the
driving axle, the same contrivance forming an efficient brake and a convenient rest,
for the rider's feet. Upon each end of the driving wheel axle, in lieu of the
ordinary cranks, is fixed a metal disc having a V or other shaped groove in the rim
to receive a metal ring or strap from which the crank is suspended. The crank is
provided with an arm or pawl to lock into a recess on the said disc, or a spring
clutch or other contrivance may be used for the purpose, the object being to enable
the rider to work the cranks in the usual way, and by a simple pressure of the foot
to disengage them from the axle at will. When the cranks are thus disengaged
the rider, by the pressure of his foot, or the whole weight of the body, if necessary,
on the crank, causes the metal ring or strap to bear on the disc which revolves with
the axle, and so brake the driving wheel.
The disconnecting cranks may he constructed in various ways to hang loose, the
strap or ring being sometimes fitted inside instead of outside the axle disc, and held
therein by suitable means; or the cranks may be hung loose on the axle itself, or
upon centres suspended therefrom. The cranks may vibrate on the hanging centres,
rings, or straps, before mentioned, or may be in one piece with these, or fixed firm
thereto, and made to clutch or lock into the axle disc, or into the axle itself by a
clutch, bolt, spring, or other suitable contrivance acting upon the inner or outer
surface of the axle disc, or upon the axle itself, and made to connect and disconnect
by the action of the feet, or by a cord, rod, or other contrivance under control of
the rider's hands, and acting upon a lever, spring, or catch, so placed as to cause the

page_text: crank to be thrown in and out of gear with the axle disc or axle. The cranks may
also be so formed and placed that when out of gear the feet can cause them to
press hard upon the inner or outer surface of the axle discs, and so act as a
brake.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Robert James Rae in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 11th
September 1878.
ROBERT JAMES RAE, of Hampstead, in the County of Middlesex.
"IMPROVEMENTS
IN VELOCIPEDES, PARTLY APPLICABLE TO OTHER VEHICLES AND TO MACHINES."
These improvements relate, firstly, to a novel forn of brake. Upon the axle of
the driving or other wheel, or to the wheel itself, is fixed a pulley having a grooved
rim, around which a band or wire of steel or other suitable metal is coiled, making
one or more complete turns, according to the required breaking power. One end of
the spiral coil is fixed, and the other end attached to and operated by a tackle,
pulley, lever, or other suitable contrivance for multiplying power to enable the coi!
to be tightened up and caused gradually to grip the grooved pulley; or if desired
the spiral coil may be drawn tight by both ends. One advantage in this break is
that no power is required to throw it out of gear, the spiral having a natural
tendency to expand and free itself from the pulley.
Instead of the spiral coil being applied directly to the break pulley, a wooden
ring may be interposed, constructed in segments, connected by springs or hinges in
such a way that when the spiral coil is tightened upon it the ring is compressed
and bears upon the pulley, thus acting on the breaking surface and avoiding undue
wear of the spiral coil. To enable the coil to grip the wooden ring more tightly
the latter may be made slightly eccentric externally, or have corrugations or pro-
jections on its periphery.
This form of brake is applicable to velocipedes, tram cars, and other vehicles, and
to inachinery generally.
This improvement is illustrated in the accompanying Drawing.
Figs. 1 and 2 shew the break as applied to a bicycle, the spiral coil a being
operated by the eccentric b; Figs. 3 and 4 shew the grooved pulley full size;
Fig. 3 being a side view, and Fig. 4 a cross section; Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate the
break with a segmented wood band interposed, the segments being held together by
the hinges c and spring d; Fig. 7 and 8 illustrate another adaptation of the
break, the groove being formed in the flange of the wheel itself, a inetal band fis
interposed between the spiral coil and the wheel.
Another improvement relates to the treadles of velocipedes which may be of the
asual roller or other form. In order to cause the foot to bite or grip more firmly,
the surface of the roller or the flat of the treadle is provided or formed with conical
or other shaped projections, and thereover is stretched an india-rubber tube or

page_text: band; or instead of projections the rollers may have corrugations formed upon
them.
Another mode is to make the rollers or pedals with a plain surface, and cover
them with india-rubber tubes or bands perforated to prevent the foot slipping. In
roller treadles, in lieu of a tube on each roller a band may be stretched round both
rollers, the band having a tendency to revolve round with them, will wear more
uniformly and last longer. When the outer surface becomes worn the inner surface
may he turned outside. To cause the foot to grip better on the part of the band
immediately over the roller a rod or bar inay be applied so as to depress the band
between the rollers. The rollers or pedals may be made of "papier maché," with
the projections or flutes moulded thereon.
This improvement is illustrated in the accompanying Drawing.
Figs. 9 to 18 inclusive represent various forms of treadles. In the case of
treadles having a band stretched over rollers in order to prevent the band revolving
too freely, the rollers may be made as shewn in Figs. 15 and 16; this treadle
offers a good gripping surface to the foot of the rider, and at the same time is
tolerably elastic.
Another improvement consists in making the steering handles or levers of velo-
cipedes self-adjusting. Upon the vertical tube or socket in which the steering
handle turns is placed a metal tube or cylinder fitted to slide freely up or down, but
not revolve. The top end of this tube has one or more V shaped recesses, so that
when the steering handle is in the centre line a lip or projection upon it fits
into the bottom of each recess. When the handle is turned to right or left it causes
the sliding tube to descend upon a spiral spring; and when the handle is let go the
spring presses the tube up, and in so doing moves the handle back to the centre line
and there tends to hold it. The recesses are so formed that they prevent the
handle going too far round in either direction.
Instead of making the sliding tube to slide upon the vertical socket it is
sometimes made to slide on another tube attached to the socket.
This improvement is illustrated in the accompanying Drawing.
Fig. 19 being a front view, and Fig. 20 a side view; the handle h, when turned,
causes the lip to depress the tube and spiral spring, the reaction of which tends
to force the handle back again when let free. Fig. 21 is a section of the vertical
socket or tube; the projections m, m, fit into corresponding grooves in the sliding
tube K, and allow it to slide up and down only.
With regard to the improvement relating to seats of tricycles I have ascertained
since filing iny Provisional Specification that the contrivance therein described is
not a novelty, and therefore I do not purpose making any claim in respect
thereto.
Another improvement consists in so arranging the cranks of a bicycle that the
rider can, while the bicycle is in motion, throw them in and out of gear with the
driving axle, the same contrivance forming an efficient brake and a convenient rest.
for the rider's feet. Upon each end of the driving wheel axle in lieu of the ordinary
cranks is fixed a metal disc having a V or other shaped groove in the rim to receive
a metal ring or strap from which the crank is suspended. The crank is provided
with an arm or pawl to lock into a recess on the said disc, or a spring clutch or
other contrivance may be used for the purpose, the object being to enable the rider
to work the crauks in the usual way, and by a simple pressure of the foot to dis-
engage them froin the axle at will. When the cranks are thus disengaged, the
rider, by the pressure of his foot, or the whole weight of the boily, if necessary, on
the crank, causes the metal ring or strap to bear on the disc which revolves with
the axle, and so brake the driving wheel.
The disconnecting cranks may be constructed in various ways to hang loose, the
strap or ring being sometimes fitted inside instead of outside the axle disc, and
held therein by suitable means; or the cranks may be hung loose on the axle itself,
or upon centres suspended therefrom. The cranks may vibrate on the hanging
centres, rings, or straps before mentioned, or may be in one piece with these or fixed

page_text: firm thereto, and made to clutch or lock into the axle dise, or into the axle itself, by
a clutch bolt, spring, or other suitable contrivance acting upon the inner or outer
surface of the axle disc, or upon the axle itself, and made to connect and discon-
nect by the action of the feet, or by a cord, rod, or other contrivance under control
of the rider's hands, and acting upon a lever spring or catch so placed as to cause
the crank to be thrown in and out of gear with the axle disc or axle. The cranks
may also be so formed and placed that when out of gear the feet can cause them to
press hard upon the inner or outer surface of the axle discs, and so act as a
brake.
This improvement is illustrated in the accompanying Drawing.
Fig. 22 is a back view; Fig. 23, a side view; and Fig. 24, a section, shewing the
axle pulley and strap or ring o; the dotted lines in Fig. 23 shew the position of
the crank 22 when thrown out of gear. The crank, when freed by the rider's foot,
is caused to spring into gear again by the contrivance q, consisting of a spiral spring
r, acting upon a projection & formed on the crank p.
Another adaptation of this improvement is shewn by Figs. 25, 26, 27, and 28;
Fig, 27 is a side view shewing the crank in gear; Fig. 26 shews a section of axle
and pulley u, with the crank out of gear, the projection v acting as a break upon
the revolving pulley ; the crank hangs on the flanges x, which are fitted loose
upon the axle; the springs y cause the crank to lock into gear when desired.
this form of crank when inore break power is desired a shoe piece zinay be fitted
between the crank t and the axle pulley u, as shewn in Fig. 29.
In
Having now set forth the nature of my Invention of improvements in veloci-
pedes, partly applicable to other vehicles and to machines, and explained the manner
of carrying the same into effect, I wish it to be understood that under the above in
part recited Letters Patent I claim,-
First. The construction of a spiral coil break applicable to velocipedes, to other
vehicles, and to machines requiring such a form of break as herein described, and
illustrated by Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive of the Drawing.
Secondly. The construction of treadles as described herein, and illustrated by
Figs. 9 to 18 inclusive of the Drawing.
Thirdly. The construction of a self-acting contrivance for steadying the guiding
levers or handles of velocipedes as described herein, and illustrated by Figs. 19, 20,
and 21 of the Drawing.
Fourthly. The construction of unlocking cranks as described herein, and
illustrated by Figs. 22 to 29 inclusive of the Drawing.
And, lastly. The construction of such modifications in the form and application
of my improvements as do not materially differ from the descriptions herein
set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert James Rae, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Eleventh day of September, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
ROBERT JAMES RAE. (L.S.)