IMPROVEMENTS IN TRICYCLES, BICYCLES, AND OTHER VEHICLES
Year: 1885

page_text: J, HUGH BAINES of Toronto in the Province of Ontario, Canada, Civil Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
TRICYCLES, BICYCLES, AND OTHER VEHICLES" 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 broadly, to a new and improved method of applying and
utilizing the movements of the legs, the arms, or the weight of the body, or all, or
any two of the above, for propelling vehicles of any suitable or convenient kind,
and contemplates appropriating the same general principle, which will be herein-
after described, to tricycles, bicycles, velocipedes, hand cars, lorries, and in fact to
any vehicle or carriage which may be operated and propelled by the movements of
the legs, arms, or body.
The invention relates specifically to the application of a system of double or
other compound levers to the above named vehicles, the said levers being
introduced and arranged in such a manner as that they will permit of the whole,
or nearly the whole weight, both of the vehicle and its load, being centred and
balanced upon the driving wheel or wheels, thereby increasing the traction of the
same and utilizing the entire weight of the vehicle and its load (exclusive of the
guide wheel) for tractional purposes.
The applications of a system of compound levers are numerous and the essential
features of the invention may be embodied in a vehicle in a simple form, or it may
be combined with racks and pinions, pawl and ratchet mechanism, or chain wheels
and chains (or other flexible medium) or in any other suitable or available form.
An adjustable fulcrum is also provided and employed in the construction of the
vehicles for shifting the position of the load relatively to the driving axle, springs
for automatically withdrawing the levers after the pressure has been removed,
square gearing, vertically moving saddles and foot rests or stirrups, and a combined
brake and steering or guiding bar. It is also contemplated when necessary to
attach at any suitable point or points upon the aforesaid levers or rotating parts
one or more propelling bars, for the purpose of starting or of assisting the vehicle
up inclines,
Another part of the invention relates to a tricycle or other vehicle which is
provided with and adapted to be operated by single levers. The motion may he

page_text: L
transmitted to the driving axle through the medium of vertically moving racks,
which gear with segment shaped pinions provided with pawls engaging with and
operating ratchet wheels rigidly attached to the driving axle or by levers operated
by the feet having pawls working in ratchet wheels attached similarly to the above
upon the driving axle. The differentiation between the above types of vehicles 5
lies in the construction and distribution of the levers as the rotating parts are
essentially the same throughout the whole series.
One form of the invention consists of a tricycle or three wheeled vehicle having
in the front a small guiding or steering wheel, swivelled and turning vertically in
the forward part of the frame or backbone of the vehicle. A brake and guiding 1
bar is provided at this point for the convenience of the rider. Behind this is
situated the main driving wheels. The driving axle, to which one or both of the
aforesaid wheels may be rigidly attached, is provided with two cogged or milled
wheels, keyed or otherwise tightly attached to the driving axle. The supporting
post extends vertically upward from the axle and is provided with a transverse or 1
horizontal slot in which is set a swinging lever or levers.
These levers may be adjusted relatively to the length of the vehicle thereby
sbifting the stress of the leverage fore or aft, as may be desired.
Attached to this adjustable swinging link is an arrangement for accommodating
an ad iitional load upon the vehicle and by shifting the said link back or forth
relatively to the slot the additional weight or load is balanced over the driving
axle so as to always throw the entire weight of the load and vehicle on said
driving axle for the purpose of more fully utilizing said weight for tractional
purposes.
Pivoted to the lower ends of these swinging links are other levers which extend
forward and rearward, the rear ends being connected and pivoted to vertically
moving racks, said racks being provided with movable teeth, which gear with and
operate the cog wheels before referred to. This inter-meshing of the racks with
the cog wheels causes the latter to revolve when said racks are moved, thereby
turning the driving axle and propelling the machine. The forward ends of the
horizontal levers are connected and pivoted to other levers, having horizontal slots
in which move back and forth the lugs or pins of the foot-rest or stirrup levers.
The aforesaid slotted levers also extend rearwardly of their pivotal points and
impinge against the lower edge of the horizontal levers attached to the swinging
links Springs attached to the frame of the vehicle extend downwards and are
connected to the levers for withdrawing them when the pressure upon them is
removed. The forward ends of the foot levers are connected to movable links
pivoted to a common point on the main frame or backbone of the vehicle.
Referring to the annexed drawings.
Figure 1, is a side elevation of one form of the invention.
Figure 2, is a plan of the same.
Figure 3, is a side elevation of a tricycle operated through the medium of levers,
flexible bands, or chains, cog wheels having pawls engaging with and operating
ratchet wheels keyed or otherwise secured to the driving axle.
Figure 4, is a detail view of the rack and pinion (figs 1 and 2) the rack being
provided with movable teeth.
Figure 5, is a side elevation of a tricycle provided with an oscillating bar pivoted
to the vehicle frame and adapted to turn the axle through the medium of cog
gearing.
Figure 6, represents a bicycle with a square shaped frame provided with the
vertically moving rack for turning the axle.
Figure 7, illustrates the manner of applying the starting or assisting bars by
connecting them to the vertically moving bar.
Figure 8, shows modification of this design and contemplates attaching the bars
to the rotating parts.
Figure 9, shows the invention applied to hand cars or lorries.

page_text: Figure 10, is a side elevation of the invention embodying a method of operating
with single levers.
Figure 11, is a plan of this form.
Figure 12, represents in side elevation a modification of this arrangement and
figure 13, a modification of figure 8.
The various adaptations of the general principles embodied in these different
views are hereinafter specifically described and referred to.
Referring to figures 1 and 2,-1 represents the driving wheels mounted on an
axle 2, Rigidly attached to the axle 2, are cog or ratchet wheels 3, and extending
upwardly from the axle are supporting pieces 4. A seat 5, adjustable if desired
rests upon the top of these supports. At a point on the standards 4, are slots G,
preferably constituting an arc of a circle and within the slots 6, rest pins or
pivots 8, which may be moved back and forth in the slots and secured in any
desired position by means of a thumb screw. From these pins 8, swinging
links 10, are suspended and to the lower ends of the said links are pivoted
horizontal levers 11, which extend forward and rearward, the rear ends being
attached and pivoted at 7, to vertically moving racks 12.
These latter are
provided with movable teeth 13, as shown in detail in figure 4. While the rack
is moving in one direction the teeth will engage with the teeth of the cog wheel 3,
thus operating it and while moving in the other direction the movable teeth will
slide freely over the wheel.
This construction may be reversed and the movable teeth may be placed upon
the wheel and the rigid teeth upon the rack.
The
At the forward ends of the horizontal levers 11, I pivot other levers 14, which
extend rearwardly and bear against the lower edges of the levers 11.
levers 14, are provided with horizontal slots 15, in which move pins or lugs 16, of
the foot-rest or stirrup levers 17. These latter are pivoted to links 18 (hung from
the main frame or backbone 19 of the vehicle) at a common point 20, and
springs 21, are provided which connect at 22, 23, respectively the levers and the
frame for the purpose of retracting the said levers after the pressure upon them
has been removed. At 26, is a guide wheel and 27, a guiding handle controlling
the direction of the wheel 26, and the position and application of the brake
shoe 28. Extending rearwardly from the axle 2, are rigidly attached arms 29,
from the ends of which is hung and journaled a roller 30, to limit the longitudinal
movement of the vertically sliding racks 12.
In connection with this vehicle I also arrange a supplementary seat or seats or
a box or casing for holding and transporting one or more additional persons besides
the operator or for carrying merchandise. It is illustrated in figure 1, in dotted
lines, and is attached in any suitable manner to the swinging links 10. Any
additional amount of weight in the shape either of passengers or merchandise may
be placed in this car limited only by the strength of the vehicle, as the swinging
link 10, may be moved forward in the slot 6, as far as the additional load requires,
thereby balancing and centering all the weight directly over the driving axle.
In figure 3, the power is directly applied to the horizontal levers 11. They are
pivoted at a point 19 to the frame 19. Turning loosely on the driving axle 2, are
milled wheels 36, provided with pawls 37. These pawls engage with and rotate
the ratchet wheels 38, attached rigidly to the driving axle 2. A chain, or a
metallic or other suitable kind of band or rope 39, is arranged in connection with
each of the wheels 36. The ends of the flexible rope 39, are connected to the
operating levers 11, and springs 21, are arranged in connection with the said levers
for withdrawing them. Springs 39 are also introduced at one end of the flexible
ropes to equalize the tension.
In figure 5, the vertically moving racks 12, are placed on different sides of the
driving axle and an oscillating beam 40, connects the said racks and is pivoted to
the frame 19, and serves to utilize. the reciprocating movement. The power is
transmitted to the driving axle through the medium of racks and pinions and
compound levers operated by the body or the feet.

page_text: Figure 6, illustrates a form especially adapted for a bicycle or two wheeled
vehicle. A square shaped frame 43, is shown which carries the vertically moving
rack bars 12, gearing with and operating cog wheels upon the driving axle.
Rollers 30, are used with this arrangement to control the motion of the frame 43,
within the proper path.
In figure 7, is shown a vehicle employing substantially the same system of
leverage and using in connection with that system starting bars or assisting
poles 44. These are swivelled to the vertically moving bars 12, and they are kept
in contact with the ground by any suitable means. In this vehicle as the bar or
bars 12, descend by virtue of the pressure applied to the stirrups or saddle the
starting bars will take hold of the ground and force the vehicle forward. By a
rapid repetition of this movement the application of the force will hardly cause
any jar but will appear easy and almost continuous to the occupant of the vehicle.
In figure 8, these bars are modified and are connected to the rotating parts.
Here the racks 12, and pinions 3, are again introduced. I also show in this
connection a device 46, for utilizing the hands as a means of propulsion.
An endless chain 46" moves around the wheels 46, the lower of these wheels
being geared by intermediates with the cog wheel or wheels 3.
Figure 9, shows the same system applied to a lorry or hand car.
The vertically moving racks 12, in this case engage with the segments 47, which
are provided with pawls 37, engaging with and operating the ratchet wheels 38,
attached rigidly to the driving axles.
Figure 10, is another form and shows segments 48, pivoted loosely on the
driving axle 2. These segments are provided with rearwardly extending arms 49,
having pawls 27, engaging with and operating ratchet wheels 38, keyed to the
driving axle. The vertically moving racks 12, as they descend work the segments 48,
and through the medium of the pawl and ratchet mechanism serve to drive the
vehicle. The usual roller 30, and springs 21, are provided for the purposes herein-
before set forth.
The assisting or starting bars 44, are also shown as well as skids or runners 50,
which may be attached to assist the locomotion when the ground is covered with
snow.
.
Figure 11, is a plan view of the device shown in figure 10. The ordinary seat 5,
is provided on one side of the vehicle while on the other side is placed a chair or
side-saddle 5ª preferably the latter.
In this case also the foot rests are placed on the horizontal levers 14, which are
swivelled to the vertical racks 12, and pivoted to the rearwardly extending arm of
the frame 19. This arrangement will increase the force of the leverage as well as
effecting a better balance for the vehicle.
In figure 12, I employ a similar movement to that shown in figures 10, and 11,
but in lieu of the segments I swivel the racks 12, directly to levers 51, balanced
on the driving axle.
Figure 13, is a modification of figure 8, the rotating driving parts being situated
in the rear of the driving axle instead of in front.
The vertically moving racks 12, as they are forced up by the levers 11 and 14,
gear with and operate the cog wheels 3b turning in suitable bearings in an arm
suspended from the frame.
Upon the same axle as the cog wheels 3b are larger cog wheels 3° which mesh
with and rotate the ordinary cog wheels 3, keyed to the driving axle of the
machine. The immense increase of leverage in this form of vehicle is apparent.
To illustrate, let it be assumed that in the above illustration the parts are geared
up so that each pressure of the foot in the stirrup lever and each stroke of the
rack 12, will cause the driving wheel to revolve once and traverse as it does so
twelve lineal feet. Each foot works up and down, say eighty times a minute,
making for the two feet, one hundred and sixty strokes per minute, each stroke
being equal to twelve feet as aforesaid, or in all 1920 feet per minute, which is

page_text: equal to about 22 miles per hour. This speed could be attained on the level and
on good roads.
In all these forms the springs 21, I show and employ for withdrawing and
resetting the levers after the pressure has been removed, it is to be understood are
of sufficient strength to not only lift and replace the said levers but also to lift the
dead weight of the operator's legs when said operator or rider is not pressing down
upon that certain series of levers.
It is also to be understood that the main and distinctive features of my present
invention are the balancing of the weight of the vehicle and the load, be it more
or less, directly over the driving axle for tractional purposes, and subsidiary and
inter-dependent upon this feature are the arrangement of the single and compound
levers and the adjustable fulcrum,
The various modifications I have shown only serve to illustrate different modes
of embodying these broad ideas.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
1. In a tricycle or other vehicle, the combination of the driving wheels or wheel,
with a seat and foot rests so arranged and distributed as that the weight of the
body will rest entirely on the driving axle.
2. In a tricycle or other vehicle the combination of the driving wheels or wheel,
with the seat and foot rests and the system of compound levers so arranged as to
balance the vehicle and to place the whole or nearly the whole weight of the body
and the vehicle on the driving wheels or wheel.
3. In a tricycle or other vehicle, the combination of the driving wheel or wheels,
the system of levers for propelling the same and means for adjusting the weight of
the load and vehicle relatively to the driving axle.
4. The tricycle having one or more driving wheels, driving axle, cog wheels,
vertically moving racks, having movable teeth, the system of compound levers, the
springs, the uprights or standards slotted as described, the adjustable fulcrum and
the supplementary car or seat as illustrated in figures 1 and 2.
5. The vehicle shown and illustrated in figure 3, wherein the power is communi-
cated from the rider to the driving axle by means of the levers 11, chain or other
flexible medium 39, wheel 36, pawl 37, and ratchet 38.
6. In combination with a tricycle, bicycle or any other vehicle herein shown
and described the racks provided with the movable teeth as illustrated in figure 4.
7. A tricycle or other vehicle constructed on the plan as shown in figure 5,
wherein the oscillating bar or lever 40, is employed to operate the vertically
moving racks which communicate the power to the driving axle through the medium
of cog gearing.
8. The bicycle shown in figure 6, having the compound levers, the square-shaped
frame 43, the racks 12, and the cog gearing.
9. The vehicle illustrated in figure 7, provided with one or more starting bars
operated through the medium of the vertically moving parts 12.
10. The method of operating a tricycle as shown in figure 8, by means of a
handle and wheels 46, and flexible connection 46" or by the vertically moving
racks 12, and the cog wheels 3b, 3º, and 3.
11. The hand car or lorry illustrated in figure 9, with the compound levers, the
vertically moving racks, the segments, pawls and ratchets as set forth and shown.
12. The tricycle shown in figures 10 and 11, having a seat or a side saddle or
both, in connection with the vertically moving racks the segments the pawls and
ratchets as set forth and shown.
13. The tricycle shown in figure 12, where the levers are connected to the
vertically moving parts and are balanced over the axle and are adapted to
5 operate the ratchet wheels by means of pawls.

page_text: 14. The tricycle shown in figure 13, having the compound levers, the vertically
moving racks and the system of differential cog gearing connected to and operating
the driving axle.