A CHILDREN'S SELF-PROPELLING HORSE
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Edward Gedge, of No. 11, Wellington Street,
Strand, in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for the Invention of “A
CHILDREN'S SELF-PROPELLING HORSE." A communication from abroad by
John H. Nolan, of Boston, County of Suffolk, and State of Massachusetts, one
of the United States of America.
led the 16th November 1877, and dated the 21st May 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Edward Gedge
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st May 1877.
"6
WILLIAM EDWARD GEDGE, of No. 11, Wellington Street, Strand, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent. CHILDREN'S SELF-PROPELLING HORSE." A cominuni-
cation from abroad John H. Nolan, of Boston, County of Suffolk, and State of
Massachusetts, one of the United States of America.
The horse can be used on any ordinary road; can be made to travel at great
speed, or less if desired; will give the rider the first lessons in horsemanship, which
are all important; both in guiding the horse, keeping the seat, and riding in the
stirrups; needs no more effect than a boy would naturally make in riding a live
trotting pony.
Next to the excitement of being on the back of a live pony, which to the young
is always attended with more or less danger, it will be difficult to find' a better
substitute for the real animal..
The object of my Invention is not only to utilize the weight of the person, but
also the weight of the horse and the weight to be carried for a propelling, power
to move the same, by the upward and downward motion of the same, balanced*
upon a spring, to produce the propelling power and with the least possible exertion.
of the person, at the same time giving the person full control of the speed and
guidance of the same.
Figure 1 (Sheet 1) of the accompanying two Sheets of Drawing shows detached
the several parts composing the self-propelling horse of this Invention..

page_text: Figure 2 (Sheet 2), is an elevation showing the entire arrangement set up and
ready for being operated.
Figure 3, a section through the horse's head showing the gearing of the guiding
reins, and Figures 4 and 5 show detached parts.
The reins A are made fast to the bit B, the same being made fast to the wheel C
(which may be seen in Figurè 3), around which the cable F passes, being made fast
at the lower side of the same in the horse's mouth. It passes thence to, and is made
fast to the small wheel E, which is part of the section wheel D, then passes to and
is made fast to the large circle of section D, passing through the horse to and
around the wheel G (as seen in Fig. 2), thence forward to and around the wheel H,
having been made fast to the same, thence back to the second wheel G, thence from
wheel G back to the second section wheels E and D in the horse's head, connecting
again with the wheel C, forming a connecting line from each end of the bit to and
around the forward wheel H, the same being made fast to standard I which holds
the wheel J, so that pulling either line will turn the forward wheel J. The cable F
is composed of several strands of wire wound together like a rope, the centre of
which is made fast to the wheel C on the bit B. Its two parts pass to and over
the several wheels, its ends being made fast to the wheels H on the standard I,
they being fastened to the same by a clamp, whereby either end can be let out or
taken up, should it be necessary to do so.
The object of having the wheel E smaller than the wheel D is to enable a small
movement of the bit to give a greater movement to the forward wheel J. Turning
the wheel J cramps the machine and enables the person to steer the same at will.
The horse's hind legs are made fast to the two pieces L, L, the same being held in
position by the bar M passing through one end of them; the said bar M being held
in position by being made fast to the pieces N, N, with the nuts e, e.
The pieces L, L, are supported by the bar Q, which is held in position by the two
standards W, W, passing through each end of the same; the said standards being a
part of the pieces N, N, which have a nut on the upper end to prevent the bar Q
from rising above the ends of the same. The bar Q is supported by the two spiral
springs P, P, which are held in position by the standards W, W, passing through
them. The said springs are made to support a heavier weight by the addition of
extra coils of springs to the same, or the weight to be carried can be regulated by
substituting a heavier or lighter spring.
The two connecting pieces R, R, are made fast to the two levers L, L, and the two
levers V, V, by the bolts n, n, at each end of the same (as seen in Figures 4 and 5).
One of the connecting pieces R, R, is made fast to one of the levers V, V, and L; L,
forward of the axle U, the other behind the said axle U; so, when the horse is pressed
down it causes the rear end of one of the levers V, V, to rise, the other to fall; and
when the horse rises up it causes the other lever V to rise and the upper one to fall;
thereby keeping up a steady propelling motion.
.
The levers V, V, are held in position by the axle U passing through them, and
are made fast to the two cam boxes S, S, behind the axle U by the bolts i, i, (as seen
in Figures 1, 4, and 5), causing one can box to go up, the other down, with each
movement of the levers V, V, and L, L.
The cam boxes S, S, are held in position by the axle U passing through them;
they each have small rollers b, b, b, b, (as seen in Figures 4 and 5), which allow
the cam boxes S, S, to drop down at ease, the rollers b, b, b, b, becoming loose,
but binding the said cam boxes S, S, to the flange of the cam wheels, T, T, on
the upward movement, causing the cam wheels T, T, to move with the levers V, V.
The cam wheels T, T; are held in position by the axle U passing through them;
they being made fast to the axle U cause the same to turn with the cam wheels T, T.
The axle U is made fast to one of the wheels K, K, the turning of which propels
the same.
The brake X can be used to stop the machine. The wheel H is
perforated with holes, and by inserting the pin a in one of the said holes, will hold
the wheel in position so the wagon will move around in a larger or smaller circle,

page_text: as may be required, and be held in said circle. The steps y, y, can be raised or lowered
by changing their relative position by bolts c, c, in the socket Z.
The speed of the machine can be increased by making the connecting pieces R, R,
fast close to the axle U, or decreased by making them fast furthest from the said
axle U by the bolts n, n; the same applies to making the upper end of the
connecting pieces R, R, fast furthest from or closer to the bar M.
To operate the horse the person sits in position, takes the reins, and by a forward
or backward motion of the body causes the horse to go up and down, the person's
feet coming in contact with the adjustable steps y, y; springing up from the same
assists him in causing the upward motion, and his weight again coming upon the
horse assists in pressing the horse down, thereby causing the downward movement
of the horse. The downward and upward motion of the horse causes the
levers L, L, to oscillate, moving the connecting pieces R, R, up and down, causing
the levers V, V, to oscillate; the said levers V, V, causing in their turn the cam
boxes S, S, to oscillate. The friction caused in the upward by the rollers b, b, b, b, in
the cam boxes S, S, turns the said cam wheels T, T, they being made fast to the
axle U, causing the same to turn; the said axle U being made fast to one of the
wheels K, K, causing the same to turn, thereby causing the machine, horse, and
rider to move. The rider pulling on the reins right or left causes the machine to
turn at will. The brake X is used to stop the machine at will.
If desirable, a backward motion might be obtained; for example, by a duplicate
system of cams, one set being thrown into gear with driver or propeller, when the
other is thrown out of gear by the end lever in connection with the saddle or
otherwise,
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Edward Gedge in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 21st
November 1877.
WILLIAM EDWARD GEDGE, of No. 11, Wellington Street, Strand, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent. "A CHILDREN'S SELF-PROPELLING HORSE," A communi-
cation from abroad by John H. Nolan, of Boston, County of Suffolk, and State of
Massachusetts, one of the United States of America.
This Invention relates to that class of velocipedes in which the rotation of the
wheels is produced by means of a vertically moving seat sustained by a spring or
springs, and more especially to those in which the seat is formed on the figure of a
horse arranged to rock on the frame of the vehicle.
The object of the Invention is to simplify and cheapen the construction, improve
the action, and render the velocipede or self-propelling horse readily adjustable for
the use of boys of different sizes; and to this end it consists in various details
herein-after described and explained.
.
Upon Sheet 1 of the accompanying 2 Sheets of Drawing, Figure 1 represents
a perspective view of a velocipede or self-propelling horse constructed according to
this Invention; Figures 2 and 3, perspective views illustrating the construction of
the clutches, by which the driving wheels are rotated; Figure 4, a view, showing
ว

page_text: the arrangement of the steering gear within the head of the horse; and Figure 5,
a view showing the various parts and pieces separated from each other.
In constructing this velocipede or self-propelling horse I first construct a
Y shaped frame, and sustain the same by two driving wheels K at the rear end,
and a swiveled guiding wheel J at the front, as shown in Figure 1.
As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the frame consists of two curved bars O, bolted
at their forward ends to a metal goose neck or reach bar 0¹, the forward end of
which latter is provided with a vertical eye or socket to receive the upper end of
the forked swivel post I in which the guiding wheel is mounted.
The driving wheels are mounted on, and one or both of them secured rigidly to
the ends of a transverse shaft U, which latter is seated in notches or bearings in
the under sides of the bars O of the frame, and secured therein by the ends of metal
arms N, which are fastened to the under side of the frame bars by bolts. The rear
ends of the arms N are curved upward, and provided at their extremities with eyes
which sustain the ends of a transverse rod or shaft M, which.latter in turn sustains
and forms a pivot for two arms L, which are extended forward and bolted firmly
to the hind feet of a model horse, as shown in Figure 1.
The arms L to which the horse is attached rest upon a transverse bar Q, the ends
of which are arranged to slide ou vertical rods W, and supported by spiral springs P
mounted on said rods, the springs serving to sustain the horse in an elevated or
rearing position, except when it is depressed by the weight and motion of the rider,
who will sit astride of the back in the same manner as upon a live animal. The
rods on which the springs are mounted are secured to the fixed arms N, and are
provided on the upper ends with nuts, which admit of the springs being readily
replaced by others which are weaker or stronger as occasion may require.
On the ends of the axle, inside of the frame, I secure firmly two disks or
wheels T, and by the sides of the disks two loose clutch blocks S to give them a
rotary motion, the clutch blocks being given a vibratory motion by bolting to their
sides arms V, and connecting the latter by links R to the arms L, on which the
horse is sustained.
As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 5, each disk or wheel T is provided on one side
with a peripheral rim or flange, and is secured rigidly on the axle while its driving
clutch is mounted loosely on the axle, and provided in its side with a V shaped
notch or recess, which receives the rim or flange of the disk, and also two steel
rollers bon each side of the same, as clearly represented in Figures 2 and 3.
As the clutch blocks S descend the rollers turn loosely therein, but as they are
elevated the rolls ride down in the V shaped notch and lock the arm or block
fast to the flange of the disk or wheel, which is thereby caused to turn with the
clutch.
It will be noticed that one of the clutches takes hold in front and the other in
rear of the axle, but that both actuating links are connected to the clutches in rear
of the axle; the consequence of which arrangement is that the operating or
griping end of one clutch rises as that of the other descends, so that the two
clutches act alternately, one during the downward and the other during the upward
notion of the horse, thereby imparting a constant and uniform motion to the
driving wheels.
By providing each clutch with the rolls on both sides of the flange of the disk
opposite to each other a double griping power is secured, and the action of the
clutch rendered more certain than it would otherwise be, the danger of springing
or breaking the flange avoided, and the clutch prevented from straining upon and
wearing the axle.
On opposite sides of the frame I secure, as shown, two rigid foot pieces or
rests Y in such position that the rider can place his fect upon them as the horse
descends, for the double purpose of checking the downward motion and of assisting
the upward motion by the power of his legs.
L
As shown in Figs. 1. and 5, the foot rests consist of long arms, having their

page_text: rear ends seated in sockets Z on the frame, and secured by set screws c, the ends
which enter the sockets being curved vertically, so that by adjusting them end wise
the forward ends may be raised or lowered to suit the length of leg of the rider.
One side of the frame is also provided with a brake lever X, pivoted at its middle
and held out of action by a spiral spring, the forward end of the lever standing in
such position that it may be readily operated by one of the feet of the rider.
,
For the purpose of enabling the rider to steer the velocipede, the upper end of
the swivel post I is provided with a pulley H, which has secured to it a steering
cord or wire F, which is passed backward from opposite sides of the pulley and
crossed and carried downward around two loose pulleys G on the rear shaft M,
and thence upward through the body of the horse, as shown in Figures 1 and 4,
around pulleys D, E, in the head of the horse to a small pulley C secured on the
middle of the bit B, which is pivoted in the mouth of the horse and provided at its
ends with the reins A, so that by drawing one rein or the other the steering
wheel J. may be turned to the right or the left as required.
=
By mounting the pulleys G, around, which the steering wire or cords. pass, on
the axis of motion of the horse I prevent the motion of the latter from affecting
the tension or the action of the wires.
In order that a small movement of the bit may give a wide movement to the
steering wheel, the two pairs of pulleys D and E are employed, the former being
smaller than the latter. Each pair consists of one large and one small. pulley,
united and arranged to rotate independently of the other pair. The ends of the
cord pass one over each large. wheel, and then over the small wheel to the bit
pulley. A small movement of the cord acting on the small pulley. causes the large
pulley to give the cord beyond it a much greater movement.
In order that the steering wheel may be locked fast when desired, eith to
cause the advance of the velocipede in a straight line or in a circle, the front of the
frame is provided with.a. series of. holes through which a pin may be inserted into
a hole måde for the purpose in the upper end of the swivel post. I, this pin being
attached.to. the frame by a chain, so that it cannot be lost.
Upon Sheet II. are shown modifications of the velocipede or self-propelling horse,
as previously described and shown upon Sheet I.
;
Figure 1 represents a view of the velocipede or self-propelling horse, looking
down upon it with the horse or seat removed, showing the pivoted bars B, B, upon:
which the same is attached.
Figure 2 showing one-half of the vehicle, it being divided in the centre.
Figure 3, a view showing the arrangement of the springs g, section of the foot
rest or lever H, the transverse bar N, and the coupling piece F..
.2
Figure 4, a view showing the arrangement of the transverse bar N, and the
friction roller M, and the coupling piece F.
Figure 5, a view showing the arrangement of steering gear.
E
In constructing my velocipede I first construct a Y shaped frame, and sustain.the.
same by driving wheels at the rear end, and a swivel guiding post containing two
wheels at the front end, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The frame consists of two curved:
bars E bolted at the forward end to a metal goose neck or reach bar; the forward end
of which latter is provided with a vertical eye or socket to receive the upper end. of;
the forked swivel post x in which the guiding wheels are mounted. The propelling:
wheels are mounted on, and both of them secured rigidly to the end of the axle 0,
as seen in Figure 1, with a ratchet, which allows one or both of them to be used in.
propelling the vehicle, enabling the same to be cramped at any angle, and thereby
avoiding friction. The axle O is made fast to the frame E by bearings. The,
horse is made fast to the two bars B, B, which are held in position by the axle C,.
the same being made fast to the frame E by the pieces D, D, as seen in Figures
1 and 2, supported by the roller M, which is sustained by the transverse bar N,.
which is supported by the springs G, together with the foot rest or levers H, which
is made fast to the frame E by the standard I. The vehicle is guided by the cable 2,

page_text: as seen in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the forward end being made fast on the swivel post
x, passing to and around the wheels on the axle C, thence to and forward of the
horse's hind legs, over the wheels u, thence to and made fast to the cross bar T
between the horse's forward legs, the same being made fast to the rod w running
through the forward part of the horse up to its neck, to which is made fast the
cross piece S, to which the reins P are made fast. The rider sits in position upon
the horse; pressing his weight upon the same causing a downward movement;
placing his feet upon the foot rests H, H, bearing his weight upon the same,
causing the horse to rise under him, which assists the rider in rising; having
thrown his weight upon the foot rests H, H, bearing them down in turn, causing a
steady propelling motion of the vehicle. The arms B, B, are made fast to the levers
K, K, as may be seen in Figures 1 and 2 by the links J, J; the upward and
downward motion of the arms B, B, causing the links J, J, to oscillate the levers K
upon the axle O. The wheels L, L, are made fast to the axle O. The levers K, K,
coming in contact with them produces a friction, which causes them to turn the
levers K, K, acting alternately one on the upward and the other on' the downward
motion.
Having now described and ascertained the nature of the said Invention, com-
municated to me as aforesaid, and in what manner the same is or may be performed,
what I claim as secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,
in so far as regards the self-propelling horse or velocipede, as shown Sheet I. of the
Drawings,
Firstly. The combination of the wheeled frame having its rear axle provided with
the disks and their operating clutches, the horse pivoted upon the frame and
sustained by springs and devices connecting the horse and the clutches, sub-
stantially as shown and described.
Secondly. The foot rests Y having their rear ends curved and secured in sockets
on the frame, as shown, whereby they are rendered adjustable vertically.
Thirdly. In combination with the frame bars O having the axle U seated on its
under side, the arms N, applied as shown, for the double purpose of securing the
axle and sustaining the shaft M.
Fourthly. In combination with the arms L having the horse secured to
them, the transverse bar Q mounted on guides W, and supported by the spiral
springs P.
Fifthly. In combination with the swivel post I and the steering cord F extending
therefrom to operating devices in the head of the pivoted horse, the guiding pulleys
G for said cord arranged with their axes coincident with that on which the horse is
mounted, as shown, whereby the movements of the horse are prevented from
affecting the cord.
•
Sixthly. In combination with the steering cord F passing through the horse, in
the manner shown, the pulley C, pivoted bit B, and reins A, substantially as
shown.
Seventhly. In combination with the steering cord, the pulleys D, E, constructed
and arranged as shown.
Eighthly. In a velocipede, the combination of the horse mounted on pivoted arms
and sustained by springs, the main shaft or axle U provided with the clutch arms S
and disks T, and the links R, arranged in the manner shown and described, so as to
actuate the clutches alternately, one during the upward and the other during the
downward movement of the horse.
Ninthly. In combination with the flanged wheels T, arranged as shown, the
clutch blocks S provided with the V shaped recess to admit the flange of the wheel,.
and with the rolls B bearing against both sides of the flange, as shown.
And as regards the self-propelling horse or velocipede shown Sheet II. of the
Drawing,―
.
Firstly. In combination with the foot rests H, H, the arms B, B, arranged so as
to oscillate the levers K, K, and actuate the axle O, substantially as specified.
Secondly. In combination with the swivel post x and steering cable 2 extending

page_text: therefrom over the guiding pulleys v and u, the rod w with its cross bar T, arranged
to be operated by the reins P, substantially as specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Edward Gedge, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-first day of November, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
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