Improvements in Drive and Brake Mechanism for Bicycles and like Vehicles.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Oct., 1898
Complete Specification Left, 18th July, 1899-Accepted, 19th Aug., 1899
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Drive and Brake Mechanism for Bicycles and like
Vehicles.
I, ALBERT CLINTON TANNER, of 215, Monitor Street, Jersey City, New Jersey,
United States of America, Patent Solicitor, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates generally to improvements in that class of assembled
mechanical parts commonly known as drive and brake mechanism; and particu-
larly to drive and brake mechanism of a character capable of being applied to
bicycles and similar vehicles the said mechanism being utilized by the rider in
propelling the bicycle or other vehicle to which it may be applied and in con-
trolling the speed thereof.
The invention consists in certain combinations of parts and details of con-
struction all of which will be specifically described hereinafter.
In the accompanying drawings:-
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a bicycle having my improved drive and brake
mechanism applied thereto.
Fig. 1 is an enlarged side elevation showing my improvements.
Fig. 2 is a central longitudinal section of that part of the bicycle frame
commonly known as the crank-hanger" and shows the form and disposition
of certain parts located within and adjacent to said crank-hanger.
Fig. 3 is a plan view of certain elements of my improved mechanism and shows
the disposition of the same with respect to the hub of the drive-wheel of the
bicycle.
Fig. 4 is a rear view of the assembled parts shown in Fig. 3 a portion thereof
being shown in central vertical section on the line - of Fig. 5.
Fig. 5 is an outer face view or elevation of one of the brackets made use of
a portion thereof being broken away to more clearly disclose the form and
disposition of certain parts carried thereby.
Fig. 6 is an inner face view or elevation of the opposite bracket the same
showing the clutch mechanism made use of.
Fig. 7 is a detail view showing parts mounted on the crank axle as they
appear when revolved upward 90 degrees from the position they occupy in
Fig. 2.
Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing certain novel parts operative in conjunction
with the parts located within and adjacent to the crank-hanger and essential
for controlling the speed of the bicycle-the section being taken on the
line y-y of Fig. 2.
Fig. 9 is an end view of the crank-hanger with crank axle bearing pieces
disposed therein the cranks being removed."
Fig. 10 is a detail view showing the lateral recess in the central opening in
one of the crank axle bearing pieces together with outlines of the rib on said
crank-axle.

page_text: Fig. 11 is a detail sectional view of same on the line
of Fig. 10.
Fig. 12 is a detail view similar to Fig. 10 the rib on the crank axle shown in
the latter figure being dispensed with.
Referring to the accompanying drawings:-
The bicycle shown in Fig. 1 is of ordinary design and construction and 2
denotes the crank-hanger. Bearing-pieces 3 3 each in the form of a disc are
inserted into interior annular recesses 4 4¹ respectively formed in the ends of
the crank-hanger 2. Any suitable fasteners such as the screws 5 may be utilized
for holding the respective bearing-pieces 3 31 rigidly in place. The bearing-
pieces 3 and 31 are each provided with a suitable central opening and a con-
centric slot-like opening 6. The functions of the concentric openings 6 6¹ will
appear hereinafter.
The crank-axle 8 is disposed longitudinally within and centrally of the crank-
hanger 2 the ends of the same being reduced in diameter and bearing in the
central openings in the bearing pieces 3 31 respectively.
The reductions in the diameter of the crank axle 8 are made to form shoulders
which abut against the bearing-pieces 3 and 31 thereby obviating longitudinal
movement or displacement of the crank-axle 8.
The reduced ends of the crank-axle 8 which bear in the central openings in
the bearing-pieces 331 project outward therefrom a distance suitable to admit
of there being loosely mounted thereon bell-cranks 9 9¹ respectively said bell-
crank 9 comprising a main member 10 and a shorter member 11 and said
bell-crank 91 comprising a main member 10¹ and a shorter member 11'.
The bell-crank.9 is provided with a suitable recess 12 and the bell-crank 91
with a like recess the functions of which recesses will clearly appear hereinafter.
The respective extreme ends of the crank-axle 8 are still further reduced in
diameter and suitable threaded to receive nuts 7 71 which serve to prevent undue
removal or displacement of the cranks 9 9¹
Suitable foot pedals 121 1211 are applied, one to the free end of each of the
main members 10 10¹ of the bell-cranks 9 9¹ respectively.
The shorter members 11 11 of the bell-cranks 9 91 are respectively pro-
vided with similar eyes 13 13¹.
The crank-axle 8 midway of its length is provided with a suitable recess
into which is tightly inserted the stud 14 the latter being held firmly in place
by means of the pin 15 forced into suitable registering openings in the stud 14
and the crank-axle 8 as clearly shown in Fig. 8. The stud 14 is suitably
shouldered and thereon is rotatably mounted a bevel toothed pinion 16 held
to place by means of the nut 16¹.
There are rotatably mounted upon the crank-axle 8 at opposite sides of the
pinion 16 collars 17 171 each provided with bevelled teeth meshing at all times
with the teeth of said pinion 16. The collar 17 is provided with an integral
arm 18 which extends along parallel with and adjacent to the crank-axle 8,
projects outward through the slot-like opening in the bearing-piece 3 and
engages the recess 12 in the crank 9. The collar 171 is provided with a like
arm 18 which extends outward through the slot-like opening 6 in the bearing-
piece 31 and engages the recess in the crank 91 corresponding with the recess 12
in the crank 9.
To obviate any binding tendency of the collars 17 17 on the axle $ additional
collars 19 191 preferably formed integral with the arms 18 18¹ respectively may
be used.
A drive-rod 20 is provided at its forward end with a clip 21 within which
is loosely held by means of the pivot 22 the eye 13 of the bell-crank member 11;
and said drive-rod is further provided at its rear end with an enlarged clip 23
carrying a roller 24 mounted to rotate on the pivot 25 and a drive-rod 20¹ is
provided with a corresponding and similarly arranged clip 21'; pivot 22¹ enlarges
clip 231 roller 24¹ and pivot 25¹.
26 is the drive-wheel of the bicycle mounted in the usual way to turn on

page_text: the fixed axle 30. 27 is the hub of the drive-wheel the same being provided
with the usual spoke-flanges 28. Bearing cones of the ordinary type are em-
ployed in the bearings for the hub 27 and by preference these cones when
adjusted project somewhat respectively from the ends of the hub 27; and in
addition to their functions as bearing elements they serve to check the move-
ment of certain adjacent parts in one direction along the axle 30 as will clearly
appear hereinafter. One of said cones partially exposed in Fig. 4 is indicated
by the numeral 29. The axle 30 is properly threaded to receive the said bearing
cones and also to receive the fastening nuts 31 31' one upon each end of said
axle.
The bracket 32 is provided with an angular offset 361 and with a suitable
central opening which is surrounded upon the inner side of said bracket by
the tubular member 33 the latter by preference being formed integral with
said bracket.
The bracket 32 is mounted upon the axle 30 adjacent to one end of the
wheel hub 27 and so that the inner end of the member 33 abuts against the
cone 29 all as clearly shown in the drawings.
The drum 35 comprises a peripheral portion having a uniform outer face
and a central web the latter disposed in the peripheral portion so that a chamber
or depression is formed at one side of said web within which chamber is arranged
a coiled spring 36 the same being firmly attached one end to the tubular
member 33 and the other end to the peripheral portion of the drum 35 said
spring serving to hold the drum 35 yieldingly against rotation in the forward
direction; and at the opposite side of the central web in the drum 35 another
chamber or depression is formed which admits of the surrounding peripheral
portion of the drum 35 overlapping the adjacent end of the drive-wheel hub 27
as clearly illustrated in the drawings.
I provide the tubular member 33 at its inner end with an exterior annular
recess 37 which serves as a bearing on which is rotatably mounted the drum 35
a suitable central opening being formed in the central web of the drum 35
to admit of thus mounting the same; and the drum 35 may be held in place
on its bearing in any convenient manner as by means of the flat ring 34 disposed
on the recessed end of the member 33, outside of and adjacent to the central
web of the drum 35 said ring being by preference held against displacement
by heading over the end of the tubular member 33.
That section of the peripheral portion of the drum 35 which overlaps the
adjacent end of the drive-wheel hub 27 is provided with a series of concaved
interior recesses 38 preferably not less than three in number. A series of
detached clutches 39 corresponding in number with the number of recesses 38
are employed and these clutches extend one from each of the recesses 38 to and
against the adjacent end of the drive-wheel hub 27 and each occupies a position
slightly oblique to the radius of the drum 35 and consequently of the drive
wheel hub 27.
One end of each clutch in the series made use of is given a suitable convex
form to fit nicely in its individual recess 38; and its opposite end is prefer-
ably given the form of an irregular curve and is held yieldingly in contact with
the adjacent end of the drive-wheel hub 27 by means of a suitable spring as 40¹
(Fig. 6) which spring may be soft-soldered or otherwise secured one end to
the clutch and the other to the overlapping peripheral portion of the drum 35.
To prevent lateral displacement thereof each clutch 39 is provided with a
guard 41 secured in any convenient and well-known manner to the peripheral
portion of the drum 35; and to prevent endwise displacement of the clutches 39
when the bracket 32 (with the parts mounted thereon) is removed from the
axle 30 I provide each clutch 39 with a pin 42 adapted to take over its individual
guard 41.
From the foregoing description of the clutch mechanism made use of it will
be seen that none of the clutches is provided with a bearing point; but in operation

page_text: each binds between the hub 27 and the peripheral portion of the drum when the
latter is rotated in the forward direction. In practice these clutches are not
only highly efficient but noiseless in operation.
Upon the axle 30 and adjacent to the opposite end of the hub 27 there is
mounted a bracket 32 provided with offset 36" and tubular member 331 on
which is mounted the spring-controlled rotatable drum 351 held to place by
flat ring 34. There are further provided clutches 391 to operate in conjunc-
tion with the drum 35 in interior recesses 381 and each clutch is provided
with a guard 411 pin 421 and spring 40'; all of which are mere duplicates of
and are arranged to operate in identically the same way as parts hereinbefore
described and a more detailed description of same is therefore unnecessary.
A flexible drive connection or strap 43 preferably of raw hide is secured one
end to the peripheral portion of the drum 35 as by means of rivets 44 and
is capable of being wound upon the uniform outer face of said peripheral por-
tion of the drum 35. The opposite end of said drive connection is passed upward
between the forks of the enlarged clip 23 and around the roller 24 in said
clip and is fastened to the angular offset 361 of the bracket 32. For thus fasten-
ing the end of the drive connection 43 to the bracket offset 361 I provide a
clamp 45 having a suitable threaded opening into which takes the threaded end
of the screw 46 the latter projecting downward through a suitable opening
formed in the bracket offset 36. The end of the drive connection is forked as
indicated in Fig. 3 and the respective branches are folded each upon itself and
inserted endwise between the clamp 45 and the bracket offset 36 astride the
screw 46; are pinched tightly between said clamp and said bracket offset when
the screw 46 is turned in one direction; and may be liberated therefrom by
turning the screw 46 in the opposite direction as will be readily understood.
The drive connection 44' is of the same material and is arranged to operate
in connection with the drum 35' and clip 231 containing roller 24 in identically
the same manner as the drive connection 43 operates in connection with the
drum 35 and clip 23 containing roller 24; and its forked end is secured to the
angular bracket offset 3611 by means of clamp 45¹ and screw 461 in identically
the same manner as the forked end of the drive connection 43 is secured to
the bracket offset 361. Therefore a further description of same is unnecessary.
The usual rear forked frame connections one of which is indicated by the
numeral 47 in Fig. 1 straddle the axle 30 one between the nut 31 and the
bracket 32 and the other between the nut 31' and the bracket 321; and when
these nuts 31 31' are screwed tightly against the adjoining frame connection
above referred to the brackets 32 321 with their tubular members 33 are urged
along the axle 30 till the inner ends of said tubular members are brought up
snugly against the respective cones 29 and the brackets 32 321 are consequently
held firmly in position upon the axle 30. To avoid any possible tilting tendency
of said brackets on the axle 30 I provide the brackets with projections 48 48¹
which may be in the form of screws screwed into the brackets which engage
the forks of the rear frame.
The mechanism thus far described is utilised in propelling the bicycle and in
connection therewith it is essential that means be provided whereby the speed
of the bicycle may be effectually controlled. To this end I form in the crank-
hanger 2 a suitable transverse slot-like opening 48" and I form in the crank
axle 8 at a point registering with said slot-like opening when the crank axle 8
is in place an opening having by preference tapered walls. The tapered end
of the curbed brake-lever 49 is passed through the opening 48" inserted into the
tapered opening in the crank-axle S and held firmly in the latter by means of
the nut 50 the said tapered end of the brake lever 49 being suitably tapped and
threaded to receive said nut. There is firmly secured to the opposite end of
the brake-lever 49 a double clip 51 within which are mounted to rotate as on
the pivots 52 52¹ twin rollers 53 53' one above the other; and there is disposed

page_text: on said rollers an endless apron 54 of leather, canvas, or other suitable material
which is brought in contact with the tire 55, of the drive wheel 26 when the
lever 49 is moved rearward in the plane of said drive wheel a result secured when
the axle 8 is rotated forwardly in its bearings as hereinafter explained. In
practice the apron 54 has a tendency to lap around the tire 55 thereby presenting
to said tire an effective contact surface.
56 is a stiff leaf spring one end of which is secured in any convenient manner
to the brake lever 49 and so that its opposite end will engage the slot 48" in
the crank-hanger 2 as clearly shown in Fig. 8. The tension of this spring should
be sufficient to prevent any rotatable movement of the axle 8 and consequently
any rearward movement of the brake-lever 49 when the cranks 9 9¹ are worked
alternately as hereinafter explained.
Where the brake mechanism herein described is used it is obvious that the
crank-axle 8 should be arranged to rotate in the bearing pieces 3 31; but
where it is desired to substitute for the brake mechanism herein described
other means for controlling the speed of the bicycle the axle 8 should be held
against rotation in the bearing pieces 33. Therefore I provide the central
opening in the bearing piece 3 with a lateral recess 57 and further provide
the axle 8 with a rib 58 adapted to engage the recess 57 when the parts are in
place. A like lateral recess may be formed in the central opening in the opposite
bearing piece and the opposite end of the axle 8 may be provided with a like
rib if deemed necessary or desirable. Other common and well-known means may
be availed of for this purpose when conditions make the same desirable.
-
The operation of this improved drive and brake mechanism is as follows:-
The rider placing his left foot on the pedal 121 depresses crank 9 to say
the limit of its downward throw which through the medium of the drive rod 20
effects the withdrawal of the drive connection 43 in the form of a loop from
the drum 35 thereby suitably rotating the latter in the forward direction; and
said drum through the action of the detached clutches 39 takes with it the
drive wheel 26. During this stage of the operation the collar 17 through the
medium of the arm 18 engaging the recess 12 in the crank 9 is rotated forwardly
on the axle S thereby imparting a suitable rotary motion to the pinion 16 with
the result that the collar 17 is rotated rearwardly on the axle 8 and through
the medium of the arm 18 the crank 91 is returned to the limit of its upward
throw. The rider now having his right foot on pedal 1211 depresses crank 91
to say the limit of its downward throw with the result that the drive
wheel 26 is rotated forwardly through the action of the intermediate
crank
as hereinbefore explained; and the
9 is
parts
returned to
the limit of its upward throw. During this alternate operation of the parts
the drums 35 351 are returned each to its normal position by means of the
coiled springs arranged to operate in conjunction therewith; also through the
action of these springs a suitable tension is at all times imparted to the drive
connections 43 43¹.
The rider now having attained a certain rate of speed and wishing to decrease
the same more or less depresses simultaneously the cranks 9 9¹, varying the
pressure which he employs to suit his own requirements; and thereupon the
collars 17 17 with their respective arms 18 181 assume the character of fixed
parts upon the axle 8 the pinion 16 remains stationary upon the stud 14 and
the axle 8 is rotated forwardly in its bearings with the result that the brake
lever 49 is moved rearwardly in the plane of the drive wheel 26, overcoming
in its progress the tension of the spring 56 and the apron 54 on the rollers 53 531
is urged against the tire 55 on said drive wheel thus diminishing the speed of
the latter.
It will be observed that propulsion of the bicycle is effected through alternate
depressions of the cranks 991 and the speed thereof is controllable through
simultaneous depression of said cranks.

page_text: From the foregoing description of this improved drive and brake mechanism
it will be seen that the same is especially well adapted for the purpose for
which it is designed and it is also obvious that the invention is susceptible of
considerable modification without material departure from its principles and spirit
and for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the
precise construction and arrangement of the parts as herein shown and described.
Dated this 18th day of October 1898
Improvements in Drive and Brake Mechanism for Bicycles and like
Vehicles.
I, ALBERT CLINTON TANNER, of 215, Monitor Street, Jersey City, New Jersey,
United States of America, Patent Solicitor, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particu-
larly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates generally to improvements in that class of assembled
mechanical parts commonly known as drive and brake mechanism; and particu-
larly to drive and brake mechanism of a character capable of being applied to
bicycles and similar vehicles the said mechanism being utilised by the rider in
propelling the bicycle or other vehicle to which it may be applied and in con-
trolling the speed" thereof.
The invention consists in certain combinations of parts and details of con-
struction all of which will be specifically described hereinafter.
Referring to the drawings left with the Provisional Specification in this case:-
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a bicycle having my improved drive and brake
mechanism applied thereto.
Fig. 1 is an enlarged side elevation showing my improvements.
Fig. 2 is a central longitudinal section of that part of the bicycle frame
commonly known as the crank-hanger" and shows the form and disposition
of certain parts located within and adjacent to said crank-hanger.
Fig. 3 is a plan view of certain elements of my improved mechanism and shows
the disposition of the same with respect to the hub of the drive-wheel of the
bicycle.
Fig. 4 is a rear view of the assembled parts shown in Fig. 3 a portion thereof
being shown in central vertical section on the line - of Fig. 5.
Fig. 5 is an outer face view or elevation of one of the brackets made use of
a portion thereof being broken away to more clearly disclose the form and
disposition of certain parts carried thereby.
Fig. 6 is an inner face view or elevation of the opposite bracket the same
showing the clutch mechanism made use of.
Fig. 7 is a detail view showing parts mounted on the crank axle as they
appear when revolved upward 90 degrees from the position they occupy in
Fig. 2.
Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing certain novel parts operative in conjunction
with the parts located within and adjacent to the crank-hanger and essential
for controlling the speed of the bicycle-the section being taken on the
line yy of Fig. 2.

page_text: Fig. 9 is an end view of the crank-hanger with crank axle bearing pieces
disposed therein the cranks being removed.
Fig. 10 is a detail view showing the lateral recess in the central opening in
one of the crank axle bearing pieces together with outlines of the rib on said
crank-axle.
Fig. 11 is a detail sectional view of same on the line - of Fig. 10.
Fig. 12 is a detail view similar to Fig. 10 the rib on the crank-axle shown in
the latter figure being dispensed with.
Referring to the accompanying drawings:-
-
The bicycle shown in Fig. 1 is of ordinary design and construction and 2
denotes the crank-hanger. Bearing-pieces 3 31 each in the form of a disc are
inserted into interior annular recesses 4 4' respectively formed in the ends of
the crank-hanger 2. Any suitable fasteners such as the screws 5 may be utilised
for holding the respective bearing-pieces 3 31 rigidly in place. The bearing-
pieces 3 and 31 are each provided with a suitable central opening and a con-
centric slot-like opening 6. The functions of the concentric openings 6 6¹ will
appear hereinafter.
The crank-axle 8 is disposed longitudinally within and centrally of the crank-
hanger 2 the ends of the same being reduced in diameter and bearing in the
central openings in the bearing-pieces 3 31 respectively.
The reductions in the diameter of the crank axle 8 are made to form shoulders
which abut against the bearing-pieces 3 and 31 thereby obviating longitudinal
movement or displacement of the crank-axle 8.
The reduced ends of the crank-axle 8 which bear in the central openings in
the bearing-pieces 3 31 project outward therefrom a distance suitable to admit
of there being loosely mounted thereon bell-cranks 9 9¹ respectively said bell-
crank 9 comprising a main member 10 and a shorter member 11 and said
bell-crank 91 comprising a main member 10' and a shorter member 111.
The bell-crank 9 is provided with a suitable recess 12 and the bell-crank 91
with a like recess the functions of which recesses will clearly appear hereinafter.
The respective extreme ends of the crank-axle S are still further reduced in
diameter and suitable threaded to receive nuts 7 71 which serve to prevent undue
removal or displacement of the cranks 9 91.
Suitable foot pedals 121 12" are applied, one to the free end of each of the
main members 10 10 of the bell-cranks 9 9¹ respectively.
The shorter members 11 11 of the bell-cranks 9 91 are respectively pro-
vided with similar eyes 13 13¹
The crank-axle 8 midway of its length is provided with a suitable recess
into which is tightly inserted the stud 14 the latter being held firmly in place
by means of the pin 15 forced into suitable registering openings in the stud 14
and the crank-axle 8 as clearly shown in Fig. 8. The stud 14 is suitable
shouldered and thereon is rotateably mounted a bevel toothed pinion 16 held
to place by means of the nut 16'.
There are rotatably mounted upon the crank-axle 8 at opposite sides of the
pinion 16 collars 17 17 each provided with bevelled teeth meshing at all times
with the teeth of said pinion 16. The collar 17 is provided with an integral
arm 18 which extends along parallel with and adjacent to the crank-axle 8,
projects outward through the slot-like opening 6 in the bearing-piece 3 and
engages the recess 12 in the crank 9. The collar 17 is provided with a like
arm 18' which extends outward through the slot-like opening 61 in the bearing-
piece 31 and engages the recess in the crank 9' corresponding with the recess 12
in the crank 9.
To obviate any binding tendency of the collars 17 171 on the axle 8 additional
collars 19 19 preferably formed integral with the arms 18 18¹ respectively may
be used.
A drive-rod 20 is provided at its forward end with a clip 21 within which

page_text: is loosely held by means of the pivot 22 the eye 13 of the bell-crank member 11;
and said drive-rod is further provided at its rear end with an enlarged clip 23
carrying a roller 24 mounted to rotate on the pivot 25 and a drive-rod 20' is
provided with a corresponding and similarly arranged clip 211; pivot 221 enlarges
clip 231 roller 24¹ and pivot 25¹.
20 is the drive-wheel of the bicycle mounted in the usual way to turn on
the fixed axle 30. 27 is the hub of the drive-wheel the same being provided
with the usual spoke-flanges 28. Bearing cones of the ordinary type are em-
ployed in the bearings for the hub 27 and by preference these cones when
adjusted project somewhat respectively from the ends of the hub 27; and in
addition to their functions as bearing elements they serve to check the move-
ment of certain adjacent parts in one direction along the axle 30 as will clearly
appear hereinafter. One of said cones partially exposed in Fig. 4 is indicated
by the numeral 29. The axle 30 is properly threaded to receive the said bearing
cones and also to receive the fastening nuts 31 31¹ one upon each end of said
axle.
The bracket 32 is provided with an angular offset 361 and with a suitable
central opening which is surrounded upon the inner side of said bracket by
the tubular member 33 the latter by preference being formed integral with
said bracket.
The bracket 32 is mounted upon the axle 30 adjacent to one end of the
wheel hub 27 and so that the inner end of the member 33 abuts against the
cone 29 all as clearly shown in the drawings.
The drum 35 comprises a peripheral portion having a uniform outer face
and a central web the latter disposed in the peripheral portion so that a chamber
or depression is formed at one side of said web within which chamber is arranged
a coiled spring 36 the same being firmly attached one end to the tubular
member 33 and the other end to the peripheral portion of the drum 35 said
spring serving to hold the drum 35 yieldingly against rotation in the forward
direction; and at the opposite side of the central web in the drum 35 another
chamber or depression is formed which admits of the surrounding peripheral
portion of the drum 35 overlapping the adjacent end of the drive-wheel hub 27
as clearly illustrated in the drawings.
I provide the tubular member 33 at its inner end with an exterior annular
recess 37 which serves as a bearing on which is rotatably mounted the drum 35
a suitable central opening being formed in the central web of the drum 35
to admit of thus mounting the same; and the drum 35 may be held in place
on its bearing in any convenient manner as by means of the flat ring 34 disposed
on the recessed end of the member 33, outside of and adjacent to the central
web of the drum 35 said ring being by preference held against displacement
by heading over the end of the tubular member 33.
That section of the peripheral portion of the drum 35 which overlaps the
adjacent end of the drive-wheel hub 27 is provided with a series of concaved
interior recesses 38 preferably not less than three in number. A series of
detached clutches 39 corresponding in number with the number of recesses 38
are employed and these clutches extend one from each of the recesses 38 to and
against the adjacent end of the drive-wheel hub 27 and each occupies a position
slightly oblique to the radius of the drum 35 and consequently of the drive-
wheel hub 27.
One end of each clutch in the series made use of is given a suitable convex
form to fit nicely in its individual recess 38; and its opposite end is prefer-
ably given the form of an irregular curve and is held yieldingly in contact with
the adjacent end of the drive-wheel hub 27 by means of a suitable spring as 40¹
(Fig. 6) which spring may be soft-soldered or otherwise secured one end to
the clutch and the other to the overlapping peripheral portion of the drum 35.
To prevent lateral displacement thereof each clutch 39 is provided with a

page_text: guard 41 secured in any convenient and well-known manner to the peripheral
portion of the drum 35; and to prevent endwise displacement of the clutches 39
when the bracket 32 (with the parts mounted thereon) is removed from the
axle 30 I provide each clutch 39 with a pin 42 adapted to take over its individual
guard 41.
From the foregoing description of the clutch mechanism made use of it will
be seen that none of the clutches is provided with a bearing point; but in operation
cach binds between the hub 27 and the peripheral portion of the drum when the
latter is rotated in the forward direction. In practice these clutches are not
only highly efficient but noiseless in operation.
Upon the axle 30 and adjacent to the opposite end of the hub 27 there is
mounted a bracket 321 provided with offset 36" and tubular member 33' on
which is mounted the spring-controlled rotatable drum 351 held to place by
flat ring 34. There are further provided clutches 391 to operate in conjunc-
tion with the drum 35 in interior recesses 381 and each clutch is provided
with a guard 411 pin 42¹ and spring 401; all of which are mere duplicates of
and are arranged to operate in identically the same way as parts hereinbefore
described and a more detailed description of same is therefore unnecessary.
A flexible drive-connection or strap 43 preferably of raw hide is secured one
end to the peripheral portion of the drum 35 as by means of rivets 44 and
is capable of being wound upon the uniform outer face of said peripheral por-
tion of the drum 35. The opposite end of said drive-connection is passed upward
between the forks of the enlarged clip 23 and around the roller 24 in said
clip and is fastened to the angular offset 361 of the bracket 32. For thus fasten-
ing the end of the drive-connection 43 to the bracket offset 36 I provide a
clamp 45 having a suitable threaded opening into which takes the threaded end
of the screw 46 the latter projecting downward through a suitable opening
formed in the bracket offset 36 The end of the drive-connection is forked as
indicated in Fig. 3 and the respective branches are folded each upon itself and
inserted endwise between the clamp 45 and the bracket offset 361 astride the
screw 46 are pinched tightly between said clamp and said bracket offset when
the screw 46 is turned in one direction; and may be liberated therefrom by
turning the screw 46 in the opposite direction as will be readily understood.
The drive-connection 44¹ is of the same material and is arranged to operate
in connection with the drum 35' and clip 231 containing roller 241 in identically
the same manner as the drive-connection 43 operates in connection with the
drum 35 and clip 23 containing roller 24; and its forked end is secured to the
angular bracket offset 361 by means of a clamp 45' and screw 46 in identically
the same manner as the forked end of the drive-connection 43 is secured to
the bracket offset 36. Therefore a further description of same is unnecessary.
The usual rear forked frame connections one of which is indicated by the
numeral 47 in Fig. 1 straddle the axle 30 one between the nut 31 and the
bracket 32 and the other between the nut 31 and the bracket 321; and when
these nuts 31 311 are screwed tightly against the adjoining frame connection
above referred to the brackets 32 32 with their tubular members 33 are urged
along the axle 30 till the inner ends of said tubular members are brought up
snugly against the respective cones 29 and the brackets 32 321 are consequently
held firmly in position upon the axle 30. To avoid any possible tilting tendency
of said brackets on the axle 30 I provide the brackets with projections 48 48¹
which may be in the form of screws screwed into the brackets which engage
the forks of the rear frame.
The mechanism thus far described is utilised in propelling the bicycle and in
connection therewith it is essential that means be provided whereby the speed
of the bicycle may be effectually controlled. To this end I form in the crank-
hanger 2 a suitable transverse slot-like opening 48 and I form in the crank
axle 8 at a point registering with said slot-like opening when the crank axle 8

page_text: is in place an opening having by preference tapered walls. The tapered end
of the curbed brake-lever 49 is passed through the opening 48" inserted into the
tapered opening in the crank axle 8 and held firmly in the latter by means of
the nut 50 the said tapered end of the brake-lever 49 being suitably tapped and
threaded to receive said nut. There is firmly secured to the opposite end of
the brake-lever 49 a double clip 51 within which are mounted to rotate as on
the pivots 52 52¹ twin rollers 53 53¹ one above the other; and there is disposed
on said rollers an endless apron 54 of leather, canvas, or other suitable material
which is brought in contact with the tyre 55, of the drive-wheel 26 when the
lever 49 is moved rearward in the plane of said drive-wheel a result secured when
the axle 8 is rotated forwardly in its bearings as hereinafter explained. In
practice the apron 54 has a tendency to lap around the tyre 55 thereby presenting
to said tyre an effective contact surface."
56 is a stiff leaf spring one end of which is secured in any convenient manner
to the brake-lever 49 and so that its opposite end will engage the slot 48" in
the crank-hanger 2 as clearly shown in Fig. 8. The tension of this spring should
be sufficient to prevent any rotatable movement of the axle 8 and consequently
any rearward movement of the brake-lever 49 when the cranks 9 91 are worked
alternately as hereinafter explained.
Where the brake mechanism herein described is used it is obvious that the
crank axle 8 should be arranged to rotate in the bearing pieces 3 31; but
where it is desired to substitute for the brake mechanism herein described
other means for controlling the speed of the bicycle the axle 8 should be held
against rotation in the bearing pieces 3 31. Therefore I provide the central
opening in the bearing piece 3 with a lateral recess 57 and further provide
the axle 8 with a rib 58 adapted to engage the recess 57 when the parts are in
place. A like lateral recess may be formed in the central opening in the opposite
bearing piece and the opposite end of the axle 8 may be provided with a like
rib if deemed necessary or desirable. Other common and well-known means may
be availed of for this purpose when conditions make the same desirable.
The operation of this improved drive and brake mechanism is as follows:-
The rider placing his left foot on the pedal 121 depresses crank 9 to say
the limit of its downward throw which through the medium of the drive rod 20
effects the withdrawal of the drive-connection 43 in the form of a loop from
the drum 35 thereby suitably rotating the latter in the forward direction; and
said drum through the action of the detached clutches 39 takes with it the
drive-wheel 26. During this stage of the operation the collar 17 through the
medium of the arm 18 engaging the recess 12 in the crank 9 is rotated forwardly
on the axle 8 thereby imparting a suitable rotary motion to the pinion 16 with
the result that the collar 171 is rotated rearwardly on the axle 8 and through
the medium of the arm 18¹ the crank 9' is returned to the limit of its upward
throw. The rider now having his right foot on pedal 12 depresses crank 91
to say the limit of its downward throw with the result that the
drive-wheel 26 is rotated forwardly through the action of the inter-
mediate parts as hereinbefore explained; and the crank 9 is returned
to the limit of its upward throw. During this alternate operation of the parts
the drums 35 35¹ are returned each to its normal position by means of the
coiled springs arranged to operate in conjunction therewith; also through the
action of these springs a suitable tension is at all times imparted to the drive
connections 43 43.
The rider now having attained a certain rate of speed and wishing to decrease
the same more or less depresses simultaneously the cranks 9 91, varying the
pressure which he employs to suit his own requirements; and thereupon the
collars 17 17 with their respective arms 18 181 assume the character of fixed
parts upon the axle 8 the pinion 16 remains stationary upon the stud 14 and
the axle 8 is rotated forwardly in its bearings with the result that the brake

page_text: lever 49 is moved rearwardly in the plane of the drive wheel 26, overcoming
in its progress the tension of the spring 56 and the apron 54 on the rollers 53 53'
is urged against the tyre 55 on said drive wheel thus diminishing the speed of
the latter.
It will be observed that propulsion of the bicycle is effected through alternate
depressions of the cranks 991 and the speed thereof is controllable through
simultaneous depression of said cranks.
From the foregoing description of this improved drive and brake mechanism
it will be seen that the same is especially well adapted for the purpose for
which it is designed and it is also obvious that the invention is susceptible of
considerable modification without material departure from its principles and spirit
and for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the
precise construction and arrangement of the parts as herein shown and described.
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 bicycle or like vehicle, in combination with the drive wheel, mounted
to rotate on a fixed axle, a supporting medium, rigidly mounted on said axle,
a drum rotatably mounted on said supporting medium, detached clutches movable
with said drum and having their free ends in contact with the drive-wheel hub,
said clutches being arranged with respect to the drum, in such a manner as to
lock the drum, when rotated in one direction, to the drive-wheel hub, guards,
for preventing lateral displacement of said clutches, the latter being each pro-
vided with a pin, adapted to engage the adjacent guard, to prevent endwise
displacement of said clutches, when said drum is removed from its supporting
part, and means for rotating said drum, all substantially as herein described.
2. In a bicycle or like vehicle, in combination with the drive-wheel, a bracket
firmly mounted on the drive-wheel axle said bracket being provided with an
angular offset, and with a central tubular member adapted to encircle the drive-
wheel axle, a drum rotatably mounted on said tubular member, means for locking
the drum, when rotated in one direction, to the hub of the drive-wheel, a flexible
drive-connection, having one end secured to and capable of being wound upon
said drum and having its opposite end secured to the angular offset of said
bracket, means for withdrawing the drive-connection from said drum, in the
form of a loop, for rotating said drum, and means for returning the latter to
its normal position, all substantially as herein described.
3. In a bicycle or like vehicle, in combination with the drive-wheel, mounted
to rotate on a fixed axle, a supporting medium rigidly mounted on said axle,
a drum rotatably mounted on said supporting medium, and comprising a peri-
pheral portion, and a central web, said peripheral portion being provided with a
series of interior recesses, and said drum being mounted so that said peripheral
portion will overlap the drive-wheel hub, detached clutches disposed one in each of
said recesses, and extending therefrom to the drive-wheel hub, means for
pre-
venting lateral and endwise displacement of said clutches, springs adapted to
urge the free ends of said clutches to contact with the drive-wheel hub, and
means for rotating said drum, all substantially as herein described.
4. In a bicycle or like vehicle, in combination, a rigidly mounted bracket
provided with an angular offset and a central member, a drum rotatably mounted
on said central member, a flexible drive-connection having one end secured to,
and capable of being wound upon, said drum, and having its opposite end
secured to the angular offset of said bracket, a drive-rod provided with a clip
containing a roller, the latter engaging said drive-connection in a manner to
withdraw the same from said drum, in the form of a loop, when said drive-rod
is moved endwise away from said bracket, and means for thus moving said drive-
rod, all substantially as herein described.
5. In a bicycle or like vehicle, in combination with the crank-hanger, bearing

page_text: pieces rigidly disposed one in each end of said hanger, and each provided with a
suitable concentric opening, an axle mounted centrally in said bearing pieces,
cranks loosely mounted one on each end of said axle, a bevel-toothed pinion
rotatably mounted midway of said axle, and bevel-toothed collars mounted on
said axle, one on each side of said pinion, the said collars meshing at all times
with said pinion, and each being provided with an arm, arranged to project
outward through the concentric opening in the adjacent bearing-piece, and
engage the adjacent crank, to the end that said collars may be rotated on said axle
in unison with the movements of said cranks, when the latter are moved, all
substantially as herein described and for the purpose set forth.
6. In a bicycle or like vehicle, in combination with the crank-hanger, bearing-
pieces, rigidly diposed, one in each end of said crank-hanger, an axle, rotatably
mounted in said bearing-pieces, means for holding said axle yieldingly against
rotation, cranks, loosely mounted one on each end of said axle, means, within said
crank-hanger, for ensuring alternate movement of said cranks, save when
simultaneously depressed, and a brake-lever, secured to, and depending from said
axle, and provided at its free end with a suitable contact part, the parts being
disposed so that the cranks, when alternately depressed will work upon said
axle, and when simultaneously depressed a rotary movement will be imparted
to the crank axle, whereby the contact part on the brake-lever will be brought
into engagement with the tyre of the drive-wheel, all substantially as herein
described.
7. In a bicycle or like vehicle, in combination, a rotatably mounted crank-
axle, means for holding the crank-axle yieldingly against rotation, cranks loosely
mounted one on each end of the crank-axle, a bevel-toothed pinion rotatably
mounted parallel with, and midway the length of the crank-axle, bevel-toothed
collars, loosely mounted on said crank-axle, one on each side of, and in mesh
with, said pinion, and a brake-lever secured to and projecting away from said
crank-axle, said brake-lever being provided with a suitable contact part, and
said collars being capable of joint movement, each with the adjacent crank, as
herein specified.
8. In a bicycle or like vehicle, having a crank-hanger, in combination, bearing-
pieces, rigidly secured one in each end of said crank-hanger, and each provided
with a suitable opening, a crank-axle rotatably mounted in said bearing-pieces,
means for holding the crank-axle yieldingly against rotation cranks, loosely
mounted one on each end of the crank-axle, a bevel-toothed pinion, rotatably
mounted parallel with, and midway the length of the crank-axle, bevel toothed
collars, loosely mounted on said crank-axle, one on each side of, and in mesh with,
said pinion and a brake-lever secured to and projecting away from said crank-
axle, said brake-lever being provided with a suitable contact part and said collars
being provided, the one with an arm projecting outward through the opening in
the adjacent bearing-piece and engaging the adjacent crank, and the other with
an arm projecting outward through the opening in the opposite bearing-piece and
engaging the opposite crank, as herein specified.
9. In a bicycle or like vehicle, in combination with the drive-wheel, a suit-
ably disposed crank-axle, bell-cranks, loosely mounted one on each end of said crank-
axle, drive-rods, one loosely connected at its forward end to the shorter member
of each of said bell-cranks and cach provided with a clip at its rear end, con-
taining a roller, brackets firmly mounted on the drive-wheel axle, one adjacent
to each end of the drive-wheel hub and each provided with an angular offset and
a central member adapted to encircle the drive-wheel axle, drums rotatably
mounted one on the central member of each of said brackets, flexible drive-con-
nections, one taking around the roller in the adjacent drive-rod clip and
arranged to be wound upon one of said drums and withdrawn therefrom in the
form of a loop, for rotating said drum, and the opposite drive-connection taking
around the roller in the opposite drive-rod clip and arranged to be wound upon
the opposite drum and withdrawn therefrom in the form of a loop, for rotating

page_text: the last named drum, means for locking the drums, when thus rotated, to the
drive-wheel hub, means for yieldingly holding said drums in their nomal
positions and means for ensuring alternate action of the bell-cranks, all sub-
stantially as herein described and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 18th day of Jul 1800
TONGUE & BIRKBECK,
31, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.