Improvements in and relating to Elevated Cycle Railways.
Year: 1898

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Elevated Cycle Railways.
I, WILLIAM HENRY MARTIN, of Mobile, in the State of Alabama, United States
of America, Timber Merchant and Exporter, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to elevated cycle railways and to carriages and tracks
and track supports for such railways, and it has for its objects: to strengthen
the frame or truck of the cycle or carriage and equalize the distribution of
weight; to provide a simple safety device for preventing fall of the cycle or
carriage from the elevated track; to provide an improved break appliance adapted
to be forced against the track rail, both at top and at bottom to immediately and
safely check the motion of the vehicle or truck; to provide a safety guard for
the seats carried by the suspended cycle frame, and to provide an improved
securely stiffened overhead track for cycles, from which the same are suspended
beneath and at one side of the elevated track.
The elevated railway is primarily supported by means of a series of posts or
upright poles firmly planted in the ground at suitable intervals apart, to the
upper part of each of which is secured a cross arm of a length approximately
the required distance between two track rails to be supported at opposite ends of
the several cross arms.
At their opposite ends, each cross arm has secured to it a rail-supporting
bracket which is so constructed as to closely embrace the sides of the cross arm
and project horizontally and laterally beyond the same in the longitudinal
direction of said cross arm. Each bracket comprises two parallel side arms,
between which the end of the cross arm is received. The outer ends of these
bracket-arms are formed integral with a bracket cross-bar which affords sup-
porting attachment for the track rails, (preferably double headed) which are
suitable secured, by their web, to said brackets.
Spreaders or track ties are provided at suitable points between the track rails
for the purpose of imparting great stiffness to the track and bracing the rails
against lateral strain, and these spreaders are likewise furnished with rail
attaching brackets similar to the cross arm brackets.
On the upper part of each upright or post, I arrange suitable means, say a
band or collar, to receive the upper ends of stay wires, some of which have their
lower ends secured to eye bolts fastened to the end portions of the spreaders,
while others have their lower portions secured to the ends of the cross arm on
the posts, and may be provided with extensions leading downwards and secured
to each post below its cross arm. Interposed in these stay wires are turn-buckles
for straining them, and are located in such proximity to the track as to permit
of ready access for any purpose.

page_text: This elevated cycle railway affords two securely braced track rails for passage
by each other, in opposite directions, of suspended cycle carriages.
The cycle carriage comprises a yoke frame supported from the axles of traction
wheels which are adapted and arranged to run one in front of the other on a
single track rail, and guide wheels or rollers engaging the under head or flange
of the track rail are provided to assist in holding the cycle on the track. There
is also provided a track break for controlling the speed of the cycle and to assist
in stopping, when desired. This break may be operated by means of a cord
suspended within reach of an operator seated in the carriage which is supported
in the lower part of the cycle frame and beneath the overhead track. A guard
may surround the seats (of which there may be two or more) for the safety of
the passengers, and a support or frame for an awning may also be provided.
The cycle may be arranged to be propelled by means of pedals geared with the
axle of one of the traction wheels, but any other suitable motive power may be
furnished.
The cycle or truck frame comprises two parallel longitudinally arranged bars
for connecting the wheel axles. It also comprises yokes mounted on the wheel
axles and adapted to straddle the wheels. One end of each yoke is extended
below the axle and beneath the track rail and is preferably given a partly spiral
twist at its lower extremity where it connects with the suspended yoke frame
which may support the propelling mechanism and accommodation for the cycle
operator, and the passengers.
For strengthening the cycle frame and equalizing the weight on the two ends
of the traction wheel axles, equalizing steel straps or braces are provided, and
these, at the same time, aid in more equally distributing the weight of the cycle
throughout its frame and impart a greater steadiness of movement to the
cycle when carrying heavy weights, besides greatly lessening any liability to
derailment.
A safety device, on each equalizing strap or brace, is arranged to catch on to
the upper side of the track rail, in event of derailment, and arrest the fall of
the cycle.
At a point below the track rail, is a support to which is secured the lower arm
of a yoke-shaped spring break, carrying on the end of each of its arms a break-
shoe, one of which is adapted to clasp the top of the track rail while the other
clasps the bottom thereof. The operating cord is secured to the lower break arm
and then passed upward over a pulley on the upper arm from which its free end
depends. The normally separated arms of the spring yoke hold the break shoes
away from the track, but by grasping the cord handle and pulling it down, the
spring yoke will be compressed and the shoes thereby forced into clasping
engagement with the track rail, thereby immediately checking or arresting the
movement of the cycle or carriage.
1000
I, WILLIAM HENRY MARTIN, of Mobile, in the State of Alabama, United States
of America, Timber Merchant and Exporter, do hereby declare the nature of this 50

page_text: invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement, reference being had
to the accompanying drawings and to the letters and figures marked thereon,
that is to say:-
This invention relates to elevated cycle railways and to carriages and tracks
and track supports for such railways, and it has for its objects, to strengthen
the frame or truck of the cycle or carriage and equalize the distribution of
weight; to provide a simple safety device for preventing fall of the cycle or
carriage from the elevated track; to provide an improved break appliance adapted
to be forced against the elevated track rail, both at top and bottom, to immedi-
ately and safely check the motion of the vehicle or truck; to provide a safety
guard for the seat or seats carried by the suspended cycle frame; and to provide
an improved securely stiffened overhead track for cycles, from which a carriage
is suspended beneath and. at one side of the elevated track.
The invention consists in features of construction and novel combinations of
parts in an elevated railway, and in cycles and suspended carriages, as hereinafter
more particularly described and claimed.
In the annexed drawings illustrating the invention:
Fig. 1. is an isometic perspective of my improved elevated cycle railway
showing a carriage thereon."
Fig. 2 is an end view of the same with one of the track rails removed.
Fig. 3 is an enlarged part sectional detail side elevation of one of the rail
supporting brackets and pole cross arm.
Fig. 4 is a horizontal section of the same with the rail in part horizontal
section.
Fig. 5 is a part sectional side elevation of rail supporting bracket for spreaders
or track ties.
Fig. 6 is a horizontal section of the same.
Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the upper part of one of the track supporting
posts.
Fig. 8 is a horizontal section of a post on the line 8, 8, of Fig 7, shewing in
plan view the ring or collar for attachment of stays.
Fig. 9 is an enlarged end view of a track rail.
Fig. 10 is an end elevation of a track break with which the cycle may be
provided, the track or rail being shewn in cross section.
By reference to Fig. 1, it will be seen that the elevated railway is primarily
supported by means of a series of posts or upright poles 1, firmly planted in the
ground at suitable intervals apart, say 30 feet, more or less. These posts may
be rectangular in cross section, or of any other convenient form. To the upper
portion of each post or upright 1, at a suitable distance from the ground, there
is firmly secured a cross arm 2, which will have a length approximately the
required distance between two track rails to be supported at opposite ends of the
several cross arms.
At their opposite ends, each cross arm 2 has secured thereto a rail-supporting
bracket 3, which is constructed to closely embrace the sides of the cross arm and
project horizontally and laterally beyond the same in the longitudinal direction
of said cross arm. As shewn in Figs. 3 and 4, each bracket 3 comprises two
parallel side armis 4, between which the end of the cross arm 2 is received. The
outer ends of these parallel bracket arms project beyond the end of the cross
arin 2 and are formed integral with a bracket-cross-har 5, preferably of such
length that its ends will project beyond the said parallel bracket arms 4 and at
right angles therewith, as shewn. The bracket arms 4 are secured to the cross
arm 2 by means of transversely arranged bolts 6 with nuts 7 thereon. as in Figs. 3
and 4. The cross bars 5 of the brackets 3, afford supporting attachment for the
track rails 8 which are secured to said brackets by means of holts 9 and nuts 10,
Figs. 3 and 4, in a convenient and durable manner. By extending the bracket

page_text: arms beyond the ends of the post cross arms 2, as shewn, sufficient space is
afforded for inserting and removing the rail attaching bolts and nuts without
disturbing the brackets.
In attaching the track rails 8 to the cross arm brackets 3 it is preferable to
have said rails break joint at about the centre of each bracket cross bar 5, and
the joint should be braced by a fish plate 11 on the outer side of the rails. It is
preferable to employ double-headed track rails 8 of the character illustrated in
Figs. 3, 5 and 9, the said rails being flanged both at their top and bottom edges.
This construction of rail provides facilities for more secure connection with the
bracket bars 5 and fish plates 11 in smoothly uniting the rail joints and securing
the track to its elevated supports. By reference to Figs. 3, 5 and 9, it will be
seen that the web and flanges of a rail 8 form with each other the right angled
shoulders 12, Fig. 9, that firmly brace the fish plates and bracket cross bars
which are each of the same width as the rail webs and consequently fit closely
between the rail flanges or heads.
For the purpose of giving great stiffness to the track, and bracing the rails 8
against lateral strain at points equidistant between any two uprights 1 and their
attached cross arms 2, there are provided spreaders or track ties 13, Fig. 1, having
These
rail attaching brackets 14, Figs. 5 and 6, secured to their opposite ends.
tie brackets 14 are similar to the cross arm brackets 3 herein before described.
Each bracket 14 has an integral cross bar 15 to which a central portion of a track
rail 8 is bolted.
The top of each upright 1 is preferably made cylindrical, as shewn in Figs. 7
and 8, the better to have fitted thereon a metallic band or collar 16 of annular
form. A number of vertical grooves 17 is formed in the upper cylindrical part
of each post or upright 1 immediately within the collar 16 and extending above
and below the same. These grooves 17 afford passage for the upper ends of
galvanized metallic stay wires 18 and 19, Figs. 1, 2 and 7, that are thus passed
around and secured to the band or collar 16 on each post. The lower ends of
the wire stays 18 are secured to eye bolts 20, Fig. 5, fastened in the end portions
of the spreaders or cross ties 13, while the stay wires 19 have their lower portions
secured to the ends of the post cross arms 2, and may be provided with exten-
sions 21, Fig. 1, leading downward and secured to each post below its cross arm.
In each of these stay wires there is provided a turn buckle 22 for straining the
wires; and it will be observed that the several turn buckles are located in such
proximity to the track as to permit of ready access from a repair car so that there
will be no difficulty in lining up the track. The top of each upright 1 is pro-
vided with a conical metallic cap 23 to protect the post or upright, and its grooves
and stay attachments from the weather.
This elevated railway affords two securely braced track rails 8 for passage by
each other, in opposite directions, of suspended cycle carriages having the general
construction shewn in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings.
The cycle carriage comprises a yoke frame 24, Figs. 1 and 2, suspended from
the axles of traction wheels 25 that are adapted and arranged to run one after
the other on a single track rail. The cycle frame carries guide wheels 26, Fig. 1,
engaging the under head or flange of the double-headed track rail 8 to assist in
holding the cycle on the track, and there is also provided a track break 27 for
controlling the speed of the cycle and to assist in stopping, when desired. This
break may be operated by means of a cord 28 suspended within reach of an
operator seated in the carriage which is supported in the lower part of the cycle
frame and beneath the overhead track. A latticed guard 29 may surround the
seats, for safety of the passengers. Although I have shewn the cycle as arranged
to be propelled by means of pedals 30, geared with the axle of a traction wheel,
it will he obvious that some other suitable motive power may be conveniently
and economically provided. The suspended cycle carriage may be furnished
with one or more seats 31, and with an awning support or frame 32, if desired,
or it may be arranged for carrying freight.

page_text: The frame of the cycle or truck comprises two parallel longitudinally arranged
bars 33 that connect the wheel axles. It also comprises the yokes 34 one of
which is mounted on each wheel axle in position to straddle the wheel, as shewn.
One end of each yoke 34 is extended below the axle and beneath the track rail,
and is preferably given a partly spiral twist at its lower extremity where it
connects with the forward and rearward extended yoke frame 24 that may
support the propelling mechanism and accommodations for the cycle operator and
one or more passengers, if desired.
To the upper part of the suspended yoke frame 24, is connected a longitudi-
nally extended brace rod 35 that occupies a position below and parallel with the
track rail. This brace rod 35 may support the guide wheels 20, as shewn.
For the purpose of strengthening the cycle frame and equalizing the weight
on the two ends of the traction wheel axles, there are provided two equalizing
straps or braces 36, constructed from steel and arranged as shewn in Fig. 1. At
their upper ends, these equalizing straps or braces 36 are riveted, or otherwise
secured, to one of the upper longitudinal bars 33, on the side of the cycle opposite
the depending arms of the yokes 34, to better equalize the weight on the two
ends of the wheel axles. The depending portions of the steel equalizing straps
or braces 36 are curved laterally across the track rail 8 at a point between the
wheels 25, and at their lower ends they are secured to the brace rod 35 beneath
the track. It will be obvious that by reason of the construction and arrangement
of these equalizing straps or braces 36 the weight of the cycle will be more
equally distributed throughout the cycle frame with the result of imparting a
greater steadiness of movement to the cycle in carrying heavy weights, besides
greatly lessening any liability to derailment.
To one side of each equalizing strap or brace 36, there is secured a safety
device consisting of an outwardly curved piece of metal forming a lug or stop 37,
Fig. 2, that is so arranged as to catch on to the upper side of the track rail and
arrest the fall of the cycle in event of derailment.
At a point below the track rail 8, there is carried a support 38, Fig. 10, to
which is secured the lower arm of the yoke-shaped break appliance 27, which is
constructed from spring metal. This spring yoke 27 carries on the end of each
arm a break shoe 39, one end of which is adapted to clasp the top of the track
rail while the other clasps on to the bottom of said rail. The operating cord 28
is secured to the lower break arm and then passed upward over a small pulley 40
on the upper arm from which its free end depends. The normally separated
arms of the spring yoke 27 hold the break shoes 39 away from the track, but by
grasping the cord handle and drawing it down the spring yoke 27 will be com-
pressed and the shoes 39 thereby forced into clasping engagement with the track
so as to immediately check or arrest the movement of the cycle or carriage.
The structure of the elevated cycle railway is simple, durable, and entirely safe
and convenient, and it is adapted to a variety of purposes whether for traffic or
amusement.
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 an elevated cycle railway, the combination of a series of uprights or
posts each provided with a cross arm, a bracket bolted to each end of each cross
arm, double headed track rails having their ends jointed at and bolted to said
brackets, and wire stays secured to an upper portion of each upright and to the
ends of the cross arms, substantially as described.
2. In an elevated cycle railway, the combination of a series of uprights or
posts each provided with a cross arm, a bracket bolted to each end of each cross
arm, double headed track rails having their ends jointed at and bolted to said
brackets, spreaders or track ties equidistant between the uprights and having
their ends provided with brackets to which the central portions of the track rails

page_text: are bolted, wire stays secured to upper portions of the uprights and to the ends
of said cross arms and track ties, and turn-buckles located in said stays adjacent
to the track rails, substantially as described.
3. In an elevated cycle railway, the combination of a series of uprights or
posts each having its upper end provided with vertical grooves, a band or collar
secured to each post over said grooves, the post cross arms having brackets
secured to their opposite ends, the double headed track rails jointed at and bolted
to said brackets, the track ties equidistant between said posts and having their
ends provided with brackets to which the central portions of the track rails
are bolted, and adjustable wire stays having their upper ends secured to the band
or collar of a post at the vertical grooves in said post and having their lower ends
secured to the ends of the cross arms and track ties, substantially as described.
4. In an elevated cycle railway, the combination of a series of uprights or
posts each having its upper end provided with vertical grooves, a band or collar
secured to each post over said grooves, a metallic cap for the top of each post,
the post cross arms having brackets secured to their opposite ends, the double-
headed track rails bolted to said brackets, the track ties, and adjustable wire
stays connecting the ends of the post cross arms and the ends of the track ties
with the collars on said posts, substantially as described.
5. In an elevated track cycle, the combination with the cycle frame, of the
equalizing straps or braces extended from an upper portion of the cycle frame,
above the track, to a portion of said frame below the track and adapted to equalize
the weight on both ends of the cycle axles, enabling the truck to support heavy
weights, substantially as described.
6. In an elevated track cycle, the combination with the cycle frame or truck
comprising upper and lower horizontal bars or rods, of the equalizing straps or
braces extended from the upper bar on one side of the cycle downward and out-
ward above the track and then to the lower bar or rod of said frame, beneath the
track, and adapted to equalize the weight on both ends of the cycle axles, and
safety devices carried by said equalizing braces to engage the track in event of
derailment, substantially as described.
7. In an elevated track cycle or truck, the combination with the traction
wheels and their axles, and the longitudinal bars connecting said axles, of the
yokes mounted on said axles to straddle the wheels and each having an arm
extended down on one side of and below the track, a yoke frame suspended from
the lower ends of said arms, a longitudinally extended brace rod connecting the
front and rear upper portions of said suspended yoke frame, guide wheels or
rollers supported by said brace rod and engaged with the under side of the track,
and equalizing straps or braces connecting said brace rod with the upper portion
of the cycle frame and adapted to equalize the weight on the ends of the cycle
axles, substantially as described.
8. In an elevated track cycle or truck, the combination with the cycle frame
supported on the axles of the traction wheels and suspended on one side of the
track, of the equalizing braces or straps extended from an upper portion of said
frame to a lower portion and adapted to equalize the weight on the ends of the
axles, and safety stops secured to and projecting from said braces to engage the
track and arrest the fall of the cycle in event of derailment, substantially as
described.
9. In an elevated track cycle or truck, the combination with the cycle frame
and a track rail flanged at top and bottom, of a spring yoke supported by the
cycle frame and carrying a break shoe on one end of each arm, one of said break
shoes being adapted to clasp the top of the track rail and the other adapted to
clasp the bottom of said rail, and a cord and pulley for actuating the yoke arms
to apply the breaks, substantially as described.
10. In an elevated track cycle or truck, the combination of the traction wheels.
the cycle frame suspended from the wheel axles and provided with upper and
lower longitudinal bars, the braces connecting said bars and adapted to equalize

page_text: the weight on the ends of the axles, and the spring yoke-shaped break appliance
carried by the cycle frame and provided with operating mechanism whereby it is
adapted to clasp the track rail at top and bottom, substantially as described.
11. In an elevated track cycle or truck, the combination with a suspended
cycle frame, and a seat or seats supported in said frame, of a safety guard
surrounding the said seat or seats, substantially as described.
12. In an elevated track cycle or truck, the combination with a suspended
cycle frame, and a seat or seats supported in said frame, of an awning carried by
the said suspended cycle frame, substantially as described.
Dated this 7th dox of Sontember 1898
ERNEST DE PASS,
Chartered Patent Agent,
78, Fleet Street, London, and 5A, Market Street, Nottingham,
Agent for the Applicant.