IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO TRICYCLES
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Clay Bull of Brooklyn New York United States
of America but at present of 1 Hackins Hey Liverpool in the County of
Lancaster for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO
TRICYCLES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Clay Bull at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd October 1882.
HENRY CLAY BULL, of Brooklyn, New York, United States of America, but at
present of 1, Hackins Hey, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster "IMPROVEMENTS
IN AND RELATING TO TRICYCLES
"
My Invention has for its object certain improvements in and relating to tricycles
and the following is a full, clear and exact description thereof, sufficient to enable
any one skilled in the art to which my Invention belongs to make and use the
same reference being had to the two sheets of Drawings accompanying this Speci-
fication and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon. Like letters, or
figures denote the same, or corresponding parts throughout the various views.
The improvements to which my Invention relate are embodied in the machine
illustrated in the Drawings and consist
First in the positioning of the seat, or saddle of the rider.
Second in a novel arrangement of differential driving gear.
Third in a novel arrangement of collapsable frame.

page_text: velocipede with two front optional driving wheels and one rear steering wheel,
carrying what may be termed a double bicycle frame of collapsable construction.
Upon reference to the Drawings it will be seen that the front wheels A. B are of
different diameters and with the rear wheel C carry the collapsable frame D.
Under the first part my Invention consists in the high positioning of the seat
or saddle E, which I place between the back frames Di D' supported on the
block F of the telescopic quadrant H H' wbiche quadrant serves to rigidly separate
and secure the back frames D1 D2 in an open position as shown at Figures 3
and 5.
Under the second part my Invention consists of the differential driving gear of 1
the wheels A B, namely the crank axle I, which can at option be geared with the
wheel A, or the wheel B. The gearing mechanism of the wheel A consists of a
clutch J worked by an eccentric J¹ on the lever J' carried to a convenient position
for operating by the rider when riding. By this arrangement the wheel A can be
put in, or out of gear with the cranked axle I at option. The gearing mechanism
of the wheel B consists of the dished friction disc, or toothed wheel K mounted on
the axle of the wheel B and the internal friction disc, or toothed wheel K' gearing
with the disc wheel K and mounted upon the end of the crank axle I. The friction
disc K' is carried in the bearing K² which bearing is supported from the bracket K³
and is so arranged that it can be canted up, or down by means of the rod K+. By
so canting the axle I and the disc K¹, the disc K¹ can be put in, or out of gear with
the disc K.
Under the third part my Invention consists of the frames D³ D³ bound and
working in the twin step-bearing d which is mounted on the tube M which carries
the fork C¹ of the wheel C and the twin connecting bearing d². The upper ends of
the back frames D' D' form clamp bearings d³ d into which fit the ends a b of the
forks of the wheels A and B. On the frames D¹ D2 are mounted the telescopic
tubes H H¹, which when the tricycle is to be folded, telescope through the block F
which can be clamped, or released if desired. When it is required to fold the
machine the clamp block F is unclamped, as also are the clamp bearings d³ d*; then
by disengaging the clutch J from the wheel A, and the gear, and spreading outward
the frames D D², the crank shaft I is withdrawn and the machine can then be
folded and made to take the appearance shown at Figures 4 and 6
Under the fourth part my Invention consists of a novel brake device namely
the combination of the disc K¹ with the disc K and the rod K. The brake action
is caused, or put on by bringing the disc K' into gear with the disc K of the
wheel B, while the wheel A is still in gear with the axle I. The differential speeds
of the wheels A and B effecting the brake. When toothed wheele gearing is used
an ordinary brake is used.
Under the fifth part my Invention consists of the rod L, which is connected to,
or formed on the fork C¹ and works in the tube M, forming its bearing. The
tube M is fitted into eyes m' m² formed on the twin step connecting bearing d
and the twin connecting bearing d² fitted with a lever L', or its equivalent in the
form of a drum. When the lever is used motion is imparted by means of the
toothed connecting rod L2 and the pinion L³ worked by the handle L*. When a
drum is used motion is imparted by means of an endless cord in tension.
The essential advantages which I obtain by my Invention are
First The rider is so positioned as to most efficiently apply the motive power.
-Second Through the differential driving gear and wheels, the rider can, when on
level ground, use the large wheel A as the driving wheel and when going up hill,
or on heavy ground he can disconnect the large wheel A and make the smaller
wheel B the driving wheel.
Third I obtain a collapsabble machine of simple construction.
Fourth I obtain a very efficient brake device
Fifth I obtain a very efficient steering device.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Henry Clay Bull in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
3rd April 1883.
HENRY CLAY BULL, of Brooklyn, New York, United States of America, but at
present of 1 Hackins Hey, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster "IMPROVEMENTS
IN AND RELATING TO TRICYCLES"
My Invention has for its object certain improvements in and relating to tricycles
and the following is a full, clear and exact description thereof sufficient to enable
anyone skilled in the art to which my Invention belongs to make and use the
same reference being had to the three sheets of Drawings accompanying this
Specification and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon. Like
letters, or figures denote the same, or corresponding parts throughout the various
views.
The improvements to which my Invention relates are embodied in the machines
illustrated in the Drawings and consist
First in the positioning of the seat, or saddle of the rider and general arrangement
of the machines
Figure 1 is an outside elevation of a tricycle according to my Invention
Figure 2 is a central sectional elevation of a tricycle according to my Invention
shown closed.
Figure 3 is a plan of Figure 1 shown open
Figure 4 is a plan of Figure 1 shown closed
Figure 5 is a front end view of Figure 1 shown open.
Figure 6 is a front end view of Figure 1 shown closed.
Figures 7, 7 are details of the disconnecting clutch of the driving gear.
Figures 8, 8 are details of the brake and friction driving gear.
Figure 9 is a plan of a modified form of a tricylce [sic] according to my
Invention.
Figure 10 is an elevation of Figure 9.
Figure 11 is an end view of Figure 9.
Figure 12 is a sectional elevation of Figure 11.
Figures 13 and 14 are detail views of driving gear.
Figures 15 and 16 are detail views of the disconnecting clutch.
Figures 17 and 18 are detail views of part of the brake and reducing gear.
The general arrangement of the machine is that of a tricycle, or three wheel
velocipede with two front optional driving wheels and one rear steering wheel,
carrying what may be termed a double bicycle frame of collapsable construction.
Upon reference to the Drawings, Figures 1 to 84 inclusive it will be seen that
the front wheels A. B are of different diameters and with the rear wheel C carry
the collapsable frame.
Under the first part my Invention consists in the high positioning of the seat,
or saddle E, which I place between the back frames D', D° supported on the
block F of the telescopic quadrant H, H', which quadrant serves to rigidly
separate and secure the back frames D³ Dª in an open position as shown at
Figures 3 and 5.

page_text: Under the second part my Invention consists of the differential driving gear of
the wheels A, B, namely the crank axle I which can at option be geared with the
wheel A, or the wheel B. The gearing mechanism of the wheel A. consists of a
clutch J worked by an eccentric J¹ on the rod J* carried to a convenient position
for operating by the rider when riding. By this arrangement the wheel A can be
put in or out of gear with the cranked axle I at option. The gearing mechanism
of the wheel B consists of the dished friction disc, or toothed wheel K. mounted on
the axle of the wheel B and the internal friction disc, or toothed wheel K' gearing
with the disc wheel K and mounted upon the end of the of the crank axle I. The
friction disc K' is carried on the bearing K³ which bearing is supported from the
bracket K³ and is so arranged that it can be canted up, or down by means of the
rod K. By so canting the axle I and the disc K¹, the disc K³ can be put in, or out
of gear with the disc K.
Under the third part my Invention consists of the frames D' D2 bound and
working in the twin step bearing d¹ which is mounted on the tube M which carries
the fork C¹ of the wheel C and the twin connecting bearing d². The upper ends of
the back frames D¹ D³ form clamp bearings d³ d' into which fit the ends a b of the
forks of the wheels A and B. On the frames D¹ D' are mounted the telescopic
tubes HH, which when the tricycle is to be folded, telescope through the block F
which can be clamped, or released if desired. When it is required to fold the
machine the clam block F is unclamped as also are the clamp bearings d³ d'; then
by disengaging the clutch J from the wheel A, and the gear K and spreading
outward the frames D' D the crank shaft I is withdrawn and the machine can
then be folded and made to take the appearance shown at Figures 4 and 6.
Under the fourth part my Invention consists of a novel brake device, namely
the combination of the disc K³ with the disc K and the rod K. The brake action
is caused, or put on by bringing the disc K¹ into gear with the disc K of the
wheel B while the wheel A is still in gear with the axle I. The differential speeds
of the wheels A and B effecting the brake. When toothed wheel gearing is used
an ordinary brake is used.
The steering device consists of the rod L, which is connected to, or formed on
the fork C¹ and works in the tube M forming its bearing. The tube M is fitted
into eyes formed on the twin step connecting bearing d'and the twin connecting
bearing d. The rod L is fitted with a lever L', or its equivalent in the form of a
drum. When the lever is used motion is imparted by means of the toothed con-
necting rod L³ and the pinion L³ worked by the handle L. When a drum is used
motion is imparted by means of an endless cord in tension.
The modified example shown at Figures 9 to 18 inclusive consists of a non
collapsable arrangement of tricycle embodying the features ander the first, second
and fourth heads
In this case the frames D¹ D' are fixtures as is also the seat quadrant H H' and
there are added the supplemental rods H³ which constitute a further support to
the seat E and also to the forks of the wheels A, B and C. The differential driving
gear and the clutch are substantially the same as previously described in reference
to Figures 7 7 and 8 8. The brake gear has the same action as that previously 4
described under the fourth part but in this case the rod K' is actuated by the
eccentric gear K³ as shown in detail at Figures 17 and 18. In figure 12 the
fork C¹ of the wheel C is shown provided with a rubber spring E
The essential advantages which I obtain by my Invention are
First The rider is so positioned as to most efficiently apply the motive power.
Second Through the differential driving gear and wheels the rider can when on
level ground and for high speed use the directly driven large wheel A. as the driving
wheel and when going up hill, or on heavy ground he can disconnect the wheel A
and make the differentially driven wheel B the driving wheel, thus reducing the
speed and gaining power.
Third I obtain a collapsable machine of simple construction.
Fourth I obtain a very efficient broke dovica
E

page_text: Having now described my Invention and shown how the same may be carried
out, what I claim as my Invention and secured to me by Letters Patent as
aforesaid is
First A tricycle consisting of the collapsable frame and seat supporting device
and accessary parts and gear arranged, constructed and operating as herein
described and shown in reference to Figures 1 to 6 inclusive of the Drawings
hereto annexed.
Second A tricycle consisting of the frame as shown and seat supporting device
and accessary parts arranged and constructed as herein set forth and shown in
reference to Figures 9, 10, 11, and 12 inclusive of the Drawings hereto annexed.
Third The differential driving gear for tricycles consisting of the reducing gear
and the disconnecting clutch, arranged, operating and constructed as herein described
and as shown in the Drawings hereto annexed.
Fourth The arrangement and construction of driving device and clutch device
and their accessary parts, whereby change of speed and brake power is applied to
Tricycles as herein described and as shown at Figures 7, 74, 8, 8ª, 13, 14, 15, 16,
17, and 18 of the Drawings hereto annexed.
In Witness whereof, I the said Henry Clay Bull have hereunto set my hand
and seal this second day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and eighty three.
HENRY CLAY (L.S.) BULL