Year: 1899

page_text: I, MAXIMILIAN VAN GÜLPEN, of Mülheim on the Rhine, Germany, Manufac-
turer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to a velocipede wherein with the object of ensuring a
fuller display or utilization of the forces of the body, than has hitherto been
5 attainable, and an increased effective range of motion of the crank, two movable
side tubes or rods are connected with the steering handle or head, and a counter-
support or abutment is arranged whereby the cyclist is afforded the opportunity
of either bringing into operation an abutting force, acting upon the cranks at an
angle, or by grasping the side rods, with his hands bringing his full power and
entire weight to bear upon the crank shaft in a vertical direction or combining
both methods of operating the cranks.
The side tubes or rods are pivotted to the steering handle or handle bar and
may be arranged to slide in guides revoluble upon a stationary cross bar or tube
at the back of the cycle frame, and either or both of the side tubes or rods
may be made detachable from the steering handle for the convenience of the
cyclist in mounting and dismounting. In order to enable the two side tubes
or rods to be secured in position where the course of the machine is straight, one
of the said rods is provided with two co-operating levers, one of which, pivotted
to the guiding eye of the rod is capable, at its rear end, of being engaged with
and disengaged from the rod or tube so as to secure the latter in a fixed position.
The other of the said cooperating levers is within reach of the rider's hand,
and acts on the other end of the above named engaging lever for operating the
latter.
Increased reliability in steering may be insured by providing the levers first
mentioned upon both of the side tubes, or rods, and providing the free ends of
both the levers towards the rear of the machine with triangular catches, or
cams, each adapted to engage in a slot formed in the corresponding side tube in
such a manner that on the wheel running a straight course, the front edge of
ach of the triangular catches or cams rests against the front end of the slot;
while between the rear edge of the catches and rear end of the slots a sufficient
mount of space is provided to allow of the said catches or cams being fully
nserted into the slots when required for steering purposes.
For steering the velocipede it is sufficient to release the catch or cam in one
f the rods so that it may be moved back, the free space of the slot of the other
od behind the triagular catch or cam allowing the said rod to be moved forward
r the corresponding amount.
The side tubes or rods may be used for supporting the cycle when at rest by
nstructing each such tube or rod in two separable parts, so that the rearward
rt after being disconnected from the forward part may be moved outward and
wnward so as to rest on the ground.
The counter-support or abutment before alluded to preferably commit
LD073

page_text: back rest vertically movable upon swinging spring-controlled rods which also
serve to carry the saddle.
If desired means may be provided for enabling the back rest and saddle to be
adjusted in a horizontal direction.
Dated this 24th day of July 1899
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.
I, MAXIMILIAN VAN GÜLPEN, Manufacturer, at Mülheim on the Rhine, King-
dom of Prussia, German Empire, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to a velocipede wherein with the object of ensuring a
fuller display or utilization of the forces of the body, than has hitherto been
attainable, and an increased effective range of motion of the crank, two movable
side tubes or rods are connected with the steering handle or head, and a counter-
support or abutment is arranged whereby the cyclist is afforded the opportunity
of either bringing into operation an abuting force, acting upon the cranks at an
angle, or by grasping the side rods, with his hands bringing his full power and
entire weight to bear upon the crank shaft in a vertical direction or combining
both methods of operating the cranks.
The side tubes or rods are pivoted to the steering handle or handle bar and
may be arranged to slide in guides revoluble upon a stationary cross bar or tube
at the back of the cycle frame, and either or both of the side tubes or rods
may be made detachable from the steering handle for the convenience of the
cyclist in mounting and dismounting. In order to enable the two side tubes
or rods to be secured in position where the course of the machine is straight, one
of the said rods is provided with two co-operating levers, one of which pivotted
in the guiding eye of the rod is capable, of being with the rear end engaged with
and disengaged from the same so as to secure the rod or tube in a fixed position.
The other lever in the reach of the driver's hand acts on the other end of the
above named lever for engaging and freeing the latter.
Increased reliability in steering may be ensured by providing the levers first
mentioned upon both of the side tubes or rods and providing the free ends of
both the levers towards the rear of the machine with triangular catches, each
adapted to engage in slots formed in the corresponding side tubes in such a
manner that on the wheel running a straight course, the front edge of each of the
triangular catches rests against the front end of the slot, while between the rear
end of the catches and rear end of the slots a sufficient amount of space is
provided.
For steering the wheel it is sufficient to release the catch in one of the rods
so much that this may be moved back, the free space of the slot on the other
rod behind the triagular catch will allow this to be moved forward for the
corresponding amount.
The side tubes or rods may be used for supporting the cycle when at rest
by constructing each such tube or rod in two separable parts, so that the rear-
ward part after being disconnected from the forward part may be moved outward
and downward so as to rest on the ground.

page_text: The counter support or abutment before alluded to preferably consists of a
back rest vertically movable upon swinging spring-controlled rods which also
serve to carry the saddle.
If desired means such as those hereinafter described may be provided for
5 enabling the back rest and saddle to be adjusted in a horizontal direction.
This invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which
Figure 1 is a plan of a portion of the improved velocipede.
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same,
Figure 3 is a vertical section on the line 3-3 of Figure 2 looking from the
front towards the back of the machine,
Figure 4 is a plan shewing the movable side rods in a steering position,
Figure 5 are side elevations of modified forms of the side rods,
Figure 6 is a side elevation shewing means for locking the steering head and
enabling the side rods to be used for supporting the cycle.
Figure is a vertical section on the line 7-7 of Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a side elevation shewing means for adjusting the back rest and
saddle and other parts hereinafter more particularly described and
Figure 8 is a section on the line 8ª Sª of Figure S.
The horizontal tubes are rigidly connected at their back ends with the rear'
fork tubes a and at their front ends with a transverse piece a² (Figure 1), which
connects the said tubes a¹ to the downwardly extending tube a³. Two tubes
are inserted into the rear ends of the tubes a¹ and are secured in position by
means of clamping rings b. Upon the tubes b which are each bent into the
shape of a fork as illustrated particularly in Figures 1 and 2 short vertical tubes 12
are secured and into these tubes are inserted vertical tubes which are main-
tained at any required height therein by means of clamping rings . To the
upper ends of the vertical tubes e which at these parts are slightly bent forward
and sideways, there are pivotally joined rods or tubes upon which a slide
or carriage e is movable mounted, such carriage supporting both a back rest e
and through the medium of a bracket arm f₁ the saddle f. The lower ends of
the rods or tubes d pass through or are guided by slots provided in the fork
shaped tubes and are constantly pressed forward by helical springs g provided
on the said tubes. To a transverse cross piece adjustably secured to the upper
ends of the rods or tubes d, there is connected a tension spring h, the lower end
of which is connected with the bottom cross piece of. the slide or carriage e.
In order to enable the cyclist not only to exercise an abutting force directed
towards the pedals at an angle owing to the relatively low position of the saddle
and provision of the abutment or back rest el, but also to ascend and descend
along with the pedals in a vertical direction and thereby utilize his full weight
for propelling the cycle, there are arranged on both sides of the machine tubes
or rods i which serve for enabling the cyclist to maintain an upright position
and at the same time afford increased convenience in steering.
ends of the tubes or rods i are pivotally jointed to the ends of the handle-bar k
The front
while their rear ends are arranged to slide in guiding eyes which are pivoted in
horizontal transverse tube m, connected with the vertical tubes c.
convenience or comfort of the rider the tubes or rods are provided with grasp-
For the
ng surfaces and with raised arms the latter of which serve as rests for the
lbows. Both the handle-bar and the horizontal cross-piece m are formed of
ubes telescoping within, and adjustable to each other so that the distance
etween the rods i may be varied to suit the comfort of the cyclist. Very con-
iderable power may be exercised on the tubes or rods i so that the cyclist has
he front wheel entirely under his control.
The effective length of the handle-bar may be reduced so that even by a
omparatively slight displacement of the tubes or rods the cyclist may secure
n extensive angular movement of the front wheel. The front end of say the
eft hand tube or rod i is detachable from the handle bar k so as to enable this

page_text: tube or rod to be moved aside when the cyclist requires to mount or dismount.
As shewn in Figure the tubes or rods i may be curved or otherwise shaped to
suit any particular requirements.
The mode of employment or operation of the improved velocipede is as
follows:
Let it be assumed that at the start the pedals occupy the position shewn in
Figure 2. If the left hand tube or rod i for example after having been discon-
nected from the handle bar . be moved sideways outward from the machine it
is possible for the cyclist, owing to the fact that the saddle is considerably lower
and situated more nearly over the rear wheel axle than in safety bicycles as
hitherto constructed so that more free space is left within the frame than is
provided in the ladies' cycles now in use, to remain standing with one foot on
the ground as he mounts the machine, to take his seat on the saddle with great
ease, and then to again secure the side tube or rod in position. Now as he presses
at an angle upon or against the right hand pedal, his back in the meantime, being
supported by the back-rest e¹, the saddle f which is suspended, pendulum-like,
at the points c¹ by means of the rods or tubes d, moves back and, in so doing,
the resistance of the springs 7 is overcome, while the back-rest el is drawn down-
wards in opposition to the spring whereby the machine instantly receives a
powerful impulse in the forward direction, after which the cyclist may bring his
left leg into operation. Thus the cyclist's back is afforded a firm support, and
inasmuch as the pedals, during the further progress of the velocipede, are moved
forward along an oblique line, the said velocipede exhibits a tendency to maintain
a straight-course, while the rider is enabled to keep his balance more readily
than he could on a cycle of the usual construction.
Should the cyclist desire to exert his strength upon the pedals vertically, he
may readily bring himself to the necessary erect position by resting his hands
upon the side tubes or rods i, in which position his movements in rotating the
pedals will be assisted by the saddle being moved forward by the spring 9, and
the back rest being raised by the spring h. In this position the cyclist is
enabled to exert his maximum strength until the cranks very nearly attain their
lower dead point. In consequence of the pressure exerted by the cyclist upon the
side tubes or rod i, the cycle, as it travels along, maintains a straight course,
the alternate depressions of the pedal cranks not causing any appreciable devia-
tions. When the cyclist requires to exert the maximum power, the two methods
of operating the cranks may be combined, the rider, in that case, moving him-
self bodily upwards and forwards and also downwards and rearwards, with the
result that the cranks will commence their effective stroke before they reach the
usual upper dead-point and continue it until they nearly reach the usual lower
dead-point.
Owing to the movability of the back-rest and saddle, the cyclist is properly
supported no matter what the posture of his body may be at the time. In order
that the range of motion of the sliding carriage e along with that of the back-
rest e¹ and that of the saddle f may be regulated at will, the rods d are provided
with adjusting rings and the tubes are provided with similar adjusting
rings the lower rings being preferably arranged in such a position that
the saddle is situated sufficiently low to permit the cyclist to prop up his legs
against the pedals at an angle as shown by the arrow in Fig. 2. For the purpose
of mounting and dismounting it is more convenient for the cyclist to be able
to secure the carriage e in its lowest position, which object may be attained for
example by means of a lock-bar n, as illustrated in Fig. 2-such bar being
movable in a guiding slot in the saddle support or bracket arm fl and capable
of being shifted rearwards, under a transverse part of the standard tubes 12.
After mounting this lock device may be released, få designates guide rods specially
provided for the saddle f.
For the convenient transport of luggage, a plate v may be secured on rearward
extensions of the tubes 6 and hooks or the like may, for the same object be

page_text: on the vertical tubes c.
Where however it is necessary to carry luggage
it is desirable, that means should be available for firmly supporting the veloci-
pede in position when at rest. According to the example shown in Figures 6
and 7. this result is attained by constructing one or both of the side tubes or
rods in two parts, and by connecting it (or them) with the before mentioned
transverse tube m so that it or they may be revolvable in a downward as well
as a horizontal direction. On the front part of the side tube or rod i or each
of the said tubes or rods there is provided a spring-catch or pawl which nor-
mally engages in an aperture or recess in the rear portion i of such tube or rod.
0 When the pawl is released, this rear portion i may be withdrawn or disconnected
from the front portion and moved outwards and downwards, the guiding eye
for this purpose being pivotted in a sleeve which is itself pivotted to the trans-
verse tube m (Fig. 7). By these means when the tubes or rods i are turned out-
wards and downwards as last described, their lower ends may rest upon the
ground and they are thus caused to act as lateral supports for maintaining the
cycle in its vertical position.
Fig. 6 and 7 further illustrate an arrangement for securing the rods i in a
straight direction of motion, thereby rendering the process of turning or steering
more reliable. In the rear portion of one of the side tubes or rods there is
pivotted at a lever q' which by means of a small roller carried on its free end
engages with a slot provided in a two armed lever r. This lever is pivotted
in the lower bifurcated end 12 of the guiding eye and has its rear or hook-
shaped end constantly pressed by a springs into or towards a recess in the
tube or rod i so that the said tube or rod i is firmly secured for a straight course
of motion. Now when it is desired to turn the machine it is only necessary
in grasping the handles ¹, to pull the lever q¹ upwards so as to disengage
the hook from the tube or rod i and then to move the latter longitudinally
to be required extent. To render the steering still more reliable the arrange-
ment described may be placed under both of the side tubes or rods i and as shown
in dotted lines in Fig. 6 the two-armed lever may be extended rearward and
a triangle or cam be attached to the end of each such lever. By the action
of the springs & the triangles or cams are each constantly pressed into a slot
provided in the adjacent side tube or rod in such a manner that its front edge
rests against the front end of the slot while between the rear of the cam and
back end of the slot a sufficient amount of free space is provided. Now suppos-
ing for example that it is desired to turn the cycle to the right; a slight upward
pull is exercised upon the lever q located under the right hand tube or rod i,
whereby the corresponding triangle is lowered and caused to leave between its
front edge and the front end of the slot, as much free space as is necessary to
permit the said rod i to be drawn back to the required extent, the left hand
side rod i being free to be moved forward by reason of the free space between
the back edge of the cam and the rear end portion of the slot.
In the simplified modification shewn in Figures 8 and 8ª (Figure 8 being
section on the line 8-8 of Fig. 8) there is only one horizontal tube
which carries but one vertical tube with the pendulum rod d (carrying the
saddle f) suspended therefrom, the said tube being adjustable the ends thereof
or this purpose being inserted in the split sockets of the tubes and at
espectively. By these means the back rest, together with the saddle f may be
djusted horizontally without affecting the spring g, which, in this example,
hay, as shewn in Figure 8, be located within the tube b. To the rod d there
s pivotted a rod, the perforated rear portion of which is guided by a guiding
ye secured to the vertical tube as shewn in dotted lines in Figure 8. By
serting a pin or stud d into a hole in the said rod the effective power of the
ring may be varied and the forward movement of the back rest limited. The
amping sleeves b' of the tubes a³ ³ serve for securing the tube b in any desired
osition of adjustment.
In this figure I have shewn a frame in which the driving wheel is held in two

page_text: forks to render the velocipede more steady, and with a trailing wheel arranged
in a fork connected with the tube . This arrangement serves to prevent the
machine from tilting over when the rider has his scat far back towards the
rear of the said machine.
Owing to the fuller utilization of power which is attained in the before des-
cribed velocipede and to the increased amount of space which it provides within
its frame as compared with existing machines, the chain wheel employed on the
crank axle may be of considerably larger size than hitherto.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my in-
vention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1. In a velocipede the combination with the steering bar of two movable side
tubes or rods connected thereto and a counter support or back rest, essentially
as and for the purpose described.
2. In a velocipede the combination with the steering bar of two movable side
tubes, back rest and means for detaching one or both of the side tubes from the
steering bar, the said side tubes being pivotally connected to the steering bar
and movable in pivotted guides in the rear of the cycle frame, essentially as
and for the purpose described.
3. In a velocipede the combination of the steering bar of two movable side
tubes and a back rest, the back rest being vertically movable on spring com-
trolled pivotted rods, carrying the bracket for the saddle essentially as and for
the purpose described.
4. In a velocipede the combination of the steering bar of two movable side
tubes, a back rest and means of securing the said side tubes in straight direction,
consisting of two cooperating levers one of which engages by a projection with
a recess of the corresponding side tube, essentially as and for the purpose
described.
5. In a velocipede the combination with the steering bar of two movable side
tubes, a back rest and levers cooperating with the side tubes, which levers carry
triangles or cams adapted to engage in slots of the said tubes, essentially as
and for the purpose described.
6. In a velocipede the combination with the steering bar of two movable side
tubes and a back rest, the said side tubes being each formed in two separable
parts, of which the rear parts are adapted after their disconnection from the
front parts, to be moved outwards and downwards essentially as and for the
purpose described.
7. In a velocipede the combination with the steering bar of two movable side
tubes, back rest and means for enabling the position of the said back rest to
be horizontally adjusted, essentially as and for the purpose described.
Datal this 17th law of In 1000
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C.,
Agents.