Improvements in Bicycles.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 10th Nov., 1896-Accepted, 6th Nov., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Bicycles.
I, ANTON SCHMIDTHAUER, of Pressburg, in the Empire of Germany, Engineer,
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:--
The object of this invention is a device whereby it is made possible to convert
a single seated bicycle into either a double seated (tandem) bicycle, or into a
carrier" for the conveyance of luggage and the like.
In the accompanying drawings the invention is fully set out, and:-
Fig. 1 is an elevation of a practicable form
Fig. 2 is an elevation of a modified form, and
Fig. 3 is an elevation of my invention adapted to a weight carrying bicycle.
To the after framing of a single seated bicycle, a second or additional
frame a, b, c is attached as shewn in Fig. 1. When attached according to this
design, the bicycle is as easily steered and balanced when used "tandem
as when
it is a single seated machine. The additional saddle i is fixed in any convenient
position and additional handle bars are fixed to the tube a so that they afford a
hold to the second rider. An additional pair of cranks d rotate with a spindle,
or upon pivots forming part of a bracket y fixed to the frame tube e, and the
pedals upon these cranks are connected to the ordinary pedals upon the cranks g
by means of one or more rods f. a designates the rim, and z the back wheel axle.
The supplemental frame a, b, c, in Fig. 1 which is almost a duplicate of the after
part of the ordinary frame of a bicycle, is attached thereto in the following
inanner: The member a is attached at one end to the ordinary frame at m.
The member is bifurcated for a portion of its length and attached by its forked
The member c is of an
end at m to a bracket y attached to the frame tube c.
angular shape bifurcated also and attached at one end m² to the bracket y; the
forked ends then pass through an extension of the slotted end of the frame
tube and thence upwards. The opposite ends of the three members converge
and join in the usual way to form a bracket to receive the second saddle tube upon
which is placed the saddle i. The supplemental frame in Fig. 2 is very similar
and the different members are bifurcated for certain portions of their length to
clear the tuber and the back wheel of the machine. The member a is curved
and connected to the ordinary frame at a lower point than in Fig. 1 bis similar
to that already described, and c is formed of a straight piece forked at one end,
the forked ends being attached to an extension of the slotted end of the frame
tube e.
The preceding Fig. 1 shews a bicycle suited for a gentleman, but in Fig. 2 a
machine suitable for a lady is illustrated. The general arrangements are similar
in each case, but in Fig. 2 the frame bar is differently arranged, and the
handles are attached to it, while the bar a is differently arranged; and is bent
to a shape suitable for a lady to mount.
Fig. 3 shews an arrangement suitable for application to a bicycle to enable it
to be used as a carrier. A bar fastened to a part of the frame near the axle of

page_text: the back wheel, extends upwards so as to support one end of a receptacle m, the
other end being supported by a bracket fixed to the frame tube k. The
receptacle m is of such a shape as to safely contain the goods to be conveyed. In
some cases also an additional receptacle o can be attached to the front frame
by means of a hook n; or hinged joints, bands or straps may be employed for
the same purpose.
The fastenings might be arranged in a different manner so as to be secured
without the device for easily changing, but in general the additional frame is
attached to the ordinary frame in such manner as to be easily and conveniently
detached. The feature of my invention being that to the frame of a single bicycle,
an additional frame can be added which renders it easily convertible into a
tandem" or double bicycle upon which both riders can pedal and propel the
machine; or that an ordinary bicycle can be changed to a "carrier" without
altering the general construction of the machine.
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. An arrangement for conveniently transforming a single seated rear driving
safety bicycle into a "tandem" or double seated bicycle, by attaching a second
frame to the ordinary frame in such a manner that the frame generally is
strengthened, and the mounting of the rider is not interfered with, substantially
as described and shewn.
2. In combination with the frame of an ordinary rear-driving safety bicycle,
the additional frame a, b, c, with saddle i, handle bars h, bracket y, cranks and
pedals d, and connecting bars f, substantially as shewn and described with
reference to Figs. 1 and 2.
3. An arrangement for conveniently transforming a rear-driving safety bicycle
to a "carrier" by attaching the rod 7, the bracket and the receptacle m thereto
in such manner as to be easily detached, substantially as described and shewn.
4. An arrangement for conveniently transforming a rear driving safety bicycle
to a "carrier" by attaching a receptacle o to the front frame by means of a
hook o or the like, substantially as described and shewn.
5. A rear driving safety bicycle which has two receptacles m, and o, attached
to it, substantially in the manner and for the purpose shewn and described with
reference to Fig. 3.
Dated this 10th day of November 1896
WILLIAM J. MUNDEN,
75 Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.