An Improved Tricycle.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 27th Jan., 1891-Accepted, 28th Feb., 1891
:
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Tricycle.
I, JOSEPH DECHAUD, of Masseret, Correze, France, 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:-
In the accompanying drawings:-
Fig. 1 is a side clevation and Fig. 2 a plan view of a tricycle embodying this
invention.
The invention relates to an improved tricycle, two of the three wheels of which
are of equal diameter and are situated at the rear of the machine, such wheels A
being fixed on an axle B, while the third wheel C, which is of smaller diameter is
arranged at the forward end of the machine, and is carried by the steering fork D.
The rear wheels A are actuated by two pinions E, over each of which passes an
endless chain F driven by pinions G, to which motion is imparted by the cranks H
mounted on the driving shaft I, from the two treadles J through a train of wheel
gearing. These treadles which have an up and down circular movement round the
point K, are set square to the rod L pivotted at such point K, and the extremities M
of which are connected by rods N to the cranks H at each end of driving shaft I,
which is thus caused to revolve and actuates the wheels O, P, Q, and the fly
wheels R, the movement of the driving shaft being transmitted through such
gearing and the endless chains F to the axle of the rear wheels A.
The whole of the parts are in duplicate and are symmetrically arranged with
regard to the transmission axis of the machine.
The fly wheels are placed to the right and left of the transmission so as to make
the movement of the various parts uniform. Two small piston rods S each acted
upon by a spring T have one end secured by a pin to one of the flywheels and the
other end to the frame of the machine at U, so as to act as connecting rods of
variable length, and which by the compression of the springs assist in overcoming
the dead centres of the cranks and the whole movement generally.
As shown in the drawings the whole of the parts are supported on an iron or
steel frame V which carries the seat X to receive the rider. This seat is mounted
on two curved springs Y in a position on the frame which can be adjusted, and for
ease and comfort the part on which the rider sits is supported on spiral springs Z.
Two footsteps p, q, are fixed on the frame.
The steering rod is secured to the fork D and a brake lever is provided to apply
the brake to the front wheel C.
A lamp is mounted on the socket through which the stem of the steering fork
passes, such lamp being supported by a spiral spring. An alarm bell, or a horn as
shown, may be mounted on the steering handle or bar.
All the wheels are fitted with mud guards secured
steering fork as shown.
to the frame and to the
A shade or cover to protect the rider from sun and rain may also be provided,
such shade or cover being of any strong light material and of any colour desired,
and being carried by rods fixed to the rear and to the sides of the frame. Such
shade or cover will be mounted so that it can be readily removed when not
required.
The whole of the parts can be coloured to suit individual taste.
Each pedal may be provided with a sheath or strap to receive the toe, so that
the foot may not slip off the pedal, such sheath or strap being of leather or other
suitable material and of a size to suit the rider.
Guards m, n, will also be fixed above the upper part of the endless chains F.

page_text: The machine may be used for ordinary or for racing purposes, the transmission
enabling great speed to be attained, while the power will enable the machine to
ascend steep inclines.
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. The improved transmission for tricycles consisting in pedals to which a simple
reciprocating movement is imparted, such pedals being formed on the ends of angle
rods pivotted to the frame and by connecting rods connected to cranks on a driving
shaft, the motion of which is by a train of gearing and chains transmitted to the
rear driving wheels of the machine, substantially as specified.
2. The employment on the axis of one of the wheels of the train of gearing
referred to in claim 1 of a fly wheel or fly wheels to which a piston rod surrounded
by a spring is connected, such piston rod being also connected to the frame of the
tricycle, for the purpose of overcoming the dead centres, substantially as specified.
3. The employment of a detachable shade or cover for tricycles, substantially
as specified.
Dated this 27th day of January 1801
ALLISON BROS.,
Agents for the Applicant.