Improvements in Mechanism for Applying Brake Power to Velocipedes or Cycles.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Sept., 1895-Accepted, 16th Nov., 1895
PIVAITUN
Improvements in Mechanism for Applying Brake Power to
Velocipedes or Cycles.
1, WILLIAM EDWARD WALMSLEY of 8, Hyde Road, Waterloo, in the County
of Lancaster, Manager, 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:-
My invention relates to improvements in mechanism for applying brake power
to velocipedes or cycles, and consists of employing the action of what is known to
cyclists as backpedalling to actuate a rotary friction brake and thereby to impede
or stop the progress of the machine. The following description with the accom-
panying drawings will enable the invention to be clearly understood and the letters
correspond with the parts in all the figs.
Fig. 1. is a front elevation, shewing the mechanism as fixed in position to one
side of the frame of the bicycle.
Fig. 2 is a plan partly in section, shewing the mechanism as fixed in position to
both sides of the frame of the bicycle.
Fig. 3. is a view of the reverse side of part of the mechanism shewn in Fig. 1.
Fig. 4. is a side view partly in section of Fig. 3.
Two circular drums D & D₁ are fastened one to each side of the frame of the
cycle, see Fig. 2. by the screws R. R' and R², and having their centres concentric
with the spindle S. in the bottom bracket T and these drums being so fixed are
consequently stationary or rather do not rotate.
Each crank is formed in two parts, one fast and one loose which are indicated in
the figs. by the letters C, C1 C2 and C³, the fast parts C & C² being securely fastened
in the usual manner one at each end of the spindle S. and the loose parts, C1 & C³
are attached to the fast parts C & C respectively by being pivotted at the
extreme ends of the spindle S. and held together by the small pins p², & p²
rivetted to the parts C¹ & C³. It will be seen that the loose parts C & C³ of
the cranks being thus pivotted they can be moved in a circular direction, the
slots shown in the fast parts C & C2 regulating the distance they can move.
B & B are two metal bands one end of each being fastened securely to the
parts C & C at the points H & H respectively and the other ends to the parts C₁
& C³ at the points K & K respectively.
The pedals are fixed in the ends of the loose parts C₁ & C³ of the cranks in
the usual manner.
E is a spring which is also utilised as a washer for the cotter
pin by which the fast crank part C is fixed securely to the spindle S. see Figs. 3 & 4
and a similar spring is fixed to the cotter pin on the other fast crank part C² but
is not shewn in the drawing on account of that part of Fig. 2. being in section.
These springs hold the respective fast and loose parts of the cranks in position
during ordinary or forward pedalling, but the studs F. & F¹ see Fig. 2. which are
shewn screwed into the crank parts C & C can be removed and screwed into the
saine parts C & C but at the points G & G and having their heads embedded in
the parts C & C³, it will thus be seen that when these studs are screwed into
position at the points G & G they will hold the fast and loose parts of the crank
rigidly together, but this is only done when the brake power is not required by
the rider.
The metal bands B & B can be made to cover more or less of the circumference

page_text: of the drums D & D than is shewn in the drawings by altering the position of the
points H&H' in relation to the points K & K according to the amount of
friction required and if the rider wishes it only one side of the machine need be
fittel with the brake mechanism, as is shewn in Fig. 1. and thus obviate the
necessity of interfering with the chain or gear case side of the machine.
It will now be seen that if pressure in a backward direction be brought to bear
upon the pedals alternately in backpedalling, the metal bands B & B will
alternately be drawn tightly against the stationary drums D & D respectively
an thereby develope sufficient friction to impede or stop the progress of the
machine.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is.
The combination of the fast and loose parts of the crank or cranks for the
purposes substantially as herein described and set forth.
Dated this Tenth day of September 1895.
W. E. WALMSLEY.