IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CON- STRUCTION OF BICYCLES
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Likeman and Henry John Lawson, both of Brighton,
in the County of Sussex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CON-
STRUCTION OF BICYCLES."
Sealed the 5th December 1876, and dated the 27th June 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Likeman and Henry
John Lawson at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th June
1876.
JAMES LIKEMAN and HENRY JOHN LAWSON, both of Brighton, in the County of
Sussex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BICYCLES."
'This Invention relates to certain improvements in the construction of bicycles
whereby great advantages are obtained as compared with the methods of con-
struction usually employed.
The main body or frame of the bicycle consists of a longitudinal bar formed of
iron or other suitable material, the forward end of which is divided so as to form
a fork, in the arms of which are formed bearings for the reception of the journals
of a large driving wheel. Over the rear end of the main body or frame the seat
for the driver is placed, the same being at such a height as to allow the feet of
the rider to touch the ground when desired. A small wheel is placed below the
seat, the same being mounted in bearings formed in bars which project downwards
from the main body or frame of the bicycle. The driving wheel is provided with
cranks on either side thereof, and the propulsive power is obtained by actuating
the cranks by means of treadles which are worked by the feet, and also by levers
worked by the hands, suitable connecting rods or equivalent contrivances being
employed in both cases, which are capable of being adjusted to different leverages.
The propulsion of the bicycle may be effected by the combined operation of the
treadles and hand levers, or by either separately.
For the purposes of steering two pulleys are mounted vertically at the back
of the hand levers which are attached to the main body or frame, cords or chains
being passed over such pulleys, and by carrying pulleys to the respective sides of
the frame of the small or steering wheel. The said cords or chains are pulled by
the rider by turning the pulleys in either direction, when the small or steering
wheel will be thereby turned to the right or left, as may be desired. For this
purpose handles are attached to the pulleys, and which are within the reach of
the rider. A rod is suspended from the main body or frame which is capable of

page_text: resting upon the ground and of supporting the bicycle; when it is desired the
same shall be stationary. A pin projects from the end of the fork of the main
body or frame, upon which any of the connecting rods may be suspended, fixing
either the handles or treadles in a stationary position.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said James Likeman and Henry John Lawson in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 27th December 1876.
JAMES LIKEMAN and HENRY JOHN LAWSON, both of Brighton, in the County of
Sussex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BICYCLES."
Our said Invention relates to certain improvements in the construction of that
class of velocipedes known as "bicycles" whereby great advantages are obtained
as compared with the methods of construction usually employed.
The main body or frame of the bicycle consists of a bar placed horizonally or
otherwise, and formed of iron or other suitable material, the backward end of
which is divided so as to form a fork, which fork is provided with bearings for
the reception of the journals of a large driving wheel. The forward portion of the
fork is lowered to a horizontal position, and connected to a bar which is lengthened
forward, and also forms part of the main body of the bicycle. Over the front end of
the main body or frame the seat for the rider is placed, the same being at such
a height as to allow the feet of the rider to touch the ground when desired. A
small wheel is placed at a level lower than that of the seat, and is mounted in
suitable bearings. The large driving wheel is provided with cranks on either side
thereof, and the propulsive power is obtained by actuating such cranks by means
of treadles which are worked by the feet, and also, when desired, by levers worked
by the hands, suitable arrangements for these purposes and also for steering the
bicycle being employed as herein-after mentioned.
In order that our said Invention may be clearly understood we will now proceed
to refer to the annexed two Sheets of Drawings, in which the several Figures are
numbered seriatum.
Figures 1 and 2 shew the construction of a bicycle in accordance with our said
Invention, in which treadles to be actuated by the feed only are employed for
the purpose of propulsion, the steering being effected by means of the cross handle,
as in the bicycles ordinarily in use. Figure 1 is a longitudinal elevation and
Figure 2 a plan of the bicycle. The same letters of reference indicate similar
parts in the respective Figures.
A is the main body of the bicycle. The fork which carries the small wheel is
placed in a perpendicular position, and turns upon the centre D which is fixed in
the main body (A) of the bicycle. The levers I have at one end thereof a number
of holes or apertures which will respectively permit the insertion of the bolts
which carry the connecting rods. A small bolt is inserted into one of the said
holes or apertures, and from this bolt proceeds a connecting rod K which turns
the crank L. The object of employing the said holes or apertures is to enable any
length of stroke for the feet to be obtained. The lower down that the connecting
rod K is placed the greater will be the stroke of the feet, and vice versa. To the
other ends of the said levers I are attached the treadles H, which oscillate upon
the axis x. The whole of the levers I turn upon their own axes at Y, such axes
being formed by an inverted T piece, which is joined to the main body at J, and
thence proceeds downwards and diverges at the bottom on each side, as shewn
at J. The rider is of course seated with his back towards the large wheel, which
is of the diameter of six feet or more. The cross handle is fixed to the top of F.
Some parts of the main body or frame of the bicycle may be formed of steel or
iron tube for the purpose of lightening the same. The fork a is fixed firmly to
the main body or frame of the bicycle, the ends of the fork carrying the journals

page_text: or bearings of the large wheel. Upon the spring, as indicated at b, at an elevation
higher than the saddle, is a small plate of steel, on which the rider can sit if he
should desire to do so.
The bicycle is used in the following manner:-The rider lifts one leg over the
lower part of the bridge and sits across the saddle with his foot or feet resting
upon the ground, thus preserving the bicycle in an upright position whilst he
retains his seat. When the rider desires to propel the machine he actuates the
treadles alternately by his feet, and thus sets the bicycle in motion. Whilst
travelling the rider can raise himself on to the front plate or seat, and thus obtain
any advantage which may attach to the elevation of the feet above the ground,
as in the ordinary bicycles. In such case, when he desires to stop the bicycle,
the rider slackens speed, lowers himself to the saddle, and rests his feet upon
the ground.
Figures 3 and 4 shew certain arrangements which are more especially adapted
for the convenience of ladies, the bicycle to which they are applied differing from
that represented in Figures 1 and 2, inasmuch as the seat is not situated between
the wheels, as shewn at E, but more in front of the whole machine, both wheels
being at the back of the rider, and the seat so constructed as not to require being
sat upon astride, and thus the division and disturbance of the dress is entirely
avoided. Figure 3 is a longitudinal elevation and Figure 4 a plan view of a
bicycle constructed with the said last-mentioned arrangements.
Ŏ 18 the backbone of the machine; P, the fork; D, the large or driving wheel;
E, the cranks; F, the connecting rods; M, the stay to assist in supporting the inverted
T piece R; K is the spring; A, the seat; and J, the handles to steer with; I is a light
frame which passes behind the rider (when seated) and connects the two handles
with each other and with the upright bar S, which is fixed to the front fork T, and
which latter carries the journals of the small wheel. G is the lever, and H the
treadle. B is a guard to prevent the dress touching the front wheel.
In Figures 5 and 6 a machine is represented in which the hands as well as the
feet are used for the purposes of propulsion. Figure 5 is a front view of the
bicycle, and Figure 6 a longitudinal elevation of the same. The same letters of
reference indicate similar parts in the respective Figures.
·
A is the main body of the bicycle. The fork which carries the small wheel is
placed in a perpendicular position, and turns upon the centre D (see Figure 6),'
which is fixed in the main body of the bicycle. From the sides of the last-
mentioned fork project pins, indicated at W, to the ends of which are attached
small connecting rods V. The said connecting rods at their other extremities work.
upon pins fixed in small rectangular fittings, represented at U, and which fittings
have other connecting rods T attached to the other end thereof, and which last-
mentioned connecting rods are attached to the arm which projects at R. The
result of this arrangement is that the movement of the handles C, to which the
arms Rare fixed, in either direction, from right to left, ultimately produces a motion
of the fork, which turns upon the centre D (Figure 6) and guides the machine
when in motion. The hand levers B consist of simple bars with a hole Z fitted
therein to turn upon the pin at Z1, upon which it swings backwards and forwards.
The tops of the levers are drilled so as to form sockets for the handles to turn! in.
At the other ends of the said levers are drilled holes, into which are inserted small
bolts which carry the connecting rods G, the other ends of which oscillate upon
the rectangular lever I. The last-mentioned lever has at one end thereof a number
of holes, which will respectively permit the insertion of the bolts which carry the
connecting rods. From a small bolt which is inserted into one of the said holes
proceeds a connecting rod K which turns the crank L. The object of employing
the said holes is that any necessary regulations of length of stroke may be obtain-
able- either for the hands or feet. The lower down the connecting rod K is
placed the greater will be the stroke of the hands and feet, and vice versa, whilst
the lowering of the rods G will give the hand levers less stroke, and vice versû.
To the other ends of the said levers I are attached the treadles H, which oscillate
.

page_text: in a small fork upon the axis X. The whole of the lever I turns upon its own
axis at Y. The said last-mentioned axis is formed by an inverted T piece, which
is joined to the main body at J, thence proceeding downwards and diverging at
the bottom on each side, as shewn at J (Figure 6). N is a stay to assist in firmly
fixing the piece J. S is the wheel spring, and E the saddle for the rider. The
rider is of course seated with his back towards the large wheel. To the top of F is
fixed the cross handle (as in the bicycles as ordinarily constructed) to be used
optionally. The forward end of the main body A diverges outwards on either
Bide a little above the fixture of the spring S, so as to bring the handles and
guiding fittings at a covenient distance apart, as shewn at Z, Figure 6.
It will be seen that by means of the arrangements herein-before described
greatly increased safety is ensured to the rider as compared with the bicycles
hitherto in use, his feet being always within reach of the ground, whilst there is
no necessity to mount the bicycle when in motion, or to alight directly a stoppage
is found desirable. Great additional power is also obtained both to propel or to
regulate the speed, or to stop suddenly.
Having thus declared and ascertained the nature of our said Invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, we would observe in conclusion that
we do not confine or restrict ourselves to the precise details in the construction and
arrangement of the mechanism as herein-before described, inasmuch as variations
may be made therein without departing from the main features and principles of
our said Invention, but what we consider novel and original, and therefore claim
as constituting the Invention secured to us by the said herein-before in part
recited Letters Patent are,―
First. The employment and arrangement of a seat or saddle in bicycles, having
a driving wheel of the diameter of six feet, at such a height that the feet of the
rider can touch the ground, substantially as and for the purposes herein-before
described and set forth.
Secondly. The arrangement of the large or driving wheel in bicycles, so that the
centre of the same shall be on or near the same level horizontally as the seat of the
rider, the whole of such wheel being at the back or behind the rider when seated,
substantially as herein-before described and set forth.
Thirdly. The combination and arrangement of treadles and mechanism in the
construction of bicycles, the same being capable of adjustment to various strokes,
and also of enabling the rider conveniently to drive and turn thereby a wheel of
a diameter of six feet or more which is situated behind him, substantially as
herein-before described and set forth.
Fourthly. The application to bicycles of levers by which the same can be
propelled by manual power, either with or without the use of foot treadles, sub-
stantially as herein-before described and set forth.
Fifthly. The application to bicycles of apparatus constructed chiefly of rods, by
means of which the rider is enabled to guide or steer the bicycle by the motion of
the hands from right to left, and vice versa, while continuing the backward and
forward strokes of the levers with his hands and arms, substantially as herein-before
described and set forth.
And, lastly. The general combination and arrangement of parts and mechanism
in the construction of bicycles, substantially as and for the purposes herein-before
described and set forth, or any mere modifications thereof.
In witness whereof, we, the said James Likeman and Henry John Lawson,
have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Twenty-third day of December, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
JAMES LIKEMAN.
(L.8.)
HENRY JOHN LAWSON. (L.B.)

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Likeman and Henry John Lawson, both of Brighton,
in the County of Sussex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CON-
STRUCTION OF BICYCLES."
Sealed the 5th December 1876, and dated the 27th June 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Likeman and Henry
John Lawson at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th June
1876.
JAMES LIKEMAN and HENRY JOHN LAWSON, both of Brighton, in the County of
Sussex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BICYCLES."
This Invention relates to certain improvements in the construction of bicycles
whereby great advantages are obtained as compared with the methods of con-
struction usually employed.
The main body or frame of the bicycle consists of a longitudinal bar formed of
iron or other suitable material, the forward end of which is divided so as to form
a fork, in the arms of which are formed bearings for the reception of the journals
of a large driving wheel. Over the rear end of the main body or frame the seat
for the driver is placed, the same being at such a height as to allow the feet of
the rider to touch the ground when desired. A small wheel is placed below the
seat, the same being mounted in bearings formed in bars which project downwards
from the main body or frame of the bicycle. The driving wheel is provided with
cranks on either side thereof, and the propulsive power is obtained by actuating
the cranks by means of treadles which are worked by the feet, and also by levers
worked by the hands, suitable connecting rods or equivalent contrivances being
employed in both cases, which are capable of being adjusted to different leverages.
The propulsion of the bicycle may be effected by the combined operation of the
treadles and hand levers, or by either separately.
For the purposes of steering two pulleys are mounted vertically at the back
of the hand levers which are attached to the main body or frame, cords or chains
being passed over such pulleys, and by carrying pulleys to the respective sides of
the frame of the small or steering wheel. The said cords or chains are pulled by
the rider by turning the pulleys in either direction, when the small or steering
wheel will be thereby turned to the right or left, as may be desired. For this
purpose handles are attached to the pulleys, and which are within the reach of
the rider. A rod is suspended from the main body or frame which is capable of
[Price 6d.]

page_text: resting upon the ground and of supporting the bicycle; when it is desired the
same shall be stationary. A pin projects from the end of the fork of the main
body or frame, upon which any of the connecting rods may be suspended, fixing
either the handles or treadles in a stationary position.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said James Likeman and Henry John Lawson in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 27th December 1876.
JAMES LIKEMAN and HENRY JOHN LAWSON, both of Brighton, in the County of
Sussex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BICYCLES."
Our said Invention relates to certain improvements in the construction of that
class of velocipedes known as "bicycles" whereby great advantages are obtained
as compared with the methods of construction usually employed.
The main body or frame of the bicycle consists of a bar placed horizontally or
otherwise, and formed of iron or other suitable material, the backward end of
which is divided so as to form a fork, which fork is provided with bearings for
the reception of the journals of a large driving wheel. The forward portion of the
fork is lowered to a horizontal position, and connected to a bar which is lengthened
forward, and also forms part of the main body of the bicycle. Over the front end of
the main body or frame the seat for the rider is placed, the same being at such
a height as to allow the feet of the rider to touch the ground when desired. A
small wheel is placed at a level lower than that of the seat, and is mounted in
suitable bearings. The large driving wheel is provided with cranks on either side
thereof, and the propulsive power is obtained by actuating such cranks by means
of treadles which are worked by the feet, and also, when desired, by levers worked
by the hands, suitable arrangements for these purposes and also for steering the
bicycle being employed as herein-after mentioned.
In order that our said Invention may be clearly understood we will now proceed
to refer to the annexed two Sheets of Drawings, in which the several Figures are
numbered seriatum.
Figures 1 and 2 shew the construction of a bicycle in accordance with our said
Invention, in which treadles to be actuated by the feed only are employed for
the purpose of propulsion, the steering being effected by means of the cross handle,
as in the bicycles ordinarily in use. Figure 1 is a longitudinal elevation and
Figure 2 a plan of the bicycle. The same letters of reference indicate similar
parts in the respective Figures.
A is the main body of the bicycle. The fork which carries the small wheel is
placed in a perpendicular position, and turns upon the centre D which is fixed in
the main body (A) of the bicycle. The levers I have at one end thereof a number
of holes or apertures which will respectively permit the insertion of the bolts
which carry the connecting rods. A small bolt is inserted into one of the said
holes or apertures, and from this bolt proceeds a connecting rod K which turns
the crank L. The object of employing the said holes or apertures is to enable any
length of stroke for the feet to be obtained. The lower down that the connecting
rod K is placed the greater will be the stroke of the feet, and vice versa. To the
other ends of the said levers I are attached the treadles H, which oscillate upon
the axis . The whole of the levers I turn upon their own axes at Y, such axes
being formed by an inverted T piece, which is joined to the main body at J, and
thence proceeds downwards and diverges at the bottom on each side, as shewn
at J. The rider is of course seated with his back towards the large wheel, which
is of the diameter of six feet or more. The cross handle is fixed to the top of F.
Some parts of the main body or frame of the bicycle may be formed of steel or
iron tube for the purpose of lightening the same. The fork a is fixed firmly to
the main body or frame of the bicycle, the ends of the fork carrying the journals

page_text: or bearings of the large wheel. Upon the spring, as indicated at b, at an elevation
higher than the saddle, is a small plate of steel, ou which the rider can sit if he
should desire to do so.
The bicycle is used in the following manner :-The rider lifts one leg over the
lower part of the bridge and sits across the saddle with his foot or feet resting
upon the ground, thus preserving the bicycle in an upright position whilst be
retains his seat. When the rider desires to propel the machine he actuates the
treadles alternately by his feet, and thus sets the bicycle in motion. Whilst
travelling the rider can raise himself on to the front plate or seat, and thus obtain
any advantage which may attach to the elevation of the feet above the ground,
as in the ordinary bicycles. In such case, when he desires to stop the bicycle,
the rider slackens speed, lowers himself to the saddle, and rests his feet upon
the ground.
Figures 3 and 4 shew certain arrangements which are more especially adapted
for the convenience of ladies, the bicycle to which they are applied differing from
that represented in Figures 1 and 2, inasmuch as the seat is not situated between
the wheels, as shewn at E, but more in front of the whole machine, both wheels
being at the back of the rider, and the seat so constructed as not to require being
sat upon astride, and thus the division and disturbance of the dress is entirely
avoided. Figure 3 is a longitudinal elevation and Figure 4 a plan view of a
bicycle constructed with the said last-mentioned arrangements.
Ŏ is the backbone of the machine; P, the fork; D, the large or driving wheel ;
E, the cranks; F, the connecting rods; M, the stay to assist in supporting the inverted
Tpiece R; K is the spring; A, the seat; and J, the handles to steer with; I is a light
frame which passes behind the rider (when seated) and connects the two handles
with each other and with the upright bar S, which is fixed to the front fork T, and
which latter carries the journals of the small wheel. G is the lever, and H the
treadle. B is a guard to prevent the dress touching the front wheel.
In Figures 5 and 6 a machine is represented in which the
feet are used for the purposes of propulsion. Figure 5 is
bicycle, and Figure 6 a longitudinal elevation of the same.
reference indicate similar parts in the respective Figures.
hands as well as the
a front view of the
The same letters of
A is the main body of the bicycle. The fork which carries the small wheel is
placed in a perpendicular position, and turns upon the centro D (see Figure 6),
which is fixed in the main body of the bicycle. From the sides of the last-
mentioned fork project pins, indicated at W, to the ends of which are attached
small connecting rods V. The said connecting rods at their other extremities work
upon pins fixed in small rectangular fittings, represented at U, and which fittings
have other connecting rods T attached to the other end thereof, and which last-
mentioned connecting rods are attached to the arm which projects at R. The
result of this arrangement is that the movement of the handles C, to which the
arms Rare fixed, in either direction, from right to left, ultimately produces a motion
of the fork, which turns upon the centre D (Figure 6) and guides the machine
when in motion. The hand levers B consist of simple bars with a hole Z fitted
therein to turn upon the pin at Z, upon which it swings backwards and forwards.
The tops of the levers are drilled so as to form sockets for the handles to turn in.
At the other ends of the said levers are drilled holes, into which are inserted small
bolts which carry the connecting rods G, the other ends of which oscillate upon
the rectangular lever I. The last-mentioned lever has at one end thereof a number
of holes, which will respectively permit the insertion of the bolts which carry the
connecting rods. From a small bolt which is inserted into one of the said holes
proceeds a connecting rod K which turns the crank L. The object of employing
the said holes is that any necessary regulations of length of stroke may be obtain-
able either for the hands or feet. The lower down the connecting rod K is
placed the greater will be the stroke of the hands and feet, and vice versa, whilst
the lowering of the rods G will give the hand levers less stroke, and vice versa.
To the other ends of the said levers I are attached the treadles H, which oscillato

page_text: in a small fork upon the axis X. The whole of the lever I turns upon its own
axis at Y. The said last-mentioned axis is formed by an inverted T piece, which
is joined to the main body at J, thence proceeding downwards and diverging at
the bottom on each side, as shewn at J (Figure 6). N is a stay to assist in firmly
fixing the piece J. S is the wheel spring, and E the saddle for the rider. The
rider is of course seated with his back towards the large wheel. To the top of F is
fixed the cross handle (as in the bicycles as ordinarily constructed) to be used
optionally. The forward end of the main body A diverges outwards on either
side a little above the fixture of the spring S, so as to bring the handles and
guiding fittings at a convenient distance apart, as shewn at Z, Figure 6.
It will be seen that by means of the arrangements herein-before described
greatly increased safety is ensured to the rider as compared with the bicycles
hitherto in use, his feet being always within reach of the ground, whilst there is
no necessity to mount the bicycle when in motion, or to alight directly a stoppage
is found desirable. Great additional power is also obtained both to propel or to
regulate the speed, or to stop suddenly.
Having thus declared and ascertained the nature of our said Invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, we would observe in conclusion that
we do not confine or restrict ourselves to the precise details in the construction and
arrangement of the mechanism as herein-before described, inasmuch as variations
may be made therein without departing from the main features and principles of
our said Invention, but what we consider novel and original, and therefore claim
as constituting the Invention secured to us by the said herein-before in part
recited Letters Patent are,―
First. The employment and arrangement of a seat or saddle in bicycles, having
a driving wheel of the diameter of six feet, at such a height that the feet of the
rider can touch the ground, substantially as and for the purposes herein-before
described and set forth.
Secondly. The arrangement of the large or driving wheel in bicycles so that the
centre of the same shall be on or near the same level horizontally as the seat of the
rider, the whole of such wheel being at the back or behind the rider when seated,
substantially as herein-before described and set forth.
Thirdly. The combination and arrangement of treadles and mechanism in the
construction of bicycles, the same being capable of adjustment to various strokes,
and also of enabling the rider conveniently to drive and turn thereby a wheel of
a diameter of six feet or more which is situated behind him, substantially as
herein-before described and set forth.
Fourthly. The application to bicycles of levers by which the same can be
propelled by manual power, either with or without the use of foot treadles, sub-
stantially as herein-before described and set forth.
Fifthly. The application to bicycles of apparatus constructed chiefly of rods, by
means of which the rider is enabled to guide or steer the bicycle by the motion of
the hands from right to left, and vice versa, while continuing the backward and
forward strokes of the levers with his hands and arms, substantially as herein-before
described and set forth.
And, lastly. The general combination and arrangement of parts and mechanism
in the construction of bicycles, substantially as and for the purposes herein-before
described and set forth, or any mere modifications thereof.
In witness whereof, we, the said James Likeman and Henry John Lawson,
have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Twenty-third day of December, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
JAMES LIKEMAN.
(L.S.)
HENRY JOHN LAWSON. (L.S.)