Improvements in the Driving Gear of Cycles.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Dec., 1894-Accepted, 5th Jan., 1895
Improvements in the Driving Gear of Cycles.
I, ROBERT REYNOLDS, of Johnston's Bridge, Dromod, County Leitrim,
Ireland, Farmer, 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 has reference to a new or improved arrangement of driving gear
for cycles whereby the circular movement of the feet is superseded by a
practically vertical movement, and a steadier and easier drive thus obtained.
In carrying out my invention I propose to mount a pair of oscillating pedal
levers on the extended ends of the driving wheel spindle. The free ends of these
levers engage with pedals of a special construction, as presently described-mounted
on the ordinary pedal cranks of the machine.
The rider presses his feet on these levers alternately, and thus carrying the pedal
cranks round and round whereby an up and down motion is substituted for the
present circular motion.
The accompanying drawings will enable my said invention to be more readily
understood.
Fig. 1, represents a general view of a bicycle shewing the application of my
improved driving gear.
Figs. 2 and 3, are side view and plan of the pedal levers; and
Figs. 4. 5. and 6, side view, vertical section and plan, of the specially constructed
roller device with which the pedal levers engage.
a, a, are the pedal levers hinged on the extended ends of the driving wheel
spindle as shewn in Fig. 1.
These levers are provided along their side edges with a turned down flange a¹
(Fig. 5) forming a groove for the purpose presently described, and on the upper
surface of their free ends is mounted a foot pedal b, capable of rocking on
standards c, c, so as to present a horizontal plane continuously to the foot during
the oscillating movements of the levers.
Should it be desired to dispense with the pedal plate b, the standards will serve
to hold the foot in position.
Two rows of holes as shewn are provided in the levers for the purpose of
facilitating the securing of the pedal plate standards thereto, and the upper
surfaces may be covered with a layer of india-rubber or other suitable material, if
it should be found of advantage to do so.
Figs. 4. 5. and 6 illustrate the special roller pedal which constitutes an essential
part of my invention.
d, is a semi-circular cup provided at its side edges with projecting ledges e, e, and
central apertures f through which the spindle passes. In this cup rotates the
roller g, provided with ball-bearings h. h. as shewn. The cup and roller are held in
proper position on the ordinary pedal spindle by nuts and washers in the usual way.
The periphery of the roller is concave in section, and is surrounded with an india-
rubber ring to ensure proper rolling contact with the under surface of the
oscillating levers.
The cranks carrying these roller pedals should not be so long as those used
according to the present system of driving, but should be four inches or there-
abouts.
The oscillating levers rest on the periphery of the rollers 9, and engage by
means of the turned down flanged grooves, with the projecting ledges e, e, whereby

page_text: they are capable of sliding freely longitudinally, and prevented from lateral
movement.
A sliding contact is thus established between the levers and the roller pedals, and
the rising and falling of the levers in a vertical plane is thus ensured.
By an arrangement of driving gear as herein described, it is obvious that the
practically vertical movement of the feet, instead of the circular motion will be
found more convenient and less fatiguing, while a steadier drive will be maintained,
and greater speed obtained.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I would have it
understood that what I claim is:-
First. In cycles, the use and application of driving gear, constructed, arranged,
and operating in the manner substantially as specified and set forth.
Second. In cycles, the oscillating levers a, a, in combination with the pedals
herein described, in the manner and for the purpose substantially as specified.
Third. In cycles the use and application of a specially constructed pedal in the
manner substantially as described and set forth.
Dated the 1st day of December 1894.
J. K. FAHIE & SON,
9, Westland Row, Dublin, Agents for Applicant.