A NEW OR IMPROVED METHOD OF AND CONTRIVANCE
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Simmons, of Brixton, in the County of Surrey,
for an Invention of "A NEW OR IMPROVED METHOD OF AND CONTRIVANCE
LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Simmons, of Brixton, in the County of Surrey,
for an Invention of "A NEW OR IMPROVED METHOD OF AND CONTRIVANCE
FOR PROPELLING AND STEERING ROAD VEHICLES BY THE HANDS AND FEET."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Simmons at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th July 1881.
JOSEPH SIMMONS, of Brixton, in the County of Surrey. "A NEW OR IMPROVED
METHOD OF AND CONTRIVANCE FOR PROPELLING AND STEERING ROAD VEHICLES
BY THE HANDS AND FEET."
My Invention has for its object a novel and simple method of propelling and
steering any suitable arrangement of wheels and framework or road vehicle by a
contrivance in which the combined power of the hands and feet of one or moro
riders is utilised to the best advantage for obtaining a greater speed than has
hitherto been done, as well as improved means of steering.
According to one arrangement of my Invention, a rectangular framework is
mounted between two large driving wheels having a double crank axle. Across
the framework on each side, or fore and aft of the axle, is a seat on which a rider
sits opposite each crank of the axle. A smaller steering wheel supports the
framework behind.
On the crank pins. or handles of the axle are reels or ferrules, round which pass
endless leather or other bands carrying at their other ends the treadles, which are
attached by cords or chains to the seats or framework for determining the swing
or action of the treadles to the proper stroke or motion of the feet according to the
requirements of the riders.
A rider on each seat taking hold of the reels or ferrules on the cranks and
simultaneously placing his feet on the treadles, the combined action of the hands
and feet on the cranks is such as to propel the vehicle under better mechanical
advantage and with much greater speed than is now the case. All other gearing
now used is dispensed with by my Invention.
In addition to the ordinary pulling and chain or strap arrangement for moving
the steering wheel by hand, I extend the spindle of the steering handle downwards
and attach to its lower end a projecting arm or lever, whereby the steering wheel
may be operated by the rider's foot instead of by his hands when these are
otherwise engaged.
One advantage of my Invention is, that the centre of gravity of the vehicle
being below the centre of the driving wheels all swaying of the latter is reduced to
a minimum. The facilities for ascending hills is also greatly increased.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Joseph Simmons in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
3rd January 1882.
JOSEPH SIMMONS, of Number Sixty eight, Kellett Road, Brixton, in the County
of Surrey. "A NEW OR IMPROVED METHOD OF AND CONTRIVANCE FOR
PROPELLING AND STEERING ROAD VEHICLES BY THE HANDS AND FEET:"
My Invention has for its object a novel and simple method of propelling and
steering any suitable arrangement of wheels and framework or road vehicle by a
contrivance in which the combined power of the hands and feet of one or more
riders is utilized to the best advantage for obtaining a greater speed than has
hitherto been done, as well as improved means of steering.
According to one arrangement of my Invention, a framework is mounted
between two large wheels having a double crank axle across the framework. Each
side or fore and aft of the axle is a seat on which a rider sits opposite the cranks
of the axle. A smaller steering wheel supports the other parts of the framework.
On the crank pins or handles of the axle are reels or ferrules, round which pass
ieather or other flexible bands or connections carrying the treadles, which are
attached by adjustable guys of cords, chains, or other suitable materials to the
other, parts for adjusting the swing, stroke, or action of the treadles to the proper
motion of the limbs according to the requirements of the rider or riders.
One or more riders taking hold of the reels or ferrules on the cranks and
simultaneously placing the feet on the treadles, the combined action of the hands
and feet on the cranks is such as to propel the vehicle under better mechanical
advantage than has been previously practised.
One advantage of my Invention is, that the seat or position for weight can be
lower in proportion relatively to the size of wheels than by any known means,
thereby reducing the risk of side sway or swing.
Another advantage of my Invention is, that the width of the machine as required
for more than one person is only the same as for one person.
Another advantage of my Invention is, that the connections or parts on or in
connection with which the feet are placed being flexible and of materials easily to
be had at the most insignificant places on the roadside reduces the cost of repairs
to a minimum.
Another advantage of my Invention is, that the force transmitted in the
machine is direct action without any of the gearing or usual machinery hitherto
employed. This must be obvious from the fact that the parts which would be
likely to get out of order are not used, and therefore delays on the roads are
avoided from the causes last named.
Another advantage of my Invention is, that if a hill be encountered up which
the machine cannot be ridden, the rider may suspend the treadles and flexible
connections and instantaneously place his feet upon the road or way and then
walk, keeping one band if necessary for steering, therefore no time is lost or
interruption sustained by mounting or dismounting.
Another advantage of my Invention is, that the hand may be placed on the
crank while walking up a hill, and much rest may be obtained by leaning forward
upon the crank and thus forcing the machine up the hill.
Another advantage of my Invention is, that in cases of collision the peculiar
construction of the machine offers increased security to theriders.

page_text: Another advantage of my Invention is, that the connections being flexible
reduce the risk of injury to the limbs in cases of upset, striking stones, &c., &c.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Simmons, have hereunto set my hand,
this Third day of January, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and eighty two.
JOSEPH SIMMONS.
(L.S.)