A NOVEL MECHANICAL CAB TO BE ACTUATED BY FOOT, OR HAND, OR BOTH, OR BY ELECTRICAL, OR OTHER COMPACT MOTIVE POWER; THE PRINCIPLE OF CONSTRUCTION BEING ALSO APPLICABLE TO LIGHT VEHICLES GENERALLY
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Nicholas Demetrius Spartali of Liverpool in the County
of Lancaster for an invention of "A NOVEL MECHANICAL CAB TO BE
ACTUATED BY FOOT, OR HAND, OR BOTH, OR BY ELECTRICAL, OR OTHER
COMPACT MOTIVE POWER; THE PRINCIPLE OF CONSTRUCTION BEING ALSO
APPLICABLE TO LIGHT VEHICLES GENERALLY,"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Nicholas Demetrius Spartali
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th May 1882.
NICHOLAS DEMETRIUS SPARTALI of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster,
"A NOVEL MECHANICAL CAB TO BE ACTUATED BY FOOT, OR HAND, OR BOTH OR
BY ELECTRICAL, OR OTHER COMPACT MOTIVE POWER, THE PRINCIPLE OF CONSTRUC-
TION BEING ALSO APPLICABLE TO LIGHT VEHICLES GENERALLY,"
My Invention has for its object
First The construction of a mechanical cab to be actuated by the feet and hands,
either, or both, of the occupant, or occupants.
Second The construction of light vehicles, to be actuated by mechanism con-
structed upon a similar principle to that used in the construction of the mechanical
cab, under the first part.
In constructing a mechanical cab according to my Invention, I use a main frame,
which partakes of the nature of the back bone, or main support of the mechanism.
The rear part of this frame is carried by a small wheel set in a suitable fork in the
frame. In front the frame is set down and then brought up, forming a well and
supports a cross and two side frames which latter carry a shaft on which are
mounted the side, or main carrying and driving wheels, which are of large
diameter and revolve with the shaft or axle. The rear wheel before spoken of
is of smaller diameter and serves as the back support for the main frame, and
partially for steering. The shaft, or axle carrying the main wheels is provided
with two cranks set at suitable angles, or opposite to each other. These cranks
are operated by foot levers and vertical connecting rods and also by hand levers
TD 031

page_text: and vertical connecting rods, such levers and reds forming powerful knee joints,
which vertically from above and below operate on the cranks. The foot levers
are arranged with their tread set out from such levers and have their fulcrum as
low as possible on the framework and near the ground so as to get the greatest
possible length of leverage in the least possible space.. The hand levers are a
fulcrumed at the back of the frame of the cab hereafter spoken of, on each side of
the seat, the greatest possible length being given to these hand levers. Both the
foot levers and the hand levers work on reacting springs the function of which is
to give such levers reacting force to overcome the centres of the cranks. The
action of the levers may be further assisted by the use of elastic, or other cords
attached to the levers and passing oyer pulleys at the top of the cab provided with
suitable handles for the use of the operator. The seat which may be made to
accomodate one, or two persons is supported on a spring, or springs over the main
back frame, and is so arranged, that it can be elevated, or lowered, or set at an
angle at will by an adjustable central spindle and set screw. The seat is set
sufficiently far back in the machine to give room between the seat and the foot
and hand levers, to enable the operator, or operators to apply his, or their whole
weight and muscular power to the levers and cranks to propel the machine The
machine is steered by a quadrant and train of toothed wheels, the quadrant being
attached to the main frame and the wheels being operated by a hand lever, the
action of which causes the frame of the rear wheel to radiate and consequently
cause the large main driving wheels practically to effect the steering of the
machine. The brake consists of a friction shoe, which is applied to one, or both
of the main driving wheels by a suitable lever and handle within the reach of the
operator. The whole mechanism is covered by a cab frame constructed of any
suitable light material such as thin sheet metal, paper, leather canvas, or thin wood.
This frame partakes the shape of a hansom cab, the lower portion of which encloses
the whole of the mechanism and the operator or operators. To facilitate the
ingress and egress to and from the cab there is provided supporting rests, which
support, or raise the machine slightly from the ground in front and prevents the
over balancing which would otherwise be caused by the entry and exit of the
occupant, or occupants, who when in position inside the cab can raise, or lower
these rests by means of a hand screw when required. A luggage receptacle may
be placed in front of the cab if required.
In constructing light vehicles, according to my Invention, I use a main frame
or back bone of similar construction to that used in the mechanical cab. In fact
this backbone. is simply a prolonging and repetition of the said backbone, or inain
frame, for example the frame is so constructed that its ends are supported on and
carried by two double cranked axles one at each end, these axles being provided
with four wheels, two on each axle respectively mounted on the ends thereof.
The main frame is extended past the wheels at one end and is carried by a guiding
wheel. Upon the frame on either side of the main or carrying wheels are mounted
the seats of the operators, which are adjustable to suit the length of limb of the
operators. Below the seats there are arranged a double system of levers and
treadles, which operate by means of connecting rods and the crank axles. The
greatest possible length of lever is given, so as to facilitate the driving operation.
On each side of the seats there are also mounted land levers and connecting rods,
which likewise gear on to and assist in actuating the crank axles. The vehicle
may be arranged with foot and hand levers for all four of the operators, or with
foot levers for two and hand levers for two. The steering is performed by the
back operator, who controls the trailing, or guiding wheel by means of a steering
handle. Suitable friction brakes are also provided so as to be under control of
one of the operators. Between the two axles and in the well of the frame, there
are mounted uprights, which carry seats arranged on the sociable principle and
available for non operating passengers. The whole framework and mechanism or
merely the sociable part may, if desired be encased and covered over by fixed,
or opening hoods.

page_text: In constructing a smaller vehicle the sociable, or passenger seats may be mounted
behind a single mechanism, similar to that described under the first part, the
steering being effected by operating the trailing wheel, either through toothed
gear, which moves the frame and the wheels, or by a single steering handle, which
operates the trailing wheel only.
In the construction of mechanical cabs, it is essential that all parts should be
kept as light as possible compatable with strength. The framing is preferably
made tubular, or of light bar metal.
If desired cabs, constructed according to my Invention can be propelled by
electrical, or other suitable compact motive power, which can be stored, or
generated in the well of the cab and be applied through suitable power generating
mechanism which can be connected to and actuate the levers and cranks of an
apparatus constructed under this Invention, such levers and cranks being arranged
to provide a maximum power with a minimum of motive power energy and
compactness in space.

page_text: details. The frame A supports by the pivot A³ the cross cranked axle C, which
runs in a suitable bearing block hung under the pivot A³, The ends of the crank
axle C pass through the bearings D¹ in the side frames D (see detail) on the ends
of the crank axle are mounted the side, or main carrying and driving wheels which
are of large diameter and are revolved by the crank axle C. The rear wheel B
serves as the back support for the main frame A and partially or wholly for.
steering, as hereafter described. The side frames D are stayed by distance rods
D2 D3 and by the main cross bar F to which the steering gear and socket for seat
are attached, as shown in detail. The two cranks C of the axle C are set at
suitable angles, or opposite to each other. The cranks C¹ are operated by the foot
levers H to which they are connected by the connecting rods I. The foot levers H.
are fulcrumed, or pivotted on the distance rod D2 and are provided with the foot
pedals H. At the side of the foot levers H and fixed on the rod D3 are the
brackets H2 provided with the springs H³ which bear on the upper side of the foot
levers H. The cranks C¹ are further operated by the hand levers J and the con-
necting rods J¹. The hand levers J are fulcrumed at J2 on the cab frame hereafter. .
spoken of. The action of the hand levers J is assisted by the springs Js which are
carried by upright rods from the cross bar F. The crank connecting rods I J¹ and
the foot and hand levers H J form powerful knee joints which vertically from
above and below operate on the cranks C₁ C'. The foot levers H are arranged
with their treadles H¹ set out from the levers and the fulcrum of the levers H is as
low as possible on the framework D near the ground. Thus the greatest length of
leverage is obtained in the least possible space. The hand levers J being fulcrumed
at J at the back of the cab frame one on each side of the seat gives the greatest
possible length to these hand levers and both the foot levers H and the hand
levers J being provided with the reacting springs H³ and Js a reacting force is given
to assist in overcoming the crank action when passing the centre. The action of
the hand levers J may be further assisted by the use of elastic, or other cords J4
attached to the levers J and passing over pulleys at the top of the cab the ends of
the cords being provided with suitable handles for the use of the operator. The
seat K which may be made to accomodate one, or two persons is supported on a
spring, or springs. over the main, cross bar F and is so arranged that it can be
elevated, or lowered, or set at an angle at will by the central spindle and carrying
bracket K. The seat K is set sufficiently far back in the machine to give room
between the seat K the foot levers H and hand levers J to enable the occupant
and operator, or operators to apply his, or their whole weight and muscular power
to the levers and cranks to propel the machine. The machine may be steered by
the quadrant L and train of toothed wheels M, or by the gear shown at Figures 8
and 9 hereafter described. The quadrant L is attached to the main frame, or back
bone A and the train of toothed wheels M are carried under the main cross bar F.
The top of the quadrant L also serves as a guide, or bed for the anti friction
roller which supports the cross bar F by the horn F³. The quadrant L being
attached to the main frame A. and the wheels M being operated by the hand
levers M on the main cross bar F the frame A is caused to radiate and conse
quently the main driving wheels E practically effect the steering of the machine.
The brake consists of a friction shoe which may be applied to one, or both of the
main driving wheels and is fitted at the back of the cab frame as shown at
Figure 1. The whole mechanism is covered by the cab frame P constructed of
any suitable light material and covered with thin sheet metal, paper, leather,
canvas, thin wood, or other suitable material. In Figures 1 2 and 3 this frame
partakes of the shape of a Hansom cab, the lower portion of which encloses the
whole of the mechanism. To facilitate ingress and egress to and from the cab,
there is provided supporting rests Q which support, or raise the machine slightly
from the ground in front and prevents the over-balancing which would otherwise
be caused by the entry and exit of the occupant, or occupants, who when in
position inside the cab can raise, or lower these rests by means of the hand screw
gear Q

page_text: By Figures 5 and 6 my Invention is shown partaking of the form of a brougham
with side entrance. In this case two seats are provided, and the mechanisın is
worked by the hands and feet of both occupants. The details of the mechanism
for this form of carriage will be understood upon reference to Figure 7.
'
By Figures 8 and 9 is shown a modified arrangement of steering gear. In this
case the steering is effected by the hind wheel B which is operated by the yoke
connecting rod b. The connecting rod is worked by the rack and pinion b¹
mounted on the hand lever J. By turning the handle j, the pinion operates the
rack, and by the rod 62 actuates the steering rod b. The connection between the
rod b and the rod 62 is made in the slide brackets b³ attached to the sides of the
carriage frame.
By Figures 10 and 11 my Invention is shown constructed in the form of a cab
to be driven from the outside by a servant, or attendant.
I have shown these variations of form to let it be clearly understood that the
outside appearance and arrangement of cab may alter to suit circumstances and
the mechanism that it has to contain.
Reference to Figures 12 and 13 in constructing light vehicles, or "Tahytrohon"
according to my Invention I use the main frame, or back bone A of somewhat
similar construction to that used in the mechanical cab. In fact this backbone A
is simply a prolonging and repetition of the said backbone, or main frame A. For
example the frame A is so constructed that its ends are supported on two crank
axles C one at each end. These axles C are provided with four wheels E two on
each axle C respectively mounted on. the ends thereof. The frame A is extended
past the wheels E at one end and is carried by a guiding wheel B, steered by a
suitable rod, or tiller. On the frame A on either side of the wheels Ę are mounted
the seats K which serve for the operators and are adjusted to suit their length of
limb. Below the seats K there are arranged a double system of levers H and
treadles H which operate by means of the connecting rods I the crank axles C.
The greatest length is given to the levers H so as to facilitate the driving operation.
On each side of the seats K, there are also mounted the hand levers J and con-
necting rods J¹ which likewise gear onto and assist in actuating the crank axle C:
The vehicle may be arranged with foot and hand levers for all four of the operators,
or with foot levers for two and hand levers for two. The steering is performed
by the back operator, who controls the trailing, or guiding wheel B by means of a
steering handle. Suitable friction brakes are also provided so as to be under
control of one of the operators. Between the two axles C and in the well of the
frame A, there are mounted uprights which carry the seats R arranged on the
sociable principle and available for non operating passengers. The whole framework
and mechanism, or merely the sociable part may be if desired encased, or covered
over by fixed, or opening hoods.
In constructing a smaller " tabytrohon "the sociable, or passenger seats R may
be mounted behind a single mechanism similar to that described under the first
part, the steering being effected through toothed gear which operates the trailing
wheel.
6
In construction of mechanical cabs, or Tabytrohon" it is essential that all
parts should be kept as light as possible compatable with strength. The framing
is preferably made tubular, or of light bar metal.
If desired cabs, or "Tahytrohon" constructed according to my Invention can be
propelled by electric, or other suitable compact motive power, which can be stored,
or generated in the well of the cab, or any other convenient part, and be applied
through suitable power generating mechanism, which can be applied to and actuate
the levers and cranks of an apparatus constructed under this Invention, such levers
and cranks being arranged to provide a maximum propelling power with a minimum
of motive power energy and compactness in space.
Having now described my Invention and shown how the same may be put into
practical operation, I would have it understood that my Invention is not limited
to the precise form of vehicles herein delineated and it will be readily understood

page_text: that the mechanism of my Invention can be applied to vehicles of different forms,
two wheeled and four wheeled now in use, or any other suitable form of vehicle
to be driven by said mechanism, either from the back of the vehicle, or from the
front, or even from the centre of such vehicle and I can apply the same mechanism
to omnibuses, or tramcars applying the main levers and cranks to the large, or
driving wheels of same either on the outside of the wheels in connection with discs,
or cranks, or on the main axle, or shaft. In constructing light vehicles suitable for
tramways I form the tires of the wheels of India Rubber with a projecting rim in
the centre of the tread to fit the central groove of the tram rail.
I would have it understood that the double acting crank arrangement driven by
a connecting rod and lever from above and also from below can be used as a
method for driving screw shafts, or other machinery.
What I claim as the Invention secured to me by Letters Patent as aforesaid is
First The construction of lever and double acting crank mechanism herein
described for operating mechanical cabs and like wheeled vehicles, generally con-
sisting of the foot and hand or other power driven levers, cranks and their accessary
parts arranged and operating in the manner set forth and as shown in the
Drawings hereto annexed.
Second The arrangement and construction of mechanical cab, as herein described
and shown at Figures 1. 2. 3 and 4 of the Drawings hereto annexed.
Third The arrangement and construction of mechanical cab as herein described
and. shown at Figures 5. 6 and 7 of the Drawings hereto annexed
Fourth The particular arrangement and construction of steering gear as herein
described and shown at Figures 8 and 9 of the Drawings hereto annexed.
Fifth The arrangement and construction of mechanical cab as herein described
and shown at Figures 10 and 11 of the Drawings hereto annexed.
Sixth The arrangement and construction of light wheeled vehicles as herein
described and shown at Figures 12 and 13 of the Drawings hereto annexed.
In Witness whereof, I, the said Nicholas Demetrius Spartali have hereunto
set my hand and seal this eighteenth day of November in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty two
NICHOLAS D, SPARTALI, (L.S.)