Driving Mechanism for Cycles.
Year: 1897

page_text: .
Date of Application, 18th May, 1897
Complete Specification Left, 7th Feb., 1898-Accepted, 7th May, 1898
Driving Mechanism for Cycles.
I, ROBERT EDWARD PHILLIPS, Assoc. M. Inst. C.E., M.I. Mech. E., of 70,
Chancery Lane, in the Parish of St. Andrew's, Holborn, in the County of Middle-
sex, Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention, which has been communicated to me by Gerard Beckman, of 5, East
34th Street, New York, United States of America, to be as follows:-
My invention relates to improvements in bicycle propelling mechanism wherein
the motion of the pedal cranks is imparted to the sprocket wheel or other driven
element by means of an automatic clutch mechanism in which the clutch action
is produced intermittently by the pressure or impulse of the rider's feet upon the
pedals, and in which coasting braking, or back pedalling, as well as propelling,
may each be effected according to the manner of moving or arresting the pedal
cranks, and without requiring the feet to be removed from them.
The object of the invention is to provide a simple, effective, and durable means
of producing the clutch action by the pressure of the feet on the pedals, and to
obtain positive propulsion and controllable brake pressure in the clutch action,
and to provide a self contained and neat appearing construction.
My invention consists in certain novel features and combination of parts
hereinafter described, wherein the pedal cranks are flexibly connected
with relation to each other so that their movement of flexure for actuating the
clutch occurs on their axis of rotation; also wherein the elastic means tending
to support said cranks in diametrically opposite relation is located on their axis
of rotation; also wherein the construction of the friction clutch device itself is
improved and simplified; and also wherein a compound friction and positive
clutch mechanism is used.
:―
Referring to the accompanying drawings:-
Figure 1 is a horizontal section faken at x-x, Figure 2 showing the crank
shaft hanger and crank mechanism embodying my improvements, adapted to
the frame of a rear driven bicycle.
Figure 2, is a vertical section taken at y-y, Figure 1.
Figure 3, is a detail sectional view of the crank boss taken at z-z, Figure 4.
Figure 4, an inside elevation of the crank boss;
Figure 5, a top plan view of the connecting fork for guiding the movable parts
of the friction clutches (the position corresponding to Figure 1).
Figure 6, an inside face view of said fork;"
Figure 7, a top plan view of the spring collar, one of which is connected to each
end of the torsional spring;
Figure 8, is a face view of said collar; and
Figure 9, is a vertical section through the crank boss, showing the clutch cam,
the fork, the collar, the spring, and the internal shaft which connects the forks
and assists in aligning the axis of the cranks.
In Figures 1 and 2, A represents the crank shaft hanger; B the centre brace

page_text: of the frame; C, the front lower brace; the arrow E, representing the direction
in which the machine is to be propelled.
F, represents the crank shaft, which is tubular, and is journaled in ball bear-
ings G, G, and bears the sprocket wheel which is represented at H. For
convenience, the shaft F, is made in two parts, 1, 2, which are united by a screw
threaded sleeve 3, and rotatively locked by a key 4.
The cranks I, I, are mounted in oppositely disposed relation on their axis of
rotation represented by the line J-J. Said cranks are maintained in opposite
relation through the agency of a torsional spring L, the extremities of which are
firmly joined to collars M, which turn loosely on the internal shaft K, to the
limited extent required, and these collars M, the cranks I, I, are securely con-
nected; the projections 5, 5, (Figures 3 and 4) which terminate the inwardly
projecting sleeve 7, of the crank boss, interlocking between the projections 6, 6,
(Figures and 8) on the collar M, at each end of the device.
N, represents the clutch ring of the driven element which ring is integral with
the tubular shaft F, carrying the sprocket wheel H.
The ring N, is provided on its exterior portion with clutch pockets 10, present-
ing beveled or tangent surfaces 11, as shown, and containing rollers 12, which
engage between the flange 14, of the crank boss P, and said tangent surfaces in
such manner as to engage the crank positively with the ring N, and driven element
of the machine when the cranks are propelled forwardly.
In addition to the positive clutch thus constituted, I provide a friction clutch
which in the illustration is composed of two segmental movable parts S, S, of
rawhide or other suitable material which are adapted when expanded apart, to
frictionally engage on the internal surface of the ring N.
The parts S, S, are actuated by means of a cam T, securely keyed or otherwise
fastened to the sleeve 7, of the crank boss P, and the cam T, will expand the clutch
pieces S, S, by rotative pressure in either direction.
The internal shaft K, has fixed thereon the guiding forks R, at each end which
project loosely through the furthermost portions 1 &, of the slots between the projec-
tions 5, of the crank sleeves 7, and said forks enter between the ends of the
segments S, S, and guide them so that the one pair will always be kept in a
rotative position corresponding with the other pair of segments.
The extremities of the shaft K, are provided with round nuts 16, 17, right and
left threaded so as to lock one another and secure the parts in position when put
together, and the said nuts seat shoulders 18, in the sleeves 7.
The cranks are maintained in alignment of axis J, J, by the proper contact of
the peripheries of the nuts 16, 17 with the countersunk holes 19, (Figure 3) in
the crank bosses and the cranks may also be steadied by contact of the flange 14,
with the ring N, at the points of projection between the pockets. Moreover, the
inner extremities of the sleeves 7 of the cranks, uniting with the collars M, and
interlocked, or mortised together as before described and turned off evenly, form
bearings for the cranks in the tubular shaft F, which serve to support the axis
of the cranks.
By means of the foregoing construction, it will be seen that when the cranks,
or either of them are pressed in a forward direction of rotation, the clutch on
the outer side of the ring N, will positively engage at the initial part of the move-
ment, and impart propulsion.
When the machine is running, the cranks I, I, may be brought to rest; the
roller 12, becoming idle; and the spring L, is stiff enough to support the weight
of the rider's feet for purposes of coasting, or intermittent resting.
When muscular pressure is exerted upon the pedals of the cranks, the tendency
is to move them simultaneously in opposite directions about the axis J-J, of
rotation. The spring L, yielding a limited arc movement of the cranks rela-
tively to one another will occur, and the cams T, T, will be actuated in opposite
directions to expand the clutch pieces S, S, which are connected to one another
on opposite sides of the machine so as to resist relative rotative displacement as

page_text: before described by the agency of the fork R, R, and shaft K. Consequently,
a frictional engagement will be effected between the pieces S, S, and the rings N,
which by the excess of back pedalling pressure of the feet on the cranks will
produce a braking action. The cranks may remain stationary while the braking
action is thus effected, or after the machine has been stopped, the same may be
propelled backwards by the backward rotation of the cranks, the clutch device S, S,
engaging.
I, ROBERT EDWARD PHILLIPS, Assoc. M. Inst. C.E., M.I. Mech. E., of 70,
Chancery Lane, in the Parish of St. Andrew's, Holborn, in the County of Middle-
sex, Consulting Engineer & Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention (which has been communicated to me from abroad by Gerard Beekman,
of 5 East 34th Street, New York) and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention relates to improvements in bicycle propelling mechanism wherein
the motion of the pedal cranks is imparted to the sprocket wheel or other driven
element by means of an automatic clutch mechanism in which the clutch action
is produced intermittently by the pressure or impulses of the rider's feet upon the
pedals, and in which coasting braking, or back pedalling, as well as propelling,
may each be effected according to the manner of moving or arresting the pedal
cranks, and without requiring the feet to be removed from them.
The object of the invention is to provide a simple, effective, and durable means
of producing the clutch action by the pressure of the feet on the pedals, and to
obtain positive propulsion and controllable brake pressure in the clutch action,
and to provide a self contained and neat appearing construction.
My invention consists in certain novel features and combinations of parts
hereinafter described and claimed, wherein the pedal cranks are flexibly connected
with relation to each other so that their movement of flexure for actuating the
clutch occurs on their axis of rotation; also wherein the elastic means tending
to support said cranks in diametrically opposite relation is located on their axis
of rotation; also wherein the construction of the friction clutch device itself is
improved and simplified; and also wherein a compound friction and positive
clutch mechanism is used.
Referring to the drawings accompanying the Provisional Specification;
Figure 1 is a horizontal section taken at xx, Figure 2, showing the crank
shaft hanger and crank mechanism embodying my improvements, adapted to
the frame of a rear driven bicycle.
Figure 2, is a vertical section.
Figure 3, is a detail sectional view of the crank boss taken at z-z, Figure 4.
Figure 4 an inside elevation of the crank boss.
Figure 5 a top plan view of the connecting fork for guiding the movable parts
of the friction clutches (the position corresponding to Figure 1).

page_text: Figure 6 an inside face view of said fork.
Figure 7, a top plan view of the spring collar, one of which is connected to each
end of the torsional spring;
Figure 8 is a face view of said collar, and
Figure 9 is a vertical section through the crank boss, showing the clutch cam,
the fork, the collar, the spring, and the internal shaft which connects the forks
and assists in aligning the axis of the cranks.
In Figures 1 and 2, A represents the crank shaft hanger; B the center brace
of the frame; C, the front lower brace; the arrow E, representing the direction
in which the machine is to be propelled.
F, represents the crank shaft, which is tubular, and is journalled in ball bear-
ings G, G, and bears the sprocket wheel which is represented at H. For
convenience, the shaft F, is made in two parts 1, 2, which are united by a screw
threaded sleeve 3, and rotatively locked by a key 4.
The cranks I, I, are mounted in oppositely disposed relation on their axis of
rotation represented by the line J-J. Said cranks are maintained in opposite
relation through the agency of a torsional spring L, the extremities of which are
firmly joined to collars M, which turn loosely on the internal shaft K, to the
limited extent required, and these collars M, and the cranks I, I, are securely con-
nected the projections 5, 5, (Figures 3 and 4) which terminate the inwardly
projecting sleeve 7, of the crank boss, interlocking between the projections 6, 6,
(Figures 7 and 8) on the collar M, at each end of the device.
N, represents the clutch ring of the driven element which ring is integral with
the tubular shaft F, carrying the sprocket wheel H.
The ring N, is provided on its exterior portion with clutch pockets 10, present-
ing beveled or tangent surfaces 11, as shown, and containing rollers 12, which
engage between the flange 14, of the crank boss P, and said tangent surfaces in
such manner as to engage the crank positively with the ring N, and driven element
of the machine when the cranks are propelled forwardly.
In addition to the positive clutch thus constituted, I provide a friction clutch
which in the illustration is composed of two segmental movable parts S, S, of
rawhide or other suitable material which are adapted when expanded apart, to
frictionally engage on the internal surface of the ring N.
The parts S, S, are actuated by means of a cam T, securely keyed or otherwise
fastened to the sleeve 7, of the crank boss P, and the cam T, will expand the clutch
pieces S, S, by rotative pressure in either direction.
The internal shaft K, has fixed thereon the guiding forks R, at each end which
project loosely through the furthermost portions of the slots between the projec-
tions 5, of the crank sleeves 7, and said forks enter between the ends of the
segments S, S, and guide them so that the one pair will always be kept in a
rotative position corresponding with the other pair of segments.
The extremities of the shaft K, are provided with round nuts 16, 17, right and
left threaded so as to lock one another and secure the parts in position when put
together, and the said nuts seat shoulders 18, in the sleeve 7.
The cranks are maintained in alignment of axis J, J, by the proper contact of
the peripheries of the nuts 16, 17 with the countersunk holes 19, (Fig. 3) in
the crank bosses, and the cranks may also be steadied by contact of the flange 14,
with the ring N, at the points of projection between the pockets. Moreover, the
inner extremities of the sleeves 7, of the cranks, uniting with the collars M. and
interlocked, or mortised together as before described and turned off evenly, form 5
bearings for the cranks in the tubular shaft F, which serve to support the axis
of the cranks.
By means of the foregoing construction, it will be seen that when the cranks,
or either of them are pressed in a forward direction of rotation, the clutch on
the outer side of the ring N, will positively engage at the initial part of the move- 5
ment, and impart propulsion.
When the machine is running, the cranks I, I, may be brought to rest; the

page_text: roller 12, becoming idle; and the spring L, is stiff enough to support the weight
of the rider's feet for purposes of coasting, or intermittent resting.
When muscular pressure is exerted upon the pedals of the cranks, the tendency
is to move them simultaneously in opposite directions about the axis J-J, of
rotation. The spring L, yielding a limited arc movement of the cranks rela-
tively to one another will occur, and the cams T, T, will be actuated in opposite
directions to expand the clutch pieces S, S, which are connected to one another
on opposite sides of the machine so as to resist relative rotative displacement as
before described by the agency of the fork R, R, and shaft K. Consequently,
a frictional engagement will be effected between the pieces S, S, and the rings N,
which by the excess of back pedalling pressure of the feet on the cranks will
produce a braking action. The cranks may remain stationary while the braking
action is thus effected, or after the machine has been stopped, the same may be
propelled backwards by the backward rotation of the cranks, the clutch device S, S,
engaging.
:
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is:-
(1) In a cycle, the combination with a rotary driven element, of two rotary
pedal cranks flexibly connected in diametrically opposite relation to each other
upon their axis of rotation and having their pivot of flexure on said axis, and
clutch mechanism operated by the flexure of said cranks whereby to engage with
said driven element.
(2) In a cycle, the combination with a rotary driven element, of two rotary pedal
cranks flexibly connected in diametrically opposite relation to each other upon
their axis of rotation, torsional elastic means located on said axis connecting said
cranks and tending to support them in said relation, and clutch mechanism
operated by the flexure of said cranks whereby to engage with said driven element.
(3) In a cycle, the combination with a rotary driven element, two rotary pedal
cranks flexibly connected in diametrically opposite relation to each other upon
their axis of rotation and having their pivot of flexure on said axis, of a clutch
mechanism consisting in diametrically movable parts engaging with said driven
element, and cam formations connected to said cranks and upon their axis acting
on said diametrically movable parts so as to press them against said driven
element by the motion of flexure of said cranks.
(4) In a cycle, the combination with a rotary driven element, of two rotary
pedal cranks flexibly connected in diametrically opposite relation to each other
upon their axis of rotation and having their pivot of flexure on said axis, each said
crank provided with two independent clutch mechanisms; one clutch positively
engaging win said driven element by the initial forward propelling rotation of
a crank irrespective of its relative flexure to the other crank, and the other clutch
frictionally and controllably engaging with said driven element by the retardation
or backward rotation of said cranks and according to the relative flexure thereof
produced or initiated by simultaneously opposing pressures of the feet of the rider
on the respective crank pedals.
Dated this 7th day of February 1898.
7th day of February 1898.
ROBERT E. PHILLIPS, Assoc. M. Inst. C.E., M.I. Mech. E.,
Consulting Engineer, & Patent Agent,
70, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Associate Agent.