IMPROVED MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR DRIVING BICYCLES AND OTHER VELOCIPEDES
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Edward Heath, junior, of Penarth, in the
County of Glamorgan, South Wales, for an Invention of "IMPROVED MEANS
OF AND APPARATUS FOR DRIVING BICYCLES AND OTHER VELOCIPEDES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Edward Heath, jr.,
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th September 1881.
THOMAS EDWARD HEATH, junior, of Penarth, in the County of Glamorgan,
South Wales. "IMPROVED MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR DRIVING BICYCLES
AND OTHER VELOCIPEDES."
My Invention relates to an improved method of applying the driving forco to
velocipedes of two or more wheels, whereby the ratio between the distance travelled
by the periphery of the driving wheel or wheels, and by the pedals or point whero
the power is applied, may be varied as required, according to the nature of the road
traversed or load carried.
My Invention consists in applying to the axle of the driving wheel or wheels
of a bicycle, tricycle, or other velocipede two drums, each of which is free to
revolve in a backward direction, but when pulled forwards carries the axle round
with it by means of a silent feed or gripping contrivance, which may be composed
of a ratchet wheel fixed to the axle and with which pawis attached to the drums
engage (or vice versa, the ratchet teeth being upon the drum and the pawls
attached to the axle). I prevent the clicking noise by means of a small piece of
steel attached to each pawl and pressed by a spring against the sides of the ratchet
wheel, sufficient friction being thereby set up to hold the pawls clear of the teeth
when the drum moves backwards, and to force it into the teeth when the drum
moves forwards. Each pawl is also furnished with a catch to hold it clear of the
ratchet teeth when required, as, for instance, when the machine has to be pushed
backwards; or another contrivance is composed of a ratchet wheel placed inside or
alongside cach drum and keyed to the axle. One or more short levers are pivoted
on pins carried by a frame which can revolve upon the bosses of the ratchet wheel
One end of each lever forms a pawl, the other end passing easily through a hole or
Dmine Gd1

page_text: catch attached to the drum so that when the latter is moved in a forward
direction it presses the pawls into the ratchet teeth, but when moved backwards
it lifts them out. The frame which carries the pawls must not revolve too freely
but be so adjusted that the drum moves first the pawls and then the frame. This
can be effected by letting it press slightly against the sides of the ratchet wheel.
To each drum a chain (or a cord or strap if preferred) is attached, and being wound
round the drum descends to a lever, hereafter called a pedal lever, the pedals
being attached to one end thereof. The two pedal levers swing from bearings
fixed to the framework.
The two drums are connected so that when one is pulled downwards through an
are of a circle by its chain and pedal lever it draws the other drum and lever
upwards to the same extent. This may be effected by carrying the chain, after it
has been wound round and fastened to one drum, over a sheave (which is pivoted
to the framework of the bicycle or other velocipede at right angles to the two
drums on the axle), and thence to the other drum, round which it is also wound
and fastened.
Or a rocking beam or bevil wheels may be employed to effect the same purpose.
I attach the chains to the pedal levers by stirrups which can be slid along the
levers (by the feet in the case of tricycles) and fixed at various distances from the
fulcrum by means of catches which engage in notches cut on the levers.
In the case of bicycles the stirrups may be adjusted by the feet or hand. The
pedal levers, in the case of tricycles, are preferably made double, so that the treadles
and feet operate respectively between thein, and the levers are formed with a suitable
curve (approximately radial to the mean position where the chain leaves the drum).
If so bent it is evident that when the pedals are at mid stroke the stirrup can be slid
along the lever and fixed nearer or further from the fulcrum without moving the
drum; or in lieu of curving the pedal levers they may be made straight, the length
of the chain being varied as it is attached nearer to or further from the fulcrum.
This may be effected by having hooks at various distances along the levers which
engage with different links of the chain, or in any other convenient manner. The
stroke of the pedal levers can be varied at the rider's will, and in descending hills
they can be kept stationary. When desired to drive one wheel only this wheel is
fixed to the axle, but when two wheels of equal diameter are to be driven they are
placed one at each end of the axle upon which they are free to revolve faster than
the axle, but are prevented from going slower by ratchets and pawls, or a silent
feed or gripping contrivance. This allows the axle to drive both wheels equally
when the tricycle is running straight, but when going round a curve the outer
wheel is moved faster than the inner wheel.
Another method of driving two wheels of a tricycle is as follows:-Each wheel
is fixed to an axle, the two axles being in line with each other, and upon each runs
a drum actuated by pedal levers as before described. A hollow cylindrical box is
placed between the two drums and is free to revolve upon both axles. The box
is rotated in one direction by the drums acting alternately upon it by means of
ratchets and pawls or a silent feed or gripping contrivance. Inside the cylindrical
box are two spur wheels, one fixed to each axle. A pinion engages in the teeth of
the right hand spur wheel and projects beyond it. A second pinion engages in
the teeth of the left hand spur wheel and projects beyond it. The projecting teeth
of the first pinion engage in the projecting teeth of the second pinion. The two
pinions revolve on two axles which are carried by the sides of the hollow
cylindrical box. Now if the cylindrical box is rotated by the drums acting
alternately by means of the ratchet or pawl or gripping contrivance, it causes
both axles and driving wheels to revolve with it, and as long as the strain upon
both driving wheels is equal they revolve at the same speed, but in turning a
corner it permits the outer wheel to revolve faster than the inner. If desired to
obtain the power of back-pedalling and rotory motion for the feet (which the
arrangement of drums, chain, and pedal levers does not admit of) I apply this
hollow cylindrical box with enclosed spur gearing to obtain two speeds, one for bills

page_text: and one for level ground, as follows:-On the outside of the cylindrical box I have,
say, 28 spur teeth. The pedals rotate a cranked axle upon which are fixed two
spur wheels below the spur teeth of the cylindrical box, ono wheel of, say, 32 teeth
and one of, say, 16 teeth.
I arrange that the 32 tooth wheel gears with the 28 teeth of the cylindrical
box by means of an intermediate spur wheel of 24 teeth, or this can be thrust out
of gear and an intermediate wheel of 32 teeth cause the 16 spur to gear with the
28 teeth of the cylindrical box. This I effect by pivoting the 24 and 32 teeth
intermediate wheels (one in front of the other) to a sliding block, so that when one
is in gear the other is out. This block can slido along a square bar attached to the
framework and be pulled forwards and backwards by a screw or other contrivance,
or the intermediate wheels may be attached to a lever which swings from a bearing
fixed to the framework below the crank axle, the lever being held in the positions
required to put the 32 or 24 intermediate wheels in gear by catches which engage
in notches or other suitable contrivances. When the cylindrical box with enclosed
spurs is used, the brake is best applied by a band round that portion of it on which
there are no ratchets or spur tecth, but in other cases any suitable form of brake
may be used which is sufficiently powerful to check or stop the bicycle or tricycle
when descending a stoep hill. With the sheave chain and pedal lever arrangement,
in which back-pedalling cannot be used, if the brake is made powerful enough
the advantage of having the pedals stationary in descending hills can be safely
enjoyed.
One advantage of my Invention is the increased safety in the case of bicycles,
as the wheel may be so low that the rider's feet almost touch the ground and yet
attain the same speed as a large wheel. The saddle also is well back and the
treadles immediately under it.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Thomas Edward Heath, jr., in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 24th March 1882.
THOMAS EDWARD HEATH, junior, of Penarth, in the County of Glamorgan,
South Wales. "IMPROVED MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR DRIVING BICYCLES
AND OTHER VELOCIPEDES."
My Invention relates to an improved method of applying the driving force to
velocipedes of two or more wheels, whereby the ratio between the distance travelled
by the periphery of the driving wheel or wheels, and by the pedals or point where
the power is applied, may be varied as required, according to the nature of the
road traversed or load carried.
My Invention consists in applying to the axle of the driving wheel or wheels of
a bicycle, tricycle, or other volocipede two drums, each of which is free to revolve
in a backward direction, but when pulled forwards carries the axle round with it
by means of a silent feed or gripping contrivance, which may be composed of a
ratchet wheel fixed to the axle, and with which pawls attached to the drums
engage (or vice versa, the ratchet teeth being upon the drums, and the pawls
attached to the axle). I prevent the clicking noise by means of a small piece of
steel attached to each pawl, and pressed against the sides of the ratchet wheel,
sufficient friction being thereby set up to hold the pawls clear of the teeth when
the druin moves backwards, and to forco it into the teeth when the drum moves
forwards. Each pawl is also furnished with a catch to hold it clear of the ratchet
teeth when required, for instance, when the machine has to be pushed backwards;
or another contrivance is composed of a ratchet wheel placed inside or alongside
each drum and keyed to the axle. One or more short levers are pivoted on pins
carried by a frame, which can revolve upon the bosses of the ratchet wheel. One
end of each lever forms a pawl, the other end passing easily through a hole or
catch attached to the drum, so that when the latter is moved in a forward direction
it presses the pawls into the ratchet teeth, but when moved backwards it lifts
them out. The frame which carries the pawls must not revolve too freely, but bo
so adjusted that the drum moves first the pawls and then the frame. This can be
effected by letting it press slightly against the sides of the ratchet wheel. To each
drum a chain (or a cord or strap if preferred) is attached, and being wound round
the drum descends to a lever, hereafter called a pedal lever, the pedals being
attached to one end thereof. The two pedal levers swing from bearings fixed to
the framework. The two drums may be connected, so that when one is pulled
downwards through an arc of a circle by its chain and pedal lever it draws the
other drum and lever upwards to the same extent. This may be effected by
carrying the chain, after it has been wound round and fastened to one drum, over
a sheave (which is pivoted to the framework of the bicycle or other velocipede at
right angles to the two drums on the axle), and thence to the other drum, round
which it is also wound and fastened. Or a rocking beam or bevil wheels may be
employed to effect the same purpose. I attach the chains to the pedal levers by
stirrups, which can be slid along the levers (by the feet, in the case of tricycles)
and fixed at various distances from the fulcrum by means of catches, which engage
in notches cut on the levers). In the case of bicycles the stirrups may be adjusted
by the feet or hand. The pedal levers, in the case of tricycles, are preferably made
double, so that the treadles and feet operate respectively between them and the
levers are formed with a suitable curve (approximately radial to the mean position
where the chain leaves the drum. If so bent it is evident that when the pedals
•

page_text: are at mid stroke the stirrup can be slid along the lever, and fixed nearer or
further from the fulcrum without moving the drum; or in lieu of curving the
pedal levers they may be made straight, the length of the chain being varied as it
is attached nearer to or further from the fulcrum. This may be effected by having
hooks at various distances along the levers, which engage with different links of
the chain, or in any other convenient manner. The stroke of the pedal levers can
be varied at the rider's will, and in descending hills they can be kept stationary.
When desired to drive one wheel only this wheel is fixed to the axlo, but when
two wheels of equal diameter are to bo driven they are placed one at each end of
the axle, upon which they are free to revolve faster than the axle, but are prevented
from going slower by ratchets and pawls, or a silent feed or gripping contrivance.
This allows the axle to drive both wheels equally when tho tricycle is running
straight, but when going round a curve the outer wheel is moved faster than the
inner wheel. When differential gearing is used in combination with my Invention
the brake is best applied by a band round that portion of it on which there are
no ratchet or spur teeth, but in other cases any suitable form of brake may be
used which is sufficiently powerful to check or stop the bicycle or tricycle when
descending a steep hill. And in order that my Invention may be more fully
understood, I shall now proceed more particularly to describe the same, reference
being made to the accompanying Sheet of Drawings, like letters of reference
indicating like parts in the respective Figures.
Figure 1 represents my Invention applied to a bicyclo or (when two hind wheels
are substituted for one) a tricycle.
Figures 2 and 3 are front and side views respectively to an enlarged scale of the
drums, pedal levers, chains, sliding stirrup, and gripping contrivanco, seen in
Figure 1 and hereafter described; Figure 4 represent iny Invention applied to an
open fronted hay fork pattern tricycle; Figure 5 represents my Invention applied
to a "sociable" tricycle, which may be converted into a tricycle for one person by
taking out the bolt Y in the framework (sec enlarged view, Figure 5), and
substituting a shorter axle shaft and lever pin; Figure 6 is an enlarged view of
this short shaft with drums and gripping contrivance; Figure 7, a full size drawing
of gripping contrivance; Figure 8, an enlarged view of the sliding stirrup used in
Figure 5; Figure 9 shews the shaft, drums, and hollow cylindrical box for using
differential gear; and Figuro 10, a modified form of gripping contrivance. In
carrying out my Invention I apply to the axle A (Figures 1, 2, and 3) of a bicycle
or other velocipede two drums B, B, each of which is free to move in a backward
direction, but when pulled forwards carries the axle A round with it by means of
a silent feed or gripping contrivance, which may be similar to the friction clutch
employed in sawing machinery, but I prefer to effect it by fixing to the axle A
(see Figures 2 and 3) or to the drums B' (see Figures 6 and 7) a wheel or ring C
or C¹ which may be either smooth or milled or have ratchet teeth cut in it (if ratchet
teeth I prefer to make them small and numerous to prevent backlash). I have
pawls or levers D and D¹ (more than one should be used to lessen the strain on
the bearings); these pawls are made double ended, as shewn, so that when one end
is worn out the other may be used. I drill a hole through the middle of each
pawl on which it is balanced upon pivots & attached to the drums (see Figs. 2
and 3) on the axle (see Figs. 6 and 7), and thus as the pawls are revolved their
weight does not cause them to move, but they may be pressed continually against
the wheel or ring C (or C) in the usual and well known manner by a small spring,
or but if ratchet teeth be used I prefer that they may be caused to move towards
the wheel or ring C (or C') when the drum is pulled forwards, and from it when
-the druin is pulled back by having holes in the pawls or levers D and D' as far as
practicable from the pivots d, and having a piece of steel or other material
projecting like a stud a from the pawl and sliding against the side of the wheel C
(and C¹). The friction may be regulated by a screw c, and, if preferred, a spring
or piece of india rubber b may be interposed between the screw c and the stud a,
or the stud a may be simply a continuation of the screw c, or the pawls D and D¹

page_text: themselves may slide against the side of the wheel C (and C') at a point nearer to
the ring C (and C¹) than the pivot d. As the surface of the side of the wheel C
(and C) is parallel to every motion of the pawls D and D', the friction is constant,
no springs need be used, and if the pawls D and D₁ be well fitted and balanced on
the pivots & they will operate the wheel C (and C'), even if oil be upon the friction
surfaces. The screw c works to and fro in a slot of suitable length cut in the druin
or disc which carries the pawls. I also have catches e (one to each pawl D (or D¹))
which are attached to a ring E placed round the disc which holds the pawls D'.
These catches e when pressed against the screw e by moving the ring E cause the
pawls D' to remain clear of the ratchet teeth. The ring E is held in position by a
Ecrew or catch f. This is a very desirable arrangement for tricycles, which some-
times have to be backed out of a confined place, but is not necessary for bicycles.
Another gripping contrivance is composed of a ratchet wheel F (see Figure 10)
placed alongside or inside each drum G and fixed to the axle A¹. One or more
short levers H are pivoted and balanced on pins carried by a frame I, which is also
counterbalanced and can revolve upon the bosses of the ratchet wheel F; one end of
each lever H forms a pawl, the other end passing easily through a hole or catch K
attached to the drum G, so that when the latter is moved in a forward direction it
presses the levers or pawls H into the ratchet teeth F; but when moved backwards
lifts them out. The frame I which carries the levers or pawls H must not revolve
too freely. The drum G first moves the levers or pawis H and then the frame I.
This can be effected by causing the screws c to cause the frame I to press lightly
. against the sides of the ratchet wheel F. Reverting to Figures 1, 2, and 3, a chain L
(or a cord or strap if preferred) is attached to each drum B by a bolt g, and being
wound round the drum B descends to a lever M, hereafter called a pedal lever, the
pedals being attached to one end thereof. The two pedal levers M swing from
bearings fixed to the framework N. The two drums B, B, may be connected together
so that when one is pulled down through an arc of a circle by its chain L and
pedal lover M, it draws the other drum B and lever M upwards to the same extent.
This may be effected by carrying the chain L, after it has been wound round and
fastened to one drum, over a sheave O (Figure 1), which is pivoted to the frame-
work N of the bicycle or other velocipede at right angles to the two drums B on
the axle (in the case of bicycles it should be pivoted to the "Stanley" or other
headstock), the chain L thence passing to the other drum, round which it is also
wound and fastened. Instead of the chain L (cord or strap) being in one continuous
length it may be in separate parts, as that portion L which descends to the pedals
must be stronger than that L which goes over the sheave O; or a rocking beam P,
as shewn in Figure 4, may be pivoted to the framework in the case of a tricycle,
and the chains L' attached ono to each end; or bevil wheels may be cast on
the drums B, and a third wheel pivoted to framework gear with both; or the
chains L' may be led round sheaves O¹, which are upon opposite ends of a sleeve,
one chain being led over and the other under. 1 attach the chains L to the pedal
levers M by stirrups R, which can be slid along the levers M by the feet, and fixed
at various distances from the fulcrum by means of catches S, which engage in
notches (1, 2, 3,) cut in the levers M. The catches S are depressed by the feet, and
by continuing the pressure with a forward or backward motion as required the
stirrups R are moved to a new notch further from or nearer to the fulcrum. The
catches S are pressed in the notches by springs S¹, but they may be also held by
causing the chain L to pull on the lever which holds the catch S (Figs. 2 and 3),
and is depressed by the foot. In the case of bicycles (especially when not generally
used in a hilly country) it may sometimes be more convenient to hook the chain L
by hand to a bolt or bolts passed through a hole or holes in the lever M placed at
suitable distances from the fulcrum. The pedal levers M', in the case of some
tricycles (see Figure 5), are preferably made double, so that the treadles and feet
operate respectively between them. The pedal levers M (M²) are formed with a
suitable curve (approximately radial to the mean position, where the chain L leaves
the drum B). To be quite correct, the curvo is a spiral traced by the stirrup R (or

page_text: R) at the end of the chain as it swings from the drum when the pedals are in
the mean position, but practically a part of a circular curve will do. If tho levers
are so bent it is evident that when the pedals aro at mid stroke the stirrup R (or
R) can be slid along the lever M (or M³), and fixed nearer or further from the
fulcrum in as many positions as there are notches without moving the drum B, and
it will be found that at whatever notch the stirrup R (or R') is fixed, the position
of the pedals will be practically unaffected either at the mean position or at the top
or bottom of the stroke. If desired, instead of curving the pedal levers (M or M'),
they may be made straight, the length of the chain L between the mean position
where it leaves the drum and the point of attachment to the levers being varied as
it is attached nearer to or further from the fulcrum; this may be effected by having
hooks at suitable distances along the levers, which engage with different links of
the chain, or in any other convenient manner. The stroke of the pedal levers can
be varied at the rider's will. I may place a stop or catch h, if desired, to prevent
the stroke extending too far. In descending hills the pedals may be kept stationary,
and used as foot rests. One advantage of my Invention is the increased safety in
the case of bicycles, as the wheel may be so low that the rider's feet almost touch
the ground, and yet attain the same speed as a large wheel. The saddle also is well
back, and the treadles almost immediately under it, so that the rider can exercise
his weight on them to better advantage. I prefer to make the axle of the bicycle
(Figures 1, 2, and 3) hollow, and support it on a pin fixed between the forks, the
drums B being inside the forks; but, if preferred, the wheel can be made as usual,
with an axle extending beyond the forks, the drums B in this case being where the
cranks are usually found. The bicycle, as shewn in Figure 1, may readily be con-
verted into a tricycle by substituting two hind wheels for one. An excellent
conveyance for parcels, letters, goods, or persons can be constructed by attaching to
the backbone of a bicycle or tricycle a suitable box, scat, or platform, the speed being
so adjusted that the rider shall easily convey a heavy load slowly or a light load fast.
My Invention may be applied to tricycles of most of the usual types; for example
(see Figure 4), to the well known equal wheeled, open fronted, hay fork framed type,
by bending the ends of the forks a little back so as to support pedal levers similar to
those used for the bicycle. The drums B with their appendages occupy the usual
position for the chain pulley, one drum actuating each wheel by the gripping
contrivance in a similar way to that described in Figures 2 and 3. The backward
motion of the drums I prefer in this case to obtain by carrying the chain L' from
each drum B to the ends of the rocking lever P, which is pivoted to the backbone
of the tricycle. In this case the right foot drives the right wheel, and the left foot
the left wheel. The brake is not shewn, but it may be either spoon or band brakes,
to act on both driving wheels. When one wheel only has to be driven, as in a
bicycle or a tricycle of some types, for example, that known as the “ 'Coventry;'
this wheel is fixed to the axle; but when it is desired to drive two velocipede wheels
of equal diameter (see Figure 5), they are placed one at each end of the axle, upon
which they are free to revolve faster than the axle, but are prevented from going
slower by ratchets and pawls or a silent gripping contrivance. This may be similar
to the arrangement described for actunting one axle from the drums (see Figure 6),
and it may be conveniently arranged that the ratchet wheel forms part of the hub
and brake pulley U. This arrangement, shewn in Figures 5 and 6, allows the axle
to drive both wheels equally when the tricycle is running straight, but when going
round a curve the outer wheel is moved faster than the inner wheel. Another
method of driving two wheels of a tricycle is shewn in Figure 9. Each wheel is
fixed to an axle in two parts A, A', the two axles being in line with each other,
and firmly supported in the long bearing V, the said bearings being securely attached
to the framework. Upon each axle runs a drum W, which is actuated by the pedal
levers M, as before described. A hollow cylindrical box X is placed between the
two drums W, and is free to revolve upon both axles. This box X is rotated in one
direction by the drums W acting alternately upon it by means of a gripping
contrivance, as before described, C¹ being the ratchet and D¹ the pawls. This hollow
"

page_text: cylindrical box X may contain differential or balance gearing of any suitable kind.
For example, bevil wheels may be fixed to the meeting ends of the divided axle A, A¹,
and be geared into by a third bevil wheel pivoted to the cylindrical box X, similar
to the gearing used in traction engines and employed in the well known "Salvo
quadrocycle." When the cylindrical box X with enclosed differential gearing is
used, the brake is best applied by a band round the outside of it, but in other cases
any suitable form of brake may be used which is sufficiently powerful to check or
stop the bicycle or tricycle when descending a steep hill. By this arrangement,
although back pedalling cannot be used, the advantage of having the pedals
stationary in descending hills can be safely enjoyed.
Having thus described my Invention and the manner of carrying the same into
effect, I wish it to be understood that I do not confine myself to the use of
adjustable leverage, as evidently the chains may be fixed to the levers. I am aware
also that drums, chains, and levers have been used before for increasing the speed or
power of velocipedes, nor do I claim the use of differential gearing for velocipedes,
but what I do consider novel and therefore claim as my Invention is,-
1. The use of suitably curved pedal levers in combination with adjustable stirrups
(hooks or other devices).fixed at various distances from a fulcrum, and with chains
or cords actuating drums for varying the ratio between the distances traversed by
the pedals and driving wheel (or wheels) respectively (without varying the position
of the pedals or drums when at mid stroke) constructed and arranged substantially
as herein before described and illustrated by the accompanying Drawing.
2. In silent gripping contrivances for velocipedes the use of double ended or
balanced pawls constructed and arranged so as to be in frictional contact with the
sides of the wheel against which they act, substantially as and for the purpose
herein before described and illustrated by the accompanying Drawing.
3. The continuation of the ordinary front wheel forks of a bicycle beyond the
axle in a downward direction to form fulcra for pedal levers actuating the driving
wheel by means of drums, chains, and gripping contrivances for the purpose of
using a small driving wheel without loss of speed, substantially as described and
illustrated by the accompanying Drawing.
4. Actuating a hollow cylindrical (or other shaped) box containing differential
gearing of any suitable kind by means of drums, chains, and gripping contrivances
substantially as for the purposes described and illustrated by the accompanying
Drawing.
5. The general construction, combination, and arrangement of bicycle, tricycle,
or other velocipede, substantially as and for the purposes herein before described
and illustrated by the accompanying Drawing.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Edward Heath, junior, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this 20th day of March, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty two.
Witness to the signature of Thomas
Edward Heath,
ERNEST HEATH.
THOMAS EDWARD HEATH,
THE YOUNGER.
(L.S.)