IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF CARRIAGES PROPELLED WHOLLY OR IN PART BY THE MUSCULAR POWER OF THE RIDER OR RIDERS THEREOF
Year: 1880

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Andrews at the Office. of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th December 1880.
WILLIAM ANDREWS, of 3, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, Machinist. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF CARRIAGES
PROPELLED WHOLLY OR IN PART BY THE MUSCULAR POWER OF THE RIDER OR
RIDERS THEREOF."
This Invention relates to improvements in the construction of bicycles, tricycles,
and velocipedes, having any suitable number of wheels. The Invention consists in
the first place of improvements in those parts of the steering or guiding apparatus
of the above mentioned vehicles, which parts are known as the "head" and "neck."
By these said improvements a much greater length is obtained between the bearing
centres without proportionately increasing the length of the "head." Increased
strength and rigidity are also imparted to these said parts, which are subjected to
considerable strains. The improved "head" and "neck are also so constructed
that should the centres on the "neck" be broken off, the "neck" remains connected
with the framework of the vehicle, and the guiding apparatus can be used to
direct its course.
The construction of the improved “head” and “neck" is as follows:-
Instead of the centre at the upper end of the "neck "being terminated some
distance below the top of the "head," as in the ordinary form, the said centre is
made to reach to the top of the "head," or even to project through it considerably.
Hence the solid screw used in the "heads " of the aforesaid vehicles, as at present
constructed, cannot be used with the above-described improved "neck." A hollow
screw is therefore provided consisting of a tube closed at one end, which end is
formed to receive the upper centre of the "neck." This tube has a thread cut on
its outside throughout its length, and is fitted to an internal thread in the "head."
This hollow screw is locked in its proper place by a lock-nut. By these means the
"neck
can be of greater length, to the extent of the length of the hollow screw
above the "head."
"
The said screw is itself firmly supported by the internal thread in the "head"
and by the locknut. Moreover so much of the "neck" passes into the tubular
screw aforesaid, that even if both centres be broken off, the "neck," the "head,"
and the "neck," cannot become separated.

page_text: The second part of this Invention relates to a pedal of improved construction for
the vehicles aforesaid. In this improved pedal the minimum amount of material
is arranged to produce the maximum of strength. This improved pedal is con-
structed as follows:-Two plates of an oval or any other suitable shape are
provided with holes for the reception of two or more outer bars or screws and a
centre tube or bar. A boss or projection may be formed round some or all of the
said holes, which said bosses or projections may face towards one another when the
parts of the pedal are put together. The holes in one of the said two plates are
tapped, and the centre hole of the other plate is also tapped. The other holes in
the last mentioned plate are left of suitable size for the aforesaid outer bars or
screws. Or some of the holes for the outer bars or screws may be tapped in one
plate, and some in the other, the screwed ends of the said outer bars or screws
being some in one plate and some in the other. The aforesaid centre tube or bar
is screwed or tapped at both ends, as it may either be screwed into the tapped
holes of the plates, or on to a screw thread cut on the outsides of the projections or
bosses aforesaid. The outer bars or screws may be solid or tubular. They are
provided with an enlargement at one end to form a head, and with a thread at the
other end to screw into or upon the outer bosses of the plates aforesaid. Some or
all the said bars may have a thread at one or both ends, to which short hollow or
solid screws are fitted, and the holes in one or both of the plates aforesaid would in
that case be left untapped. One or more of the aforesaid bars, screws, or tubes
may be passed through a tube or tubes of india rubber or other suitable covering
Or a block of such india
material, held by them between the two plates aforesaid.
rubber or suitable material may be formed, having holes through which the said
bars, screws, or tubes can be passed. In lieu of the said india rubber or other
covering to the said bars, one or more strips of steel or other suitable material, of
which strips one or both edges may be serrated, may be held by the said bars
between the said plates. The object of this improved form of pedal is that the
india-rubber, serrated steel strips, or other material used to prevent the foot from
slipping upon the pedal, can by the use of the said screws or bars above described
be readily removed and replaced when desired, instead of being firmly fixed by
rivets to form part of the pedal.