Improved Transmitting Gear for Cycles.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Mar., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 18th Jan., 1897-Accepted, 20th Feb., 1897
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Transmitting Gear for Cycles.
We, ERNST SCHEBESTA, Engineer, and EMIL SCHNIZER, EDLER VON
LINDENSTAMM Architect, both of No. 52 Mariahilferstrasse, Vienna, VII, in the
Empire of Austria, Architect, do hereby declare the nature of our said invention
to be as follows:-
The chain-gear of cycles at present in use is generally so arranged that the
diameter of the chain-wheel on the pedal-axle is from two to three times greater
than that of the chain-wheel mounted on the axle of the back, or driving-wheel,
of the cycle. It follows, therefore, that it is comparatively far more difficult to
climb long ascents, even if not very steep, than to run on level ground, and hence
it is desirable to have gearing which may be changed at will so as to lessen the
extra power required for making ascents. Such gearing must, however, be
arranged so that it can be easily put in and out of operation without necessitating
dismounting.
This is effected, according to our invention, by fixing a second chain-wheel on
the pedal-axle, such wheel being of the same diameter as the ordinary chain-wheel.
In addition to the usual small chain-wheel on the axle of the back driving-wheel
of the cycle we mount a second larger chain-wheel on such axle. Both chain-
wheels on the driving-wheel axle cannot. be moved laterally on such axle, but are
mounted on same so as to rotate quite independently of each other.
An endless chain is passed round the four chain-wheels in such manner that the
two upper or active portions are parallel to each other, whereas the lower portions
cross without touching each other.
Suitable couplings are arranged between or near to the two loose chain-wheels
on the axle of the driving-wheel, such couplings allowing of the said loose wheels
being alternately and readily put in and out of gear by means of a suitable arm or
lever within easy reach of the rider. Either the small or large chain-wheel on the
driving-wheels axle can thus be readily made to run loosely i.e. so that the power
is transmitted to the driving-wheel by the small or large chain-wheel respectively
as desired.
It will be evident that the chain-wheels may be provided with the usual ball-
bearings.
Dated this 19th day of Manch 100e
FREDERIC PRINCE,
Agent for Applicants.
Improved Transmitting Gear for Cycles.
We, ERNST SCHEBESTA of No. 52 Mariahilfer Strasse, Vienna VII in the
Empire of Austria, Engineer and EMIL SCHNIZER, EDLER VON LINDENSTAMM of
No. 52 Mariahilferstrasse, Vienna VII in the Empire of Austria, Architect, do
hereby declare the nature of our said invention and in what manuer the same
is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
The chain gear of cycles at present in use is generally so arranged that the

page_text: diameter of the chain wheel on. the pedal axle is from two to three times greater
than that of the chain wheel mounted on the axle of the back, or driving wheel
of the cycle.
It follows, therefore, that it is comparatively far more difficult to climb long
ascents, even if not very steep, than to run on level ground, and hence it is
desirable to have gearing which may be changed at will so as to lessen the extra
power required for making ascents.
Such gearing must, however, be arranged so that it can be easily put in and out
of operation without necessitating dismounting.
This is effected, according to my, invention, of which the following is a full
description with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is an elevation of
the improved transmitting gear for cycles.
On the driving or pedal axle a in addition to the ordinary chain wheel p, a second
wheel p is fixed.
In addition to the usual small chain wheel on the axle a' of the back driving
wheel of the cycle we mount a second larger chain wheel r' on such axle. Both
chain wheels on the driving-wheel axle cannot be moved laterally on such axle,
but are mounted on same so as to rotate quite independently of each other.
An endless chain k is passed round the four chain wheels p, pl & r, ' in such
manner that the two upper or pulling portions I & III move in the same direction
without crossing each other, whereas the lower portions II & IV cross without
touching each other.
Suitable couplings are arranged between or near to the two loose chain
wheels r & on the axle of the driving wheel, such couplings allowing of the said
loose wheels & r being alternately and readily put in and out of gear by means
of a suitable arm or lever within easy reach of the rider. Either the small or
large chain wheel (r and r respectively) on the driving-wheel's axle can thus be
readily made to run loosely i.e. so that the power is transmitted to the driving
wheel by the small or large chain wheel respectively as desired.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is:-
1. Improved transmitting-gear for cycles consisting of two chain wheels (p¹ & r¹)
in addition to the usual chain wheels (p & r) of the cycle, the chain wheels (r, r1)
of different diameter being loosely nounted on the axle of the driving wheel and
adapted to be alternately coupled with such axle so as to turn with same when
operated by an endless chain, substantially as described and shown in the drawing.
2. In the gear characterized by Claim 1, the arrangement of the endless
-chain (k) running over all the chain wheels (p, p', r & r) in such manner that the
two upper or pulling portions (I & III) do not cross each other, whereas the
lower portions (II & IV) cross without touching each other, substantially as
described and shown in the drawing.
Dated this 16th day of January 1897.
FREDERIC PRINCE,
Agent for Applicants.