IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES, PARTLY APPLICABLE TO OTHER MACHINERY."
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Cousins Garrood, Engineer, Fakenham, Norfolk,
for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES, PARTLY APPLICABLE
TO OTHER MACHINERY."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Cousins Garrood at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th November 1880.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
JOHN COUSINS GARROOD, Engineer, Fakenham, Norfolk.
VELOCIPEDES, PARTLY APPLICABLE TO OTHER MACHINERY."
My improvements relate,-
Firstly. To the treadles or pedals of velocipedes with two or more wheels.
Heretofore the pedals of velocipedes known as rattrap pedals are so constructed
that the foot as often alight upon the flat bar or bars of the treadle or pedal with
it in the wrong position for receiving pressure from the foot, which when applied
tumbles over, causing the foot to slip off entirely and often throwing the rider.
The object of my improvement is to remedy this defect in the pedal, and
consists in affixing an angular, semicircular, or other suitable shaped piece of steel,
upon the sides of the flat bar or bars, so that the foot alighting upon these
unstaple shaped pieces allows the pedal to revolve untill it comes to the proper
position.
A modification of the same principle consists in making the rattrap pedal bars
of angular, semicircular, or other suitable sectioned material, thereby obviating the
annoyance and danger of alighting the foot upon the pedal in the wrong position,
thus decreasing the danger of riding.
Heretofore velocipede treadles or pedals have not been so constructed to secure
the foot from being thrown or jolted off them.
The object of my improvement is to remedy this defect, and consists in securing
to the sides or any other suitable part of the pedal adjustable springs so shaped and
fixed that they shall grip the sole of the boot or shoe yet not sufficient to hold the
foot fast in case of an overthrow.
Another way of attaining the same object consists in bending the top and
bottom edge of the pedal plate over sufficient to catch over the top of the sole of
the shoe on each side. The same object can also be attained by affixing to the sole

page_text: of the shoe a plate of steel or wood with adjustable spring sides so as to spring
outward on each side against the sides of the pedal.
Yet another modification has the same effect, which consists in affixing to the
sole of the shoe or boot one or more projections made of any suitable material long
enough to catch the pedal pipe or pin, rattrap bars or rubbers, on one or both sides.
These projecting pieces are made to grip the treadle as tightly as required.
These projecting pieces are also affixed to blocks of wood or other material of
any suitable depth, and strapped or otherwise attached to the foot to enable anyone
to ride a larger velocipede safely than their legs would otherwise allow them.
These gripping pedals, &c., hereinabove described, not only prevent the feet from
being thrown off them but they also enable the rider to assist the revolution of the
wheel by pulling the pedal and crank upwards, which is of very great assistance
at all times, more especially on bad roads, up hills, against the wind, and when
raceing.
Secondly. To the construction and connecting of treadle or pedal levers of
velocipedes with three or more wheels. Heretofore treadle levers of velocipedes
with three or more wheels have been so constructed and connected that the foot
moves up and down almost in a straight line, and for the foot to have a circular
motion (which is found to be most suitable as the legs come more under the body
when to be raised, therefore easier & not so tiring) a cranked counter shaft is
used with wheels and chain connecting to the main driving axle. This cranked
counter shaft, wheels, and chain, cause a very great deal of friction, and thus
absorb a great deal of power given out by the rider; they also make the machine
wear & tear and
much heavier, more complicated, and consequently more
expense.
The object of my improvement is to dispense with the cranked counter shaft,
wheels, and chain, and obtain a circular or elliptical motion direct from a cranked
main driving axle by connecting a treadle lever about midway between each end
direct on to the crank of the main driving axle; one end of this pedal lever has a
gripping pedal or other suitable contrivence for the foot, and the other end of the
lever is connected to a vibrating radius link or rod working on a fixed stud or
shaft. The cranked main driving axle when revolving thus gives a circular or
elliptical motion to the pedal of the lever, thereby increasing the efficiency of the
veloipede.
Thirdly. To the steering arrangement of velocipedes with three or more wheels.
Heretofore velocipedes steering by a toothed rack and pinion has of necessity a
certain amount of looseness, even when newly made, and when it has been in use
for a time it becomes very loose and allows the steering wheel to move out of the
straight line, and makes quite a tortuous course, and the steering handle has to be
constantly moved and the steering is altogether to freely moved. The object of my
improvement is to remedy these defects, and consists in combining a friction rack
and pinion to the ordinary toothed rack and pinion, with a strong spring behind
the rack or connected to the bearings of the pinion to keep the friction surfaces
together, or a friction rack and pinion alone without the toothed rack and pinion
would answer the same purpose with strong springs to prevent them from
slipping and also make the steering stiffer to work, thus obviating the the defects
above mentioned.
Fourthly. To the position of the steering handle bar or rod of velocipedes with
two or more wheels.
Heretofore bicycle handle bars or steering rods have been fixed upon the top of
the fork, so that when leaning forward sufficient for the body to be in an horozontal
position the hands and arms are so high and in such a bent position unsuitable
for pulling upwards with much force.
The object of my improvement is to remedy this defect, and consists in affixing
an handle bar & handles much below the top of the fork, sufficient to allow the
rider to have his arms extended downwards straight or nearly straight when the

page_text: body is in an horozantal or nearly horozontal position to enable him to pull with
more force, ease, and comfort.
Fifthly. To the hollow forks of velocipedes with two or more wheels. Heretofore
velocipede hollow forks have not extended beyond, below, or past the bearings, and
have not been left open at the botton ends, as the bearings have been brazed into
them, or inside the ends, or plugs inserted and the bearings bolted to the fork
ends.
The object of my improvement is to provide simply a strong, secure, and steady
basis for the fulcrum of a lever or other mechanism, also to form a luggage and
lamp bracket, and also to form or provide for a support for the velocipede to stand
by itself, and to raise the wheel off the ground sufficiently to allow the wheel to
revolve for cleaning, &c.
This is an improvement upon a previous Patent of mine, No. 3875, dated the
6th day of October 1876, and consists in extending the hollow fork leg beside and
past the bearing any distance and direction, as required, to receive the stays or
frame that support the fulcrum of a lever (to be hereinafter described), also to
receive a suitable frame for carrying luggage and a lamp. The support for the
machine to stand by itself goes up inside the hollow fork leg when not required,
and may be in connection with the luggage carrier; at the side of the bearings a
hole is made corresponding to the sectional shape of the fork leg, through which
the fork leg passes, and the bearing is brazed, screwed, rivetted, or bolted securely
to it; or a suitable bracket may be first secured in a similar manner to the fork
leg and the bearing bolted to it.
Sixthly. To an adjustable & detachable luggage carrier & lamp, carrier or
bracket; also a support for the velocipede.
My improvements consist in making a bracket of tubing of any suitable size or
shape, with a bracket for lamp attached, and also a foot at the bottom to support
the machine when required. This tubular bracket has a suitable length of tubing
to go up inside the hollow fork, and fix at any point desired, or to suit the amount
of luggage. I also apply the same tubular bracket to the ordinary solid or hollow
forks by securing it first to a cramp or clasp, and bolting them on to the fork;
when this tubular bracket is fixed to the ordinary kind of forks I then insert an
adjustable foot or leg to support the velocipede when by itself.
Seventhly. To treadle or pedal levers, and mechanism for obtaining a circular
motion at any distance from the crank, of velocipedes with two or more wheels.
My improvements consist in a lever working upon a fixed centre at the end
opposite the pedal, and about midway between each end a long slot or opening is
made for the crank pin to traverse along when the crank is revolving; the pedal
thus makes an up and down motion nearly in a straight line.
Now to obtain a circular motion for the pedal at any distance from the crank I
place a cranked countershaft at any suitable distance from the cranked main axle,
and this cranked countershaft and cranked main axle have the two cranks opposite
one another as usual, and I also have another crank at right angles to the other
two cranks upon each each shaft; all three cranks upon each shaft are connected by
connecting rods that make the cranked shafts revolve each in the same direction,
and a treadle fixed upon these cranks or connecting rods will have a circular
motion, which is so much desired.
Eightly. To the bearings or sliding surfaces of the herein before described
levers.
Heretofore sliding surfaces moving in any line have not yet been constructed to
utilize the rolling surface of balls to reduce the friction. Rollers have been used
but are not so suitable, and do not answer in practice because of the difficulty in
keeping them parallel, and having so much friction at the ends.
The object of my improvements is to reduce the friction of the sliding surfaces
of the treadle levers, hereinbefore described, and consists in making a semicircular
groove or grooves on opposite sides of the levers, to be made frictionless, to suit the
size of the balls used.

page_text: The balls are contained in a case or box, which the lever slides freely through,
or outside, as the case may be, upon a set of balls for each groove on each side.
Ninthly. To double row adjustable ball bearings.
The object of my improvement is to effectually adjust and simplify the adjust-
ment, and to minimise the labour of construction, and increase their durability,
and consists in making a semicircular groove in one end of. the case or bearing to
contain the balls, and a corresponding groove in the axle, so they each fit the ball
freely; the other end of the case is bored out larger and threaded, a screwed piece
of steel with a hole through, to allow it to pass over the axle, and which I call the
nipple; inside this nipple I make a groove to suit the balls, and another groove in
the axle to correspond, and also to suit the balls; I now drill and tap a hole
through the side of the case into the groove, large enough to allow the balls to pass
through; I place the case on the spindle where the grooves come opposite one
another, and insert the balls through the hole in the side, and insert a screw in the
hole to prevent the balls coming out; I now drill & tap a hole in the nipple in
the corresponding place, and for the purpose I did in the case, and screw the nipple
into the case untill the grooves come opposite, when I insert the balls and screw
to prevent them from coming out. I now take a locknut and screw on the outside
of this nipple, and screw up tightly to the case face, and so effectually secure it
from moving in any direction whatever.
Tenthly. To the rider altering his position as he requires when riding, and
consists in bolting the spring at one to one or more vibrating links, and to
effect and regulate the adjustment an excentric or rack and pinion is connected in
a suitable manner. The other end of the spring is allowed to slide freely upon the
backbone or other suitable part of the velocipede.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, and
of an Order of the Lord Chancellor, filed by the said John Cousins Garrood
in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 4th June 1881.
JOHN COUSINS GARROOD, Engineer, Fakenham, Norfolk.
VELOCIPEDES, PARTLY APPLICABLE TO OTHER MACHINERY."
My improvements relate,-
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
Firstly. To the treadles or pedals of velocipedes with two or more wheels.
Heretofore the pedals of velocipedes known as rattrap pedals are so constructed
that the foot as often alight upon the flat bar or bars of the treadle or pedal in the
wrong position for receiving pressure from the foot, which when applied tumbles
over, causing the foot to slip off entirely, and often throwing the rider.
The object of my improvement is to remedy this defect in the pedals, and
consists in affixing an angular semicircular or other suitable shaped piece of steel
or other metal, or suitable material, upon the sides of the bar or bars, so that the

page_text: foot alighting upon these unstaple shaped pieces allows the pedal to revolve until
it comes to the proper position.
A modification of the same principle consists in making the rattrap pedal bars
of angular, semicircular, or other suitable sectioned material, thereby obviating the
annoyance and danger of alighting the foot upon the pedal in the wrong position,
thus decreasing the danger of riding.
Heretofore velocipedes' treadles or pedals have not been so constructed to secure
the foot from being thrown or jolted off them.
The object of my improvement is to remedy this defect, and consists in securing
to the sides or any other suitable part of the pedal springs, so shaped and fixed that
they shall grip the sole of the boot or shoe, yet not sufficient to hold the foot fast
in case of an overthrow; another, way of obtaining the same object consists in
bending the top and bottom edge of the pedal plate over sufficient to catch over
the top of the sole of the boot or shoe. The same object can also be obtained by
affixing to the sole of the shoe a plate of steel or wood with adjustable spring sides
so as to spring outward on each side against the sides of the pedal. Yet another
modificatton has the same effect, which consists in affixing to the sole of the boot
or shoe, or two or more projections made of any suitable material to catch the
pedal pipe or pin, rattrap bars or rubbers, on one or both sides. These projecting
pieces are made to grip the treadle as tightly as required. These projecting pieces
are also fixed to blocks of wood, or other material of any suitable depth, and
strapped or otherwise attached to the foot to enable anyone to ride a larger
velocipede safely than their legs would otherwise allow them.
These gripping pedals etc., hereinbefore described not only prevent the feet from
being thrown off them, but they also enable the rider to assist the revolution of
the wheel by pulling the pedal and crank upwards, which is of very great assistance
at all times, more especially on bad roads, up hills, against the wind, and when
raceing.
Thirdly. To the steering arrangement of velocipedes with three or more wheels.
Heretofore velocipedes steering by a toothed rack and pinion, they have of necessity
a certain amout of looseness even when newly made, and when it has been in use
for a time it becomes very loose, and allows the steering wheel to move out of the
straight line and make quite a tortuous course, and the steering handle has to
be constantly moved, and the steering is altogether to freely moved.
The object of my Invention is to remedy these defects, and consists in combining
a friction rack and pinion to the ordinary toothed rack and pinion, with a strong
spring behind the rack or connected to the bearings of the pinion to keep the
friction surfaces together, or a friction rack and pinion alone without the toothed
rack and pinion, with a strong spring to prevent them from slipping off, and also
to make the steering stiffer to work, thus obviating the defects above mentioned.
Fourthly. To the position of the steering handle, bar, or rod, of velocipedes with
two or more wheels.
Heretofore bicycle handle bars, or steering rods, have been fixed upon the top
of the fork, so that when leaning forward sufficient for the body to be in an
horozontal position, the hands and arms are so high and in such a bent position
unsuitable for pulling upwards with force.
The object of my improvement is to remedy this defect, and consists in affixing
an handle bar and handles much lower than the top of the fork, sufficient to allow
the rider to have his arms extended downwards straight or nearly straight when
the body is in an horozontal, or nearly horozontal position, to enable him to pull
with more force, ease, and comfort.
Fifthly. To the hollow forks of velocipedes with two or more wheels. Heretofore
velocipedes hollow forks have not extended below or past the bearings and have
not been left open at the bottom ends, as the bearings have been brazed or rivetted
into them, or inside the ends plugs are inserted and the bearings bolted to the fork
ends.
The object of my improvement is to provide a simple, secure, strong, and steady

page_text: basis for the fulcrum of a lever or other mechanism; also to form a luggage and
lamp bracket, and also to form or provide for a support for the velocipede to
stand by itself, and to raise the front wheel off the ground sufficiently to allow the
wheel to revolve for cleaning, &c.
This is an improvement upon a previous Patent of mine, No. 3875, and dated
the Sixth day of October, One thousand eight hundred and seventy six, and
consists in extending the hollow fork leg beside and past the bearings any distance
and and direction as required to receive the stays or frame that support the fulcrum
of a lever (to be hereinafter described), also to receive a suitable frame for
carrying luggage and a lamp. "The support for the bicycle to stand by itself goes
up inside the hollow fork leg when not required, and may be in connection with
the luggage carrier, at the side of the bearings a hole made corresponding to the
sectional shape of the fork leg through which the fork leg passes, and the bearings
is brazed, screwed, rivetted, or bolted securely to it, or a suitable bracket may be
first secured in a similar manner to the fork leg and the bearing bolted to it.
Seventhly. To treadle or pedal levers and mechanism for obtaining a circular
motion at any distance from the crank of velocipedes with two or more wheels.
My improvements consists in a lever working upon a fixed centre at the end
opposite the pedal, and about midway between each end a long slot or opening is
made for the crank pin to traverse along when the crank is revolving, the pedal
thus makes nearly an up and down motion nearly in a straight line. Now to
obtain a circular motion for the pedal at any distance from the crank, I place a
cranked counter shaft at any suitable distance from the cranked main axle, and
this cranked counter shaft and cranked main axle have the two cranks opposite
one another as usual, and I also have another crank at right angles to the other
two cranks upon each shaft; all three cranks upon each shaft are connected by
connecting rods that make the cranked shafts revolve each in the same direction,
and a treade fixed upon these cranks or connecting rods will have a circular
motion, which is so much desired.
Eighthly. To the bearings or slidings surfaces of the hereinbefore desribed
(should have been described but were omitted by mistake) levers.
Heretofore sliding surfaces, moving in any line, have not yet been constructed to
utilize the rolling surfaces of balls to reduce the friction.
Rollers have been used but are not so suitable, and do not answer in practice
because of the difficulty in keeping them parallel and having so much friction at
the ends.
The object of my improvement is to reduce the friction surfaces of the treadle
levers (that should have been hereinbefore described but omitted by mistake, as
before mentioned), and and consist in making a semicircular groove or grooves on
opposite sides of the levers to be made frictionless to suit the size of the balls
used." The balls are contained in a case or box which the lever slides freely
through or outside, as required, upon a set of balls for each groove, one each side.
Tenthly. To the rider altering his position as he requires when riding, and
consists in bolting the spring to one or more vitrating links to affect and regulate
the adjustment, an excentric or rack and pinion is connected in a suitable manner.
The other end of the spring is to slide freely upon the backbone or other suitable
part of the velocipede.
I will now proceed to describe my improvements, with the assistance of the
accompanying Drawings.
Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 on the first Sheet of Drawings, and Figs. 11,
12, and 13 on the third Sheet of Drawings, illustrate the improvements described
in the first part of this Specification, and relate to velocipede treadles or pedals;
Fig. 4, 5, and 6 plain, side, and sectional end elevation of grip pedals, and 1, 1, 1, 1, 1,
are the triangular pieces of suitable material rivetted upon the bars of rattrap
pedals to prevent the foot from allighting upon the wrong sides of the pedal.
Figs. 1, 2, and 3, are double rubbered deep grip pedals, with the triangular pieces
1, 1, 1, 1, 1, held in their places upon the bolts 2, 2, 2, 2, by the rubbers 3, 3, 3, 3,

page_text: also with detachable grip, treadle, or pedal plate or slipper 4 and 5, that secure
themselves to the pipe of the treadle by the projections 6, 6, 6, 6, and 7, 7,7;
these projections can be adjusted to suit any sized pedal pipe. These grip pedals,
plates, or slippers, will convert any ordinary treadle into a grip treadle on one or
both sides, as desired. Figs. 9 and 10 plan and clevation of a grip treadle, slipper,
or plate, Fig. 9 showing block of wood with strap (shown broken away) to secure
it to the foot to enable one to ride a larger machine. The wood 8 fits the slipper
lightly or not, as desired by the rider. Figs. 11, 12, and 13 illustrates by plan,
side, and end elevation of another kind of grip pedal plate or slipper; the flanges
or gripping sides 9, 9, 9, 9, are made longer to fit more round the shoe, and the
sides 9, 9, 9, 9, and made deeper, and part of that depth tapered outward for
the shoe to be pressed into it from the top, while the other grip pedals and slippers
are made for the shoe to go in from the back to the front until sufficiently tight to
hold them. Figs. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate a rattrap pedal by plan, side, and sectional
end elevation with the rattrap teeth filed down, and adjustable spring gripping clips
fixed on each end of it. The gripping clips 10, 10, 10, 10, are secured to the sides
by the rivetts a, a, a, a, and adjusted to different sized shoes by the screws b, b, b, b ;
Fig. 7, a plan of a tricycle pedal; Fig. 8, sectional end elevation on the line, EF,
with the rubbers taken away to show the grips more plainley. The gripping clips
c and j are fixed to sides of the treadle plates h, h, by the rivetts f,f,f,f; d is
secured to e by rivetts at the bottom side, like 1 is secured to j by the rivetts e, e;
d is adjusted to the shoe by the screws g, g, and 1 and j are adjusted to the shoe
also by the screws g 1, g1; the gripping clips, thus being made doubles, have double
the adjusting limit that the others have. Figs. 14 and 15, Sheet two, illustrate
side and back elevation of the elongated hollow fork, showing foot and lamp
bracket at the bottom, extra handle bars, and also pedal lever; b, b, are the handle
bars fixed upon the fork leg A, a, and the rider leans forward, and straighten his
arms and grasps the handle d, d. These handle bars are adjustable, and can
therefore be put up or down, as desired. The fork legs A, a, pass through the
bearing forging R, S, downwards to the eye U; the foot rod or pipe 7 goes up inside
the fork, leg A, a, and has a rubber band around the top end m, shown in dotted
Jines. The lamp bracket n is securely fixed to the foot rod l, and is secured in
any position desired by the screw V.
T'he
The tube p passes through R, S, and is hazged or otherwise secured thereto, the
stud g fixed at the front end of p forming the fulcrum for the pedal lever e, e, to
vibrate upon; p is supported and stiffened by the stay or tie rods o, o, o.
pedal lever e, e, is made in halves, and held together by the bolts f, f, where it can
be adjusted to the balls in the block or case h upon the crank k. The treadle Չ
upon the back end of the lever e, e, makes nearly a straight up and down motion.
Figs. 16 and 17 show by side and back elevation the manner in which I make
the treadle move in a circular path at any distance from the crank it actuates, as
applied to a safety bicycle. The short crank k and the long crank are made in
one solid forging, or secured fast to one another, with their centres h and w at
right angles to one another, the axle x being the centre of the angle. The double
crank a and b is made exactly the same as k and l, and revolves upon the stug g.
The short cranks a and k are connected by the connecting rod m; the long cranks
6 and are connected by the pedal lever e, e. It will obvious that the treadle Я
will have a circular motion, the same as the cranks let it be put any distance from
them. It will also be obvious how to apply the principle to tricyles and other
velocipedes.
Figs. 18, 19, and 20, sectional plan, side, and front elevations (on the lines A B,
CD, and E F, Figs. 14 and 15) the ball bearings for the sliding block or case h,
Figs. 14 and 15, that works backward and forwards in the slot of the lever e, e,
Figs. 14 and 15. The case containing the balls is made up of four pieces l, m, n, o,
with half circular and quarter circular grooves e, f, g, cut in each of them to
correspond one with the other; the rows of balls a, b, and c are in grooves made
parallel one another top and bottom; the length of three balls, and then the

page_text: holes or grooves, are semicircular for the balls to run around freely, as clearly
shown by the sectional side elevation, Fig. 19. The row of balls b fit and work
in the semicircular groove p in the top part of the lever e, and the rows of balls a
and c in the bottom part of the pedal lever e.
Figs. 21, 22, and 23 are sectional plan, side, and front elevation of a single row
ball bearings for the sliding surfaces of any kind of machine.
The bearings case or block that contains the balls is made up of the five pieces
f, e, l, d, g, and secured to by the screws c, c, c, c; the top plate and the bottom
plate m are so adjusted that the balls will roll along and around the groove freely,
and as the pressure can only be upon one of the plates at a time the balls will roll
along and around without any obstruction whatever; the pin or bolt K also works
upon a row of balls at each end of it.
The advantages of ball bearings over all other bearings is that there is no
rubbing or abrazing friction of surfaces, but a rolling friction with the pressure
upon the bearing in any direction, and do not necessarily require any lubrication.
These bearings can be applied to the tail end of the springs of bicycles, to the
cross head or guide blocks of engines, hand planing machines, tables, and other
machines.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and what manner the
same is to be performed, I would have it understood that I do not limit myself to
the precise details or configuration of the parts I have shown and described, as
the same may be varied or modified without departing from the nature of the
said Invention, but what I do claim and desire to be secured to me by Letters
Patent is,-
First. The construction and arrangement employed to prevent the foot from
slipping or being thrown off the pedals or treadles of velocipedes, all substantially
in the manner hereinbefore described and illustrated with references to Figures 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, of the accompanying Drawings, together with
any mere modification thereof.
Second. The construction and arrangement of the forks of velocipedes, all
substantially as described and illustrated with reference to Figures 14 and 15 of
the accompanying Drawings.
Third. The construction and arrangement of ball bearings for sliding surfaces,
all substantially in the manner hereinbefore described and illustrated with
reference to the Figures 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 of the accompanying Drawings,
together with any mere modification thereof.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Cousins Garrood, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty eigth day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
JOHN COUSINS GARROOD. (L.S.)

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Cousins Garrood at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th November 1880.
JOHN COUSINS GARROOD, Engineer, Fakenham, Norfolk. " IMPROVEMENTS IN
VELOCIPEDES, PARTLY APPLICABLE TO OTHER MACHINERY."
My improvements relate,-
Firstly. To the treadles or pedals of velocipedes with two or more wheels..
Heretofore the pedals of velocipedes known as rattrap pedals are so constructed
that the foot as often alight upon the flat bar or bars of the treadle or pedal with
it in the wrong position for receiving pressure from the foot, which when applied
tumbles over, causing the foot to slip off entirely and often throwing the rider.
The object of my improvement is to remedy this defect in the pedal, and
consists in affixing an angular, semicircular, or other suitable shaped piece of steel,
upon the sides of the flat bar or bars, so that the foot alighting upon these
unstaple shaped pieces allows the pedal to revolve, untill it comes to the proper
position.
A modification of the same principle consists in making the rattrap pedal bars
of angular, semicircular, or other suitable sectioned material, thereby obviating the
annoyance and danger of alighting the foot upon the pedal in the wrong position,
thus decreasing the danger of riding.
Heretofore velocipede treadles or pedals have not been so constructed to secure
the foot from being thrown or jolted off them.
The object of my improvement is to remedy this defect, and consists in securing
to the sides or any other suitable part of the pedal adjustable springs so shaped and
fixed that they shall grip the sole of the boot or shoe yet not sufficient to hold the
foot fast in case of an overthrow.
Another way of attaining the same object consists in bending the top and
bottom edge of the pedal plate over sufficient to catch over the top of the sole of
the shoe on each side. The same object can also be attained by affixing to the sole

page_text: of the shoe a plate of steel or wood with adjustable spring sides so as to spring
outward on each side against the sides of the pedal.
Yet another modification has the same effect, which consists in affixing to the
sole of the shoe or boot one or more projections made of any suitable material long
enough to catch the pedal pipe or pin, rattrap bars or rubbers, on one or both sides.
These projecting pieces are made to grip the treadle as tightly as required.
These projecting pieces are also affixed to blocks of wood or other material of
any suitable depth, and strapped or otherwise attached to the foot to enable anyone
to ride a larger velocipede safely than their legs would otherwise allow them.
These gripping pedals, &c., hereinabove described, not only prevent the feet from
being thrown off them but they also enable the rider to assist the revolution of the
wheel by pulling the pedal and crank upwards, which is of very great assistance
at all times, more especially on bad roads, up hills, against the wind, and when
raceing.
Secondly. To the construction and connecting of treadle or pedal levers of
velocipedes with three or more wheels. Heretofore treadle levers of velocipedes
with three or more wheels have been so constructed and connected that the foot
moves up and down almost in a straight line, and for the foot to have a circular
motion (which is found to be most suitable as the legs come more under the body
when to be raised, therefore easier & not so tiring) a cranked counter shaft is
used with wheels and chain connecting to the main driving axle. This cranked
counter shaft, wheels, and chain, cause a very great deal of friction, and thus
absorb a great deal of power given out by the rider; they also make the machine
much heavier, more complicated, and consequently more wear & tear and
expense.
The object of my improvement is to dispense with the cranked counter shaft,
wheels, and chain, and obtain a circular or elliptical motion direct from a cranked
main driving axle by connecting a treadle lever about midway between each end
direct on to the crank of the main driving axle; one end of this pedal lever has a
gripping pedal or other suitable contrivence for the foot, and the other end of the
lever is connected to a vibrating radius link or rod working on a fixed stud or
shaft. The cranked main driving axle when revolving thus gives a circular or
elliptical motion to the pedal of the lever, thereby increasing the efficiency of the
veloipede.
Thirdly. To the steering arrangement of velocipedes with three or more wheels.
Heretofore velocipedes steering by a toothed rack and pinion has of necessity a
certain amount of looseness, even when newly made, and when it has been in use
for a time it becomes very loose and allows the steering wheel to nove out of the
straight line, and makes quite a tortuous course, and the steering handle has to be
constantly moved and the steering is altogether to freely moved. The object of my
improvement is to remedy these defects, and consists in combining a friction rack
and pinion to the ordinary toothed rack and pinion, with a strong spring bebind
the rack or connected to the bearings of the pinion to keep the friction surfaces
together, or a friction rack and pinion alone without the toothed rack and pinion
would answer the same purpose with strong springs to prevent them from
slipping and also make the steering stiffer to work, thus obviating the the defects
above mentioned.
Fourthly. To the position of the steering handle bar or rod of velocipedes with
two or more wheels.
Heretofore bicycle handle bars or steering rods have been fixed upon the top of
the fork, so that when leaning forward sufficient for the body to be in an horozontal
position the hands and arms are so high and in such a bent position unsuitable
for pulling upwards with much force.
The object of my improvement is to remedy this defect, and consists in affixing
an handle bar & handles much below the top of the fork, sufficient to allow the
rider to have his arms extended downwards straight or nearly straight when the

page_text: body is in an horozantal or nearly horozontal position to enable him to pull with
more force, ease, and comfort.
Fifthly. To the hollow forks of velocipedes with two or more wheels. Heretofore
velocipede hollow forks have not extended beyond, below, or past the bearings, and
have not been left open at the botton ends, as the bearings have been brazed into
them, or inside the ends, or plugs inserted and the bearings bolted to the fork
ends.
The object of my improvement is to provide simply a strong, secure, and steady
basis for the fulcrum of a lever or other mechanism, also to form a luggage and
lamp bracket, and also to form or provide for a support for the velocipede to stand
by itself, and to raise the wheel off the ground sufficiently to allow the wheel to
revolve for cleaning, &c.
This is an improvement upon a previous Patent of mine, No. 3875, dated the
6th day of October 1876, and consists in extending the hollow fork leg beside and
past the bearing any distance and direction, as required, to receive the stays or
frame that support the fulcrum of a lever (to be hereinafter described), also to
receive a suitable frame for carrying luggage and a lamp. The support for the
machine to stand by itself goes up inside the hollow fork leg when not required,
and may be in connection with the luggage carrier; at the side of the bearings a
hole is inade corresponding to the sectional shape of the fork leg, through which
the fork leg passes, and the bearing is brazed; screwed, rivetted, or bolted securely
to it; or a suitable bracket may be first secured in a similar manner to the fork
leg and the bearing bolted to it.
Sixthly. To an adjustable & detachable luggage carrier & lamp, carrier or
bracket; also a support for the velocipede.
My improvements consist in making a bracket of tubing of any suitable size or
shape, with a bracket for lamp attached, and also a foot at the bottom to support
the machine when required. This tubular bracket has a suitable length of tubing
to go up inside the hollow fork, and fix at any point desired, or to suit the amount
of luggage. I also apply the same tubular bracket to the ordinary solid or hollow
forks by securing it first to a cramp or clasp, and bolting them on to the fork;
when this tubular bracket is fixed to the ordinary kind of forks I then insert an
adjustable foot or leg to support the velocipede when by itself.
Seventhly. To treadle or pedal levers, and mechanisin for obtaining a circular
motion at any distance from the crank, of velocipedes with two or more wheels.
My improvements consist in a lever working upon a fixed centre at the end
opposite the pedal, and about midway between each end a long slot or opening is
made for the crank pin to traverse along when the crank is revolving; the pedal
thus makes an up and down motion nearly in a straight line.
Now to obtain a circular motion for the pedal at any distance from the crank I
place a cranked countershaft at any suitable distance from the cranked main axle,
and this cranked countershaft and cranked main axle have the two cranks opposite
one another as usual, and I also have another crank at right angles to the other
two cranks upon each each shaft; all three cranks upon each shaft are connected by
connecting rods that make the cranked shafts revolve each in the same direction,
and a treadle fixed upon these cranks or connecting rods will have a circular
motion, which is so much desired.
Eightly. To the bearings or sliding surfaces of the herein before described
levers.
Heretofore sliding surfaces moving in any line have not yet been constructed to
utilize the rolling surface of balls to reduce the friction. Rollers have been used
but are not so suitable, and do not answer in practice because of the difficulty in
keeping then parallel, and having so much friction at the ends.
The object of my improvements is to reduce the friction of the sliding surfaces
of the treadle levers, herein before described, and consists in making a semicircular
groove or grooves on opposite sides of the levers, to be made frictionless, to suit the
size of the balls used.

page_text: The balls are contained in a case or box, which the lever slides freely through,
or outside, as the case may be, upon a set of balls for each groove on each side.
Ninthly. To double row adjustable ball bearings.
-The object of my improvement is to effectually adjust and simplify the adjust-
ment, and to minimise the labour of construction, and increase their durability,
and consists in making a semicircular groove in one end of the case or bearing to
contain the balls, and a corresponding groove in the axle, so they each fit the ball
freely; the other end of the case is bored out larger and threaded, a screwed piece
of steel with a hole through, to allow it to pass over the axle, and which I call the
nipple; inside this nipple I make a groove to suit the balls, and another groove in
the axle to correspond, and also to suit the balls; I now drill and tap a hole
through the side of the case into the groove, large enough to allow the balls to pass
through; I place the case on the spindle where the grooves come opposite one
another, and insert the balls through the hole in the side, and insert a screw in the
hole to prevent the balls coming out; I now drill & tap a hole in the nipple.in
the corresponding place, and for the purpose I did in the case, and screw the nipple
into the case untill the grooves come opposite, when I insert the balls and screw
to prevent them from coming out. I now take a locknut and screw on the outside
of this nipple, and screw it up tightly to the case face, and so effectually secure it
from moving in any direction whatever.
Tenthly. To the rider altering his position as he requires when riding, and
consists in bolting the spring at one to one or more vibrating links, and to
effect and regulate the adjustment an excentric or rack and pinion is connected in
a suitable manner. The other end of the spring is allowed to slide freely upon the
backbone or other suitable part of the velocipede.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, and
of an Order of the Lord Chancellor, filed by the said John Cousins Garrood
in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 4th June 1881.
- JOHN COUSINS GARROOD, Engineer, Fakenham, Norfolk.
VELOCIPEDES, PARTLY APPLICABLE TO OTHER MACHINERY."
My improvements relate,-
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
Firstly. To the treadles or pedals of velocipedes with two or more wheels.
Heretofore the pedals of velocipedes known as rattrap pedals are so constructed
that the foot as often alight upon the flat bar or bars of the treadle or pedal in the
wrong position for receiving pressure from the foot, which when applied tumbles
over, causing the foot to slip off entirely, and often throwing the rider.
The object of my improvement is to remedy this defect in the pedals, and
consists in affixing an angular semicircular or other suitable shaped piece of steel
or other metal, or suitable material, upon the sides of the bar or bars, so that the

page_text: foot alighting upon these unstaple shaped pieces allows the pedal to revolve until
it comes to the proper position.
A modification of the same principle consists in making the rattrap pedal bars
of angular, semicircular, or other suitable sectioned material, thereby obviating the
annoyance and danger of alighting the foot upon the pedal in the wrong position,
thus decreasing the danger of riding.
Heretofore velocipedes' treadles or pedals have not been so constructed to secure
the foot from being thrown or jolted off them.
The object of my improvement is to remedy this defect, and consists in securing
to the sides or any other suitable part of the pedal springs, so shaped and fixed that
they shall grip the sole of the boot or shoe, yet not sufficient to hold the foot fast
in case of an overthrow; another way of obtaining the same object consists in
bending the top and bottom edge of the pedal plate over sufficient to catch over
the top of the sole of the boot or shoe. The same object can also be obtained by
affixing to the sole of the shoe a plate of steel or wood with adjustable spring sides
so as to spring outward on each side against the sides of the pedal. Yet another.
inodificatton has the same effect, which consists in affixing to the sole of the boot
or shoe, or two or more projections made of any suitable material to catch the
pedal pipe or pin, rattrap bars or rubbers, on one or both sides. These projecting
pieces are made to grip the treadle as tightly as required. These projecting pieces
are also fixed to blocks of wood, or other material of any suitable depth, and
strapped or otherwise attached to the foot to enable anyone to ride a larger
velocipede safely than their legs would otherwise allow them.
These gripping pedals etc., hereinbefore described not only prevent the feet from
being thrown off them, but they also enable the rider to assist the revolution of
the wheel by pulling the pedal and crank upwards, which is of very great assistance
at all times, more especially on bad roads, up hills, against the wind, and when
raceing.
Thirdly. To the steering arrangement of velocipedes with three or more wheels.
Heretofore velocipedes steering by a toothed rack and pinion, they have of necessity
a certain amount of looseness even when newly made, and when it has been in use
for a time it becomes very loose, and allows the steering wheel to move out of the
straight line and make quite a tortuous course, and the steering handle has to
be constantly moved, and the steering is altogether to freely moved.
The object of my Invention is to remedy these defects, and consists in combining
a friction rack and pinion to the ordinary toothed rack and pinion, with a strong
spring behind the rack or connected to the bearings of the pinion to keep the
friction surfaces together, or a friction rack and pinion alone without the toothed
rack and pinion, with a strong spring to prevent them from slipping off, and also
to make the steering stiffer to work, thus obviating the defects above mentioned.
Fourthly. To the position of the steering handle, bar, or rod, of velocipedes with
two or more wheels.
Heretofore bicycle handle bars, or steering rods, have been fixed upon the top
of the fork, so that when leaning forward sufficient for the body to be in an
horozontal position, the hands and arms are so high and in such a bent position
unsuitable for pulling upwards with force.
The object of my improvement is to remedy this defect, and consists in affixing
an handle bar and handles much lower than the top of the fork, sufficient to allow
the rider to have his arms extended downwards straight or nearly straight when
the body is in an horozontal, or nearly horozontal position, to enable him to pull
with more force, ease, and comfort.
Heretofore
Fifthly. To the hollow forks of velocipedes with two or more wheels.
velocipedes hollow forks have not extended below or past the bearings and have
not been left open at the bottom ends, as the bearings have been brazed or rivetted
into them, or inside the ends plugs are inserted and the bearings bolted to the fork
ends.
The object of my improvement is to provide a simple, secure, strong, and steady

page_text: basis for the fulcrum of a lever or other mechanism; also to form a luggage and
lamp bracket, and also to form or provide for a support for the velocipede to
stand' by itself, and to raise the front wheel off the ground sufficiently to allow the
wheel to revolve for cleaning, &c.
This is an improvement upon a previous Patent of mine, No. 3875, and dated
the Sixth day of October, One thousand eight hundred and seventy six, and
consists in extending the hollow fork leg beside and past the bearings any distance
and and direction as required to receive the stays or frame that support the fulcrum
of a lever (to be hereinafter described), also to receive a suitable frame for
carrying luggage and a lamp. "The support for the bicycle to stand by itself goes
up inside the hollow fork leg when not required, and may be in connection with
the luggage carrier, at the side of the bearings a hole made corresponding to the
sectional shape of the fork leg through which the fork leg passes, and the bearings
is brazed, screwed, rivetted, or bolted securely to it, or a suitable bracket may be
first secured in a similar manner to the fork leg and the bearing bolted to it.
Seventhly. To treadle or pedal levers and mechanism for obtaining a circular
motion at any distance from the crank of velocipedes with two or more wheels.
My improvements consists in a lever working upon a fixed centre at the end
opposite the pedal, and about midway between each end a long slot or opening is
made for the crank pin to traverse along when the crank is revolving, the pedal
thus makes nearly an up and down motion nearly in a straight line. Now to
obtain a circular motion for the pedal at any distance from the crank, I place a
cranked counter shaft at any suitable distance from the cranked main axle, and
this cranked counter shaft and cranked inain axle have the two cranks opposite
one another as usual, and I also have another crank at right angles to the other
two cranks upon each shaft; all three cranks upon each shaft are connected by
connecting rods that make the cranked shafts revolve each in the same direction,
and a treade fixed upon these cranks or connecting rods will have a circular
motion, which is so much desired.
Eighthly. To the bearings or slidings surfaces of the herein before desribed
(should have been described but were omitted by mistake) levers.
Heretofore sliding surfaces, moving in any line, bave not yet been constructed to
utilize the rolling surfaces of balls to reduce the friction.
Rollers have been used but are not so suitable, and do not answer in practice
because of the difficulty in keeping them parallel and having so much friction at
the ends.
The object of my improvement is to reduce the friction surfaces of the treadle
levers (that should have been herein before described but omitted by mistake, as
before inentioned), and and consist in making a semicircular groove or grooves on
opposite sides of the levers to be made frictionless to suit the size of the balls
used." The balls are contained in a case or box which the lever slides freely
through or outside, as required, upon a set of balls for each groove, one each side.
Tenthly. To the rider altering his position as he requires when riding, and
consists in bolting the spring to one or more vitrating links to affect and regulate
the adjustment, an excentric or rack and pinion is connected in a suitable manner.
The other end of the spring is to slide freely upon the backbone or other suitable
part of the velocipede.
I will now proceed to describe my improvements, with the assistance of the
accompanying Drawings.
Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 on the first Sheet of Drawings, and Figs. 11,
12, and 13 on the third Sheet of Drawings, illustrate the improvements described
in the first part of this Specification, and relate to velocipede treadles or pedals;
Fig. 4, 5, and 6 plain, side, and, sectional end elevation of grip pedals, and 1, 1, 1, 1, 1,
are the triangular pieces of suitable material rivetted upon the bars of rattrap
pedals to prevent the foot from allighting upon the wrong sides of the pedal.
Figs. 1, 2, and 3, are double rubbered deep grip pedals, with the triangular pieces
1, 1, 1, 1, 1, held in their places upon the bolts 2, 2, 2, 2, by the rubbers 3, 3, 3, 3,

page_text: also with detachable grip, treadle, or pedal plate or slipper 4 and 5, that secure
themselves to the pipe of the treadle by the projections 6, 6, 6, 6, and 7, 7, 7;
these projections can be adjusted to suit any sized pedal pipe. These grip pedals,
plates, or slippers, will convert any ordinary treadle into a grip treadle on one or
both sides, as desired. Figs. 9 and 10 plan and elevation of a grip treadle, slipper,
or plate, Fig. 9 showing block of. wood with strap (shown broken away) to secure
it to the foot to enable one to ride a larger machine. The wood 8 fits the slipper
lightly or not, as desired by the rider. Figs. 11, 12, and 13 illustrates by plan,
side, and end elevation of another kind of grip pedal plate or slipper; the flanges
or gripping sides 9, 9, 9, 9, are made longer to fit more round the shoe, and the
Bides 9, 9, 9, 9, and made deeper, and part of that depth tapered outward for
the shoe to be pressed into it from the top, while the other grip pedals and slippers
are made for the shoe to go in from the back to the front until sufficiently tight to
hold them. Figs. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate a rattrap pedal by plan, side, and sectional
end elevation with the rattrap teeth filed down, and adjustable spring gripping clips
fixed on each end of it. The gripping clips 10, 10, 10, 10, are secured to the sides
by the rivetts a, a, a, a, and adjusted to different sized shoes by the screws b, b, b, b;
Fig. 7, a plan of a tricycle pedal;. Fig. 8, sectional end elevation on the line, E F,
with the rubbers taken away to show the grips more plainley. The gripping clips
c and are fixed to sides of the treadle plates h, h, by the rivetts f, f, f, f; dis
secured to e by rivetts at the bottom side, like 1 is secured to i by the rivetts e, e;
d is adjusted to the shoe by the screws g, g, and 1 and j are adjusted to the shoe
also by the screws g 1, g 1; the gripping clips, thus being made doubles, have double
the adjusting limit that the others have. Figs. 14 and 15, Sheet two, illustrate
side and back elevation of the elongated hollow fork, showing foot and lamp
bracket at the bottom, extra handle bars, and also pedal lever; b, b, are the handle
bars fixed upon the fork leg A, a, and the rider leans forward, and straighten his
arins and grasps the handle d, d. These handle bars are adjustable, and can
therefore be put up or down, as desired. The fork legs A, a, pass through the
bearing forging R, S, downwards to the eye U; the foot rod or pipe goes up inside
し
the fork leg "A, a, and has a rubber band around the top end m, shown in dotted
lines. The lamp bracket n is securely fixed to the foot rod l, and is secured in.
any position desired by the screw V.
The tube p passes through R, S, and is hazged or otherwise secured thereto, the
stud g fixed at the front end of p forming the fulcrum for the pedal lever e, e, to
vibrate upon; p is supported and stiffened by the stay or tie rods o, o, o. The
pedal lever e, e, is made in halves, and held together by the bolts f, f, where it can
be adjusted to the balls in the block or case h upon the crank k. The treadle q
upon the back end of the lever e, e, makes nearly a straight up and down motion.
Figs. 16 and 17 show by side and back elevation the manner in which I make
the treadle move in a circular path at any distance from the crank it actuates, as
applied to a safety bicycle. The short crank k and the long crank are made in
one solid forging, or secured fast to one another, with their centres h and wat
right angles to one another, the axle x being the centre of the angle. The double
crank a and b is made exactly the same ask and 1, and revolves upon the stug g.
The short cranks a and are connected by the connecting rod m; the long cranks
b and are connected by the pedal lever e, e. It will obvious that the treadle q
will have a circular motion, the same as the cranks let it be put any distance from
them. It will also be obvious how to apply the principle to tricycles and other
velocipedes.
Figs. 18, 19, and 20, sectional plan, side, and front elevations (on the lines A B,
C D, and E F, Figs. 14 and 15) the ball bearings for the sliding block or case h,
Figs. 14 and 15, that works backward and forwards in the slot of the lever e, e,
Figs. 14 and 15. The case containing the balls is made up of four pieces l, m, n, o,
with half circular and quarter circular grooves e, f, g, cut in each of them to
correspond one with the other; the rows of balls a, b, and care in grooves made
parallel one another top and bottom; the length of three balls, and then the

page_text: holes or grooves, are semicircular for the balls to run around freely, as clearly
shown by the sectional side elevation, Fig. 19. The row of balls b fit and work
in the semicircular groove p in the top part of the lever e, and the rows of balls a
and c in the bottom part of the pedal lever e.
Figs. 21, 22, and 23 are sectional plan, side, and front elevation of a single row
ball bearings for the.sliding surfaces of any kind of machine.
The bearings case or block that contains the balls is made up of the five pieces
f, e, l, d, g, and secured to by the screws c, c, c, c; the top plate and the bottom
plate m are so adjusted that the balls will roll along and around the groove freely,
and as the pressure can only be upon one of the plates at a time the balls will roll
along and around without any obstruction whatever; the pin or bolt Kalso works
upon a row of balls at each end of it.
The advantages of ball bearings over all other bearings is that there is no
rubbing or abrazing friction of surfaces, but a rolling friction with the pressure
upon the bearing in any direction, and do not necessarily require any lubrication.
These bearings can be applied to the tail end of the springs of bicycles, to the
cross head or guide blocks of engines, hand planing machines, tables, and other
machines.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and what manner the
same is to be performed, I would have it understood that I do not limit myself to
the precise details or configuration of the parts I have shown and described, as
the same may be varied or modified without departing from the nature of the
said Invention, but what I do claim and desire to be secured to me by Letters
Patent is,
:
.
First. The construction and arrangement employed to prevent the foot from
slipping or being thrown off the pedals or treadles of velocipedes, all substantially
in the manner hereinbefore described and illustrated with references to Figures 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, of the accompanying Drawings, together with
any mere modification thereof.
Second. The construction and arrangement of the forks of velocipedes, all
substantially as described and illustrated with reference to Figures 14 and 15 of
the accompanying Drawings.
Third. The construction and arrangement of ball bearings for sliding surfaces,
all substantially in the manner herein before described and illustrated with
reference to the Figures 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 of the accompanying Drawings,
together with any mere modification thereof.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Cousins Garrood, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty eigth day of May, in the year of our Lord One.
thousand eight hundred and eighty one..
JOHN COUSINS GARROOD. (i.s.), 4