GB451805A - Improvements in and relating to velocipedes propelled by pedal means and operating mechanism therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

451,805. Treadle - propelled cycles. BHARADE, B. S., Velibhai Sulamans' House, 17, Hansapuri Circle, Nagpur, and NATHAN, S. V., c/o Nathan & Co., Bhopal, both in India. June 18, 1935, No. 17488. [Classes 136 (ii) and 136 (iii)] In a bicycle or like velocipede of the type propelled by a pair of long alternately-oscillating treadles connected to the driving wheel through two trains of gear wheels, each including a free-wheel device, the propelling- mechanism is mounted on a frame, or a pa ir of frame members, adapted to be attached to an existing frame of a bicycle &c., or to be substituted in such frame for one or more of the fork or supporting members of the driving wheel, and such frame or frame members include bearings for the axle of the driving wheel, which axle is integral with the wheel. The cycle frame comprises two identical main frames of the approximately triangular form shown and joined together side-byside by cross-members, the frame having a depending vertical member 6, which is connected near its lower end to the rear fork end by a pair of horizontal stay members (not shown), for supporting the driving-mechanism. A pair of treadle levers 11 are pivoted at 10 and provided with toothed quadrants 14, which drive the rear wheel through two trains of pinions and free-wheel devices. The levers 11 are connected together by a chain 25 passing over two sprocket wheels 26 mounted in a forked bracket 28. Alternatively, the levers 11 may be interconnected by a transverse rocking lever having slotted connections with the levers ; alternatively or additionally the upward movements of the levers may be effected by tension springs. The driving- mechanism is mounted on a separate frame adapted to be secured to an existing cycle frame or to replace the usual lower rear forks, which may be cut off for the purpose. In modifications, the drive is transmitted through chain gearing having a gearing-up effect. The rear wheel axle, which is integral with the wheel, is rotatably mounted in roller bearings, or between annular members which are rotatably mounted on ball or roller bearings, the axle mountings being accommodated in rectangular boxes adapted to be secured in brackets on the cycle frame or on the parts added thereto. The front wheel axle is similarly mounted in rectangular bearing boxes 42.